Italian Village Lures Americans Seeking Escape From Trump Era With $1 Homes
A small village on the island of Sardinia, Ollolai, is offering a unique opportunity to Americans feeling unsettled by the recent U.S. presidential election. The village, struggling with decades of depopulation, has launched an initiative to attract American expatriates by selling dilapidated homes for as little as one euro (about $1.05).
Mayor Francesco Columbu, who has been leading efforts to revive the village, spoke about the initiative, emphasizing that while they couldn’t directly name the new U.S. president, it’s clear many Americans want to leave the country in the wake of his election. The village’s new website is designed to entice people looking for an escape to a more peaceful, balanced life in Sardinia.
The website’s invitation reads: “Tired of the chaos in global politics? Seeking a calmer, more fulfilling lifestyle with new opportunities? Your European escape awaits in the breathtaking paradise of Sardinia.”
Columbu added that the village is prioritizing American applicants, offering a fast-track process to help them settle in. “We want to focus on Americans above all,” he said, noting that attracting U.S. citizens is crucial to reversing the village’s population decline.
To ease the transition for new residents, a dedicated team is available to guide buyers through every step, including private property tours, contractor recommendations, and help with paperwork.
Ollolai has seen its population dwindle from 2,250 a century ago to just 1,150 today, with few new births each year. The mayor hopes that this new initiative will help breathe new life into the village.
