In an attempt to increase the population, the town of Presicce in Puglia region, is offering a donation of up to 30 thousand euros (around R$160 thousand) to anyone who buys a house and takes up residence in the territory located in the south of Italy.
The initiative, called “Welcome to Presicce-Acquarica”, will make a financial contribution to cover 50% of the costs of purchasing a property, including renovations, in the city in the province of Lecce.
The houses for sale, as well as other properties in Italy, have been abandoned by their original owners and can be purchased for around 25 thousand euros. At least 30% of the city's residential properties are eligible for negotiation.
According to local authorities, the added bonus is the incredible location, surrounded by the nature of Italy's heel-of-the-boot area and close to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Presicce-Acquarica – two towns of Presicce and Acquaria del Capo merged into one municipality – is situated in an area known as Salento. Its main square features a white church, adorned with spiral sculptural decoration, while the streets are paved in white marble.
Considered one of the “most beautiful villages” in Italy due to its baroque architecture and large palaces, the city is also fighting to combat the aging of the population – last year, 60 births were recorded compared to 150 deaths –, with the donation of a thousand euros for each newborn.
So far, Presicce and Acquarica together have around 9 thousand inhabitants, but only half of the population lives in the older part of the community.
Details of the agreement are still being finalized, but the city hall will release the information in the coming weeks on its official website. (Handle)
