The beautiful European town that will pay you £25k to move there

Those wanting to maximise a fresh start this new year may be thinking of leaving Britain’s gloomy shores for a sunnier setting. What if your new locale could pay you for packing it up and starting anew? These Italian towns could line your pockets ahead of your move in a “win win” deal.

In efforts to encourage a baby-boom, certain countries are rolling out the red carpet to entice new citizens to move into specific areas. “It’s a win-win: you get a fresh start and a helping hand, while the local economies enjoy a much-needed boost,” said Wayne Mills, head of Operations at Seven Seas Worldwide.

Searingly hot in the summer, and surrounded by glittering coastlines, the beautiful neighbouring towns of Presicce and Acquarica, nestled amongst the whitewashed hill towns of Italy’s “boot” offer the most lucrative deal to new residents. Puglia is a far sight away from Britain’s rain and cold with temperatures rarely dropping below 11°C in winter and highs staying consistently above 30°C in the summer months.

Just for simply moving there as a family and purchasing a property, the region will pay you €30,000 (£24,878) . As a bonus, when you do decide to fully set down your roots and start a family, you will be offered an additional €1,000 (£829.55) per newborn. To qualify, you must buy a house and register it as your primary residence.

If you fancy channelling your entrepreneurial spirit the Calabria region of Italy will square off any new business endeavours with €28,000 (£23,222). “Calabria is on the southwestern tip of Italy, in one of the sunniest and quietest, most picturesque regions of Italy,” said Mills. “This is the perfect chance to live the dreamy, small Italian village life.” The cash is also up for grabs for anyone willing to fill essential jobs in the region; however, the deal is only available for those under 40 and you must arrive in Italy within 90 days after your acceptance into the program.

If island life is more up your street, the tourist hotspot of Sardinia is looking to channel newcomers and doer-uppers to its rural towns. Newcomers who buy or renovate a home in an island town with fewer than 3,000 residents will be rewarded with €15,000 (£12,440). You’ll also need to become a full-time Sardinian resident within 18 months of purchasing your property.

“This program aims to attract young people to Sardinia’s charming towns, rejuvenate local life, and keep the Italian countryside thriving,” said Wayne. “Sardinia is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy, and being paid to live there is such an amazing deal, you’d be mad not to snap it up!”

However, if Italy isn’t calling your name and you’d prefer staying closer to home, Ireland is offering up to €84,000 (£69,673)in cash grants for those ready to buy and breathe new life into vacant homes on its scenic coastal islands. “There are 30 coastal islands whose total population is only around 3,000 people,” said Wayne. “Ireland is looking to revitalise and future-proof these beautiful islands by attracting a newer, younger population.”

The only condition is that you must be willing to buy and renovate one of these island gems, and live in it for at least 10 years.

“This program is for everyone, but it’s especially targeting remote workers and digital nomads,” said Mills. “The Irish government is pledging to improve transport links, internet coverage, and health services as part of an overall plan to invest in the islands’ future. They’d love to attract remote workers to diversify the islands’ economies, so if you’re looking for a peaceful yet productive lifestyle, consider having Ireland’s breathtaking coastal views as your office backdrop!”

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