Sardinian Village Lures Americans with $1 Homes Amid Post-Election Discontent

[Social Media]

 

As political tensions simmer in the United States following its presidential elections, the quaint village of Ollolai in Sardinia, Italy, has turned the global moment into an opportunity. With a population dwindling from 2,250 a century ago to just over 1,150 today, the village has launched a campaign targeting disenchanted Americans, offering them the chance to buy homes for as little as one euro.  

 

 

In a bid to reverse decades of depopulation, Ollolai’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, unveiled a dedicated website aimed squarely at would-be American expats. “Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?” the site asks, promising an escape in the idyllic paradise of Sardinia.  

 

Mayor Columbu told CNN the initiative is explicitly designed for Americans, saying they are the “winning card” to revive the village. “We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” he said, adding that while applicants from other countries can apply, U.S. citizens will enjoy a fast-track process. “Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one U.S. president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country.”  

 

 

The housing options in Ollolai come in three tiers: free temporary homes for digital nomads, one-euro homes requiring renovation, and ready-to-occupy properties priced up to 100,000 euros ($105,000). Columbu emphasized the village’s commitment to guiding potential buyers through the process, offering tailored tours, assistance with contractors, and help navigating the paperwork.

 

The mayor revealed that interest has been overwhelming, with 38,000 inquiries pouring in, predominantly from the United States. This surge follows a previous effort to attract residents, including schemes like the symbolic one-euro home sale in 2018 and a “work from Ollolai” program for digital nomads launched last year. Despite the buzz, progress has been slow, with only 10 homes sold and renovated since the initial program began.  

 

Columbu remains undeterred, describing the new initiative as a consolidation of Ollolai’s previous attempts to attract newcomers. The village is now preparing to showcase photos and plans of its 100 unoccupied homes online to entice potential buyers further.  

 

In addition to its housing schemes, Ollolai has also offered remote workers fully equipped homes at a symbolic rent of one euro, with the requirement to contribute creatively to the community, such as by producing artwork or literature. While the village covers costs like utilities and rent, the broader revitalization effort remains a work in progress.  

 

With its picturesque setting, affordability, and a mayor who has a clear vision, Ollolai hopes to become a haven for those seeking a fresh start. For Americans grappling with political fatigue, the village offers not just homes but the promise of a new beginning in the heart of Sardinia.

 

Based on a report by CNN 2024-11-21

 

 

 

[Purdey]

They don't mention giving Italian nationality or Italian lessons.

[RichardColeman]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

the village has launched a campaign targeting disenchanted Americans, offering them the chance to buy homes for as little as one euro.  

1 Euro ? Seems expensive to me. Arrivals in a dingy in the UK can get a house and benefits for free

[nobodysfriend]

Sardinia is beautiful .

A nice place to live .

[mokwit]

EUR 6,000 realtor fees and taxes, Italian bureaucracy and red tape.

Edited 17 hours ago by mokwit

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

For Americans grappling with political fatigue, the village offers not just homes but the promise of a new beginning in the heart of Sardinia.

 

I wonder if they will regret this decision when a load of salty American Libs turn up and start calling everyone a fascist and a Nazi/KKK sympathizer. 

 

 

[jippytum]

There are many stories of people buying derelict homes for a pittance in Spain, France and beyond. 

Unfortunatlya lot of the stories outline some of  the difficulties including local red tape and hostile reception from the local residents. 

[john donson]

invitation to fill them with muslim illegals?

[newbee2022]

11 minutes ago, john donson said:

invitation to fill them with muslim illegals?

That's a silly post. These houses have to be renovated which costs a lot of money. Also the mayor will decide who will fit.

[scorecard]

3 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

I wonder if they will regret this decision when a load of salty American Libs turn up and start calling everyone a fascist and a Nazi/KKK sympathizer. 

 

 

Yawn.

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Yawn.

 

If all the Libs who promised to leave the US when Trump won actually honour their word and choose Sardinia as their destination, let's hope the Sardinians have stocked up with tampon dispensers for the men's public toilets ala Tim Walz's gender policy. 

 

Unfortunately it seems Ellen Degeneres has opted for the UK. Our immigrant crisis just got worse. 

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

Sardinia is beautiful .

A nice place to live .

Yes, it's a beautiful place to live, if..........

you got enough money.