The grants usually include a number of conditions, including committing to living there for a number of years. But when you’re sitting back in your own garden on a Greek island, that might not seem like too bad
If you’re thinking of leaving life in the UK behind for somewhere new, but don’t have the money to do it, you might in luck. A number of countries offer financial incentives to move there.
The grants are offered as part of efforts to revitalise communities, or to bring empty or derelict properties back into use. But they also often bring with them a number of conditions, including committing to living there for a number of years. But when you’re sitting back in your own garden on a Greek island, that might not seem like too much of a commitment to make.
One social media account, Emotionally Perfect, outlined some of the deals on Instagram. Five involve direct payments just to move there, while two others offer different types of financial incentives.
Greece
The remote island of Antikythera has an offer that almost sounds too good to be true – a free house and £433 a month just to move there. The scheme, through which families are paid €500 per month for three years, is intended to revitalise the community on the island.
The scheme is particularly aimed at families with children, and people in professions such as craftsmen, farmers, bakers, fishermen, and construction workers are given priority.
Switzerland
The village of Albinen is offering £18,800 to families moving there, plus an an extra £9,400 per child. The deal offers 20,000 Swiss Francs to relocate to the location. Families with children will also receive an additional 10,000 Swiss Francs per child.
But it’s a long-term commitment – you must be under 45 to qualify and agree to live there for 10 years. Your new home must also be worth more than 200,000 Swiss Francs, equivalent to around £188,000.
The offer also requires you to become a Swiss citizen, or to hold a permanent settlement document known as a C-permit.
Ireland
In a bid to bring abandoned and derelict buildings back into use, the Irish Government offers grants of up to £72,800 to buy and renovate homes. Amounts for properties on the mainland are the equivalent of £43,000 (€50,000) for an empty building, or £60,000 (€70,000) if it is derelict.
For those on off-shore islands, this increases to £72,800 (€84,000) for a derelict building, or £52,000 €60,000 if it is empty. Grants to pay for elements of the refurbishment work are also available.
The property must have been vacant for at least two years, and been built before 2008. You must also live in it yourself, or rent it out. The money must be paid back if the home is sold within 10 years, or if it is rented out when you had agreed to live there.
Spain
A number of rural locations in Spain offer grants or monthly payments to move there. For example, grants equivalent to just under £13,000 (€15,000) are available to those living in the Ambroz region for at least two years.
The village of Rubia will pay between people moving there between £86 and £130 (€100-€150) per month. Various other incentives are available.
Chile
In a bid to attract investment, the Chilean government offers equity-free grants worth up to £74,000 to tech-based start-ups which base themselves in the South American nation. It is open to people from any country, and also includes a two-year work visa.
Participants are also given access to mentors and networking opportunities, as well as office space.
Two other nations also offer different financial incentives for moving to specific areas, including one where you can buy a house for less than £1.
Italy
In a bid to revive dying towns and villages as young people flock to larger cities for work, Italy offers the opportunity to buy abandoned or derelict homes in some areas of the country for just €1 – or 88p. However, the deal comes with a range of conditions.
The properties on offer must be in need of serious repair and refurbishment, meaning buyers will ultimately end up shelling out far more in the long run. However, the final amount may still be far less than it would have been to buy a new home ready to move into.
Buyers are also required to complete the renovation within three years. Different areas also have specific rules, such as using it as your primary residence rather than as a holiday home or a B&B.
Japan
Japan also has its own scheme through which families are offered the equivalent of £4,600 per child to move to a rural area. The scheme offers families one million yen per child to move to one of the declining towns and villages outside Tokyo.
To be eligible at least one member of the family must work at a company in the new area or be planning to start a new business in their own home. Those keeping their old jobs but working remotely are also eligible, but they must stay in the area for at least five years. If the family leaves within that time, they must return the money.
The scheme is also only open to people who already live in Tokyo – anyone moving directly to one of the towns and villages involved in the scheme is not eligible.
