As political waves ripple across the Atlantic with the re-election of Donald Trump as US president, a quiet Sardinian village is seizing the moment to lure disillusioned Americans with €1 homes and a promise of la dolce vita.
Nestled in the mountains of Italy’s second-largest island, Ollolai has struggled with depopulation, shrinking from 2,250 residents a century ago to just 1,150 today.
Seeking to reverse this trend, the rural community is launching new initiatives aimed squarely at attracting disenchanted Americans.
Following the November 5 election, Ollolai debuted a website promoting itself as a haven for US expats.
The opening statement on the website reads:
Are you worn out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?
It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.
The village offers various housing options, including €1 homes, temporary accommodations for digital nomads, and move-in-ready properties.
Mayor Francesco Columbu, the mastermind behind the initiative, has made no secret of his desire to prioritize Americans.
“We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” he told CNN.
He emphasized that US applicants will receive fast-tracked assistance compared to other nationalities.
We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.
Ollolai’s housing tiers cater to diverse needs
The village offers three distinct housing options to meet the varied needs of potential newcomers:
Temporary free homes: Certain digital nomads can stay rent-free, provided they contribute to the community with creative projects like writing books or producing artworks.
Renovation-ready €1 homes: Buyers must commit to restoring these historical properties within a specified time frame.
Turnkey houses: Fully renovated and move-in-ready homes are available for prices up to €100,000 ($105,000).
To streamline the relocation process, Ollolai’s town hall has assembled a dedicated team to guide buyers through every step, from private property tours to handling paperwork and contractor coordination, CNN reported.
Photographs and detailed listings of available properties will soon be available online.
The village’s homes, many built from local granite, are located in the charming historical center.
They vary in size and condition, offering opportunities for restoration enthusiasts and those seeking immediate comfort alike.
Revival efforts: A slow but steady journey
Ollolai’s attempts to attract newcomers are not new.
In 2018, the village first gained attention with its €1 home scheme, designed to breathe life into its dwindling community.
It later expanded to renting empty workspaces for a symbolic €1 and launched a “Work from Ollolai” program for digital nomads.
So far, progress has been modest. Since the €1 home initiative began, only 10 properties have been sold and renovated.
However, Mayor Columbu remains optimistic. “The village remains half empty,” he said. “We still have about 100 unoccupied cheap homes potentially on sale.”
While interest has grown, the latest effort to focus on Americans marks a strategic shift.
According to Columbu, Ollolai’s town hall received 38,000 inquiries recently, most from the United States.
The mayor believes this demand, coupled with tailored incentives, could finally bring the transformation the village has been seeking.
Preferential treatment for US expats raises questions
One of Ollolai’s most controversial aspects is its explicit focus on attracting Americans.
While the website does not explicitly require a US passport, Columbu acknowledges that American applicants will receive preferential treatment.
“We can’t mention any specific US president by name,” he said, “but we all know many Americans are looking to leave their country now.”
The program’s appeal extends to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
Unlike some rural Italian communities, Ollolai has no demographic restrictions for applicants, emphasizing inclusivity.
However, this preference has sparked debate. Critics question whether favouring one nationality aligns with the spirit of revitalizing a global community.
Still, Columbu remains firm, viewing Americans as a key demographic to reinvigorate the village.
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