Ollolai (NU): the Barbagia village fighting depopulation with a

Ollolai (NU): how the Barbagia village tackles depopulation

Ollolai, a small municipality in Barbagia (province of Nuoro) with just over 1,000 inhabitants, has introduced a multifaceted plan to regenerate its historic center and reverse population decline. The approach combines building recovery, residency incentives and measures to attract remote workers.

Main programs

• Houses for 1€: historic properties offered for a symbolic price of 1€ to those who commit to renovating them within three years and to moving their residency there when required by the notice.
• Work from Ollolai: monthly rents of 1€ aimed at remote professionals, in exchange for contributions to the local community (teaching, workshops, public activities).
• Live in Ollolai: a program for permanent residents offering reduced rents during the initial years, demographic bonuses and family support (e.g. school books, school transport).

How to participate: practical steps

• Check available property offers and official calls on the dedicated institutional portals.
• Submit the application through the portal of the program of interest, attaching required documentation.
• Commit to renovating the property within the specified deadlines and, if requested, transfer residency to the village.

Benefits and requirements

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

Requirements: willingness to participate in community life, compliance with renovation constraints and residency transfer when provided by the notice.

Why the model works

Ollolai’s strategy merges complementary actions: Houses for 1€ attract investors in historic housing, Work from Ollolai brings skills and temporary activities, and Live in Ollolai supports long-term settlement. Together, these initiatives produce positive economic and social outcomes for the village.

Practical info

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

Ollolai’s model is being watched by other Italian municipalities looking for concrete solutions to reactivate small towns and enhance historic centers.