Ollolai (Nuoro): the Barbagia village fighting depopulation with €1

Description

Ollolai is a small municipality in the Barbagia area (Nuoro province) with just over 1,000 residents and a stone historic center. To counter decades of population loss, the local administration developed an integrated approach to recover abandoned buildings and attract new inhabitants, turning the anti-depopulation strategy into a replicable model.

Main programs

The village strategy relies on three complementary measures:

• €1 houses: historic properties sold for the symbolic price of €1 to those who commit to renovating them within three years and establishing residency.
• Work from Ollolai: €1-per-month rentals for remote professionals, in exchange for community contributions such as lessons, workshops and public events.
• Live in Ollolai: measures aimed at permanent residents, including subsidised rents for the first years, demographic bonuses and family supports (schoolbooks, transport allowances, etc.).

How to apply

Applications and operational details are managed through the official program portals. Typical steps include:

• Check available properties in the historic center.
• Submit an application through the dedicated portal for the chosen program.
• Commit to renovation within the established deadlines and, where required, relocate your residence.

Benefits and requirements

Benefits: access to low-cost properties, economic and social incentives, integration into an active community and support for local redevelopment.

Common requirements: willingness to participate in community life, adherence to renovation obligations and residency transfer when stipulated in the call.

Why it works

Ollolai's model combines building reuse with demographic policies: €1 homes attract those willing to invest in the housing stock; Work from Ollolai brings temporary skills and activities; Live in Ollolai aims for long-term settlement. Together, these measures create economic and social benefits for the village.

Practical info

• Target: remote professionals, families seeking permanent residence, investors in historic property renovation.
• Scope: historic center of Ollolai, Barbagia (Nuoro), Sardinia.
• Documentation: consult the official program portals for calls, forms and updates.

Other Italian small towns are monitoring this approach as a concrete solution to reactivate villages and enhance historic centres.