Moving abroad has often been an appealing thought to many of us, yet the cost of such a move can put a hold on plans. However, there may be a way around this, as an Italian destination is offering to pay half of your rent in a bid to attract residents to the area.
Nestled in Tuscany, Italy, is the charming and picturesque village of Radicondoli, boasting cobbled paths, red-stone buildings, local shops, and restaurants, as well as stunning panoramic vistas. Surrounding the Italian town are rolling hills and striking green landscapes that feel as enchanting as Radicondoli itself.
It’s a quieter area of Italy, free from the bustle of overcrowded tourist spots, offering an authentic experience and way of life, far removed from the grey skies of England. While Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is only a short car journey away from the hilltop town, it’s small, with fewer than 1,000 residents.
To help boost the population of this beautiful town, the local authority is offering incentives to entice people to move there. As part of this, the authority will cover half of the rent for new residents during the first two years. Yet, there’s a catch. To be eligible for half-price rent, you have to move in by 2026 and commit to living there for at least four years. However, there’s still good news.
After four years, if you feel ready to commit, the authority will provide a grant of between 15-25 per cent of the cost of a house for first-time buyers of up to €20,000 (around £17,000). This doesn’t need to be paid back, unless you decide to move within a 10-year period, as the requirement for buyers is that you stay in Radicondoli for a decade.
If you’re tempted by the relocation, there are a variety of rentable homes in Radicondoli, from apartments with scenic views across the valleys to Italian farmhouses. Plus, the village has everything you need for a comfortable and quieter way of life, with a bakery, piazza, beer hall, electrician, shops, and B&Bs for when friends visit.
On the local authority website, it states: « The goal is to offer opportunities to improve people’s quality of life, stimulate economic development and residential development, and also invite new friends to join the community, with a particular focus on young people. »
Elsewhere on the website, it references the initiative, adding: « Come and live in Radicondoli. You live slowly, you live well, and it pays off! » For more information, you can visit the website; just be sure to translate it into English, unless you’ve already started your Italian lessons.
Holidaymakers who have visited Radicondoli have praised the area, but noted its rural location. One wrote on TripAdvisor: « Radicondoli is a lovely little place, but it’s a bit isolated, and the approach roads are very slow and windy. Obvious nearby choices include Siena (which is a must), Volterra, San Gimignano & Colle Val d’Elsa. I like Massa Marittima – the central piazza is magnificent – you could also get over to the coast. »
Another shared underneath a post about Radicondoli on Facebook: « I just had to chime in… we got married at Villa Lebolli in Radicondoli in 2017. We spent a week there and travelled all over the region. We developed many friendships while there and have returned twice. We most recently spent 5 days there in September (rented an Airbnb in the town this time). »
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