Do you dream of a vacation home in Italy? Then the plans of the new Italian government will be music to your ears. The promise is that you will not have to pay taxes on your income for 10 years if you spend at least 6 months a year in your second home in “la bella Italia. The goal is to revitalize places with dwindling populations.

Start in Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria

This measure is ideal for all people who want to enjoy ‘la dolce vita in Italia’: the wonderful climate, tasty and cheap food, beautiful nature, lots of culture and beautiful cities. Moreover, real estate prices in the countryside are very low. If the plans go ahead, the measure will initially take effect in Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria. Eligible municipalities must not exceed 4,000 inhabitants. An additional condition is that the population numbers must have declined by 20% or more in recent years. The goal is to “boost” and revitalize these places.

Requirements for participating municipalities

Participating municipalities must also meet a number of requirements regarding municipal services so that residents are well provided for. For example, they must demonstrate that the municipal government functions well, that there is smooth garbage collection, that there is adequate street lighting, that parks and public places are well maintained, etc. However, the most important requirement is good health care. It is not yet known whether this measure only targets people who buy second homes in Italy, or whether renters are also eligible.