An Italian Incentive

You might move to the Italian area of Calabria and get paid for the pleasure if you're looking for a taste of the good life. The magnificent but isolated southern region of Italy has been gradually losing population due to aging citizens and young people relocating to larger cities in search of employment. The Italian government has been making efforts to draw people to this area since 2021. Those who take advantage of the initiative, which has been nicknamed "active residency income," might earn over €28,000, or a cool £24,400 ($30k).

La Dolce Vita

Bova, Aieta, Samo, Civita, Sant'Agata del Bianco, Cuccuri, Santa Severina, Albidona, and San Donato di Ninea (shown) are the nine participating villages from which to choose. All of these towns have less than 2,000 inhabitants. There is a catch, though, as with everything that seems too wonderful to be true.  To begin with, in order to be eligible, you must be under 40 years old. Furthermore, you will only have ninety days to relocate when your application is accepted. However, there's more.

Discouraging Restrictions

Those who relocate under the program will also have to make the commitment to create a business there or find employment in an industry that needs additional people. This covers hospitality and retail, so anybody moving might open their own independent shop or bed and breakfast. Regretfully, this implies that remote workers are not eligible for the program.

For Sale: Two-bedroom Family Home, Sant’agata Del Bianco, Italy: £77,500 ($95k)

To provide you with an idea of the kind of house you may find in the area, this large family home in Sant'Agata del Bianco has two bedrooms and is for sale for just £77,500 ($95k), or €89,000 in local currency. You will thus be able to take out a small mortgage or perhaps buy the house entirely with that free government money. With a wrap-around balcony and 2,045 square feet, this specific property has a living, kitchen, dining area, and bathroom.

Remote Irish Islands, Ireland

To provide you with an idea of the kind of house you may find in the area, this large family home in Sant'Agata del Bianco has two bedrooms and is for sale for just £77,500 ($95k), or €89,000 in local currency. You will thus be able to take out a small mortgage or perhaps buy the house entirely with that free government money. With a wrap-around balcony and 2,045 square feet, this specific property has a living, kitchen, dining area, and bathroom.

Launched in June 2023, the 'Our Living Islands' initiative aims to increase the declining population on these isolated and difficult-to-reach isles, such as the breathtaking Arranmore (pictured), located off the coast of County Donegal.  The lowest award for eligible escapees will be €60,000, or £52,240 ($64k), to revitalize an empty property; the maximum grant will be €84,000, or £73k/$90k), to revitalize a decrepit home. There is, of course, a small catch.

Derelict Lighthouse, Inishmore Island, Ireland: £479,000 ($587k)

The money is only going to be used for construction projects, including adding insulation, redecorating, and making structural upgrades. Only buildings built before 1993 and abandoned for a minimum of two years are eligible for the subsidies. This amazing abandoned lighthouse, in our opinion, is a perfect match. The 200-year-old local landmark, which is up for sale for €550,000, or £479,000 ($587k), is situated on Inishmore Island, also known as Inis Mór, the location of the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin, and has breathtaking views of the sea.

The distinctive home is situated adjacent to the historic Dún Eochla monument, an old Celtic stone ring fort believed to have been built between 550 and 800 AD, on more than two acres of emerald green island. In an effort to draw (very) remote workers to the island lifestyle, the Irish government has also committed funding for the development of the islands' infrastructure, which includes high-speed internet, healthcare, and education. The plan also applies to homes on the islands of Achill, Tory, and Clare. Applications are currently being accepted, so if you're determined to move, you may start the process right immediately.

Read Also: Fascinating Historic Photos of Famous Airports

Quilpie, Queensland, Australia

To begin with, you have to be a first-time homeowner, pledge to construct a residence valued at less than AUD$750,000, or £393,250 ($482k), and make a commitment to residing in Quilpie for a minimum of six months. The grant is applicable to all township areas in Quilpie Shire, including Adavale, Eromanga, Cheepie, Quilpie, and Toompine. It will be awarded per new house, not to each application for the same home. Relocated residences with significant renovations may also be eligible for the award. The Guardian reports that more than 250 people have inquired about the program from as far away as India and Hong Kong, indicating that it has garnered interest on a national and international level.