Looking to move to Italy in 2026 and need a little push? Small Italian towns are ready to help.
With subsidized rent, houses for one euro and cash bonuses, villages like Radicondoli and Mantova want to attract new residents and curb depopulation.
For those who dream of living in the country of sweet life, 2026 could be the right year to pack your bags.
Radicondoli pays half the rent
In the province of Siena, the medieval village of Radicondoli will pay 50% of the rent for the first two years for new tenants arriving by early 2026. The contract must be for a minimum of four years.
The municipality already offered incentives for the purchase of vacant properties, with up to €20 in financial aid, plus up to €6 for energy bills and other services. This new measure is aimed at those who prefer to rent, with a particular focus on young families.
Local infrastructure is another attraction. The city boasts high-speed internet, clean energy policies, and educational support for students.
Mantova offers monthly bonuses
In Lombardy, Mantua is also betting on subsidized rent. The municipal government will offer €150 per month for one year to those who sign a rental contract starting at €350 per month. The benefit applies to contracts signed after May 2024.
The city is 45 minutes from Verona and is surrounded by lakes. Its historic center is recognized by UNESCO and was Italian Capital of Culture in 2016.
The bonus is available to new residents with Italian residency or European Union citizenship. Young people up to 36 years old who are leaving their parents' home for the first time can also apply, even if they already live in Mantua.
Houses for one euro and subsidies in the north
For those looking to buy and renovate, opportunities abound. In the province of Trento (with the best quality of life in Italy), more than 30 municipalities will open registrations from November 2025 for subsidies that cover part of the purchase and renovation of properties.
The property must be a primary residence or an affordable rental for at least ten years. The purchase must be made within six months of receiving the funds. Applications are open until December 31, 2025.
Villa Basilica and Petrella Tifernina enter the map
In April 2025, Villa Basilica in Tuscany launched its one-euro house program. The town is close to the historic city of Lucca and hiking trails on the Pizzorne plateau.
In the south, Petrella Tifernina in Molise has also adopted the initiative. The village, overlooking the countryside, is trying to reverse its population decline by occupying abandoned properties.
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