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While many communities around the world have been worried about how to react to the presidential election of Mr. Donald Trump, a village on the Italian island of Sardinia has sniffed at a potential opportunity.
Like many other places in rural Italy, Ollolai has been trying to lure outsiders in to revive its economy after decades of decline. It is now selling dilapidated houses for as little as one euro – just over one dollar – to sweeten the deal.
Now, following the results of the November 5 vote, it has launched a website aimed at would-be American expats, offering some cheap housing in the hope that those upset by the result will rush to snap up one of its empty properties.
“Bored (sic) by politics? Looking to embrace a stable life while finding new opportunities?” the website asks. “It’s time to start building your European escape in the wonderful paradise of Sardinia.”
Mayor Francesco Columbus tells CNN that the website was specifically designed to attract American voters after the presidential election. He says he loves the United States and is convinced that Americans are the best people to help revive his community.
“We just want, and will look after, the Americans above all else,” he says. “We can’t stop people from other countries from applying, but Americans will have a quick reaction. We are betting on them to help us revive the country, they are our winning card.”
‘Preferential treatment’
Properties on offer include semi-detached homes with offer prices for ready-to-move-in properties starting at $105,000. – Roberto Tangianu/Sardegna Live
Columbus says the village now offers three levels of housing: Free temporary housing for some digital nomads, one-euro housing that needs renovation, and ready-to-move-in housing for prices of up to $105,000.
The mayor says he has formed a special team to guide interested buyers through all stages of the purchase, from arranging private tours of existing homes to finding contractors, builders and filing the necessary paperwork.
He says photos and plans of the vacant properties will soon be uploaded to the website.
In the last century, the number of Ollolai has decreased from 2,250 to 1,300 and only a few children are born every year. Many families left home during difficult economic times, in search of work and a better life.
In the last few years, the population has further decreased to 1,150 inhabitants.
While a village may be eager to attract newcomers in an effort to stop depopulation, the granting of “special selection” to Native Americans, as described by Columbus, may seem counterintuitive.
The website does not mention having a US passport as a requirement, but the mayor says US citizens will be given preference over those who can apply from other countries.
“Yes, we can’t say the name of the newly elected president of the United States, but we all know that he is the one who wants most Americans to leave the country right now,” Columbo adds.
“We created this website to meet the United States after the election. The first digital nomad program launched last year was already for Americans only. “
The mayor says the city’s website has been flooded recently with 38,000 requests for housing information, mostly from the United States.
“So we were really looking forward to creating a platform that would engage US citizens, and bring together our different programs,” says Columbus.
Paradise is far away
The city is also trying to attract digital nomads. – Roberto Tangianu/Sardegna Live
Ollolai has previously tried to attract new residents with attractive housing schemes.
In 2018, as first reported by CNN, the town hall started selling dilapidated houses for one euro. Then it went on to rent empty workplaces for one symbolic euro.
Finally, starting last year, it launched the “work from Ollolai” program for digital nomads. So far four Americans have been accommodated in fully furnished apartments for a symbolic one euro. In return, they had to create something for the community, like pictures or a book.
The townhouse pays to rent apartments from local families to remote workers, paying up to $350 a month for multi-story, two-bedroom apartments. Utilities, bills and council tax are also covered.
But the revitalization plan was not going as expected by the local authorities. Since 2018, only 10 houses have been sold for one euro and renovated, says Columbus.
“This village remains vacant, we still have about 100 cheap vacant houses for sale, ready to move in. We have drawn and labeled them all, and soon the pictures will be online for buyers to look at.”
Many buildings are located in the historic area and come in different sizes.
The beautiful old farmhouses and shepherds’ houses are made of garnet stones. Some turnkey buildings are even refined and equipped with modern comforts.
There are zero demographic requirements for US applicants; these can be people of all ages, pensioners, remote workers or entrepreneurs who want to open a small business in the village.
Ollolai is off the beaten track, perfect for those who want to let loose and live a simple life.
Located in a forested mountain area, it rises in a beautiful place where ancient agricultural traditions live. It boasts clean, unpolluted air, fewer crowds and great views.
In the fall during the event known as cortes apertas (open courtyards) see restaurants and old turf taverns open to the public, serving wine, ham, cheese and other delicacies. The area is famous for the locally produced Casu Fiore Sardo cheese.
Another highlight of Ollolai’s calendar is the carnival covered with goat-like costumes and traditional rituals held in February every year.
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