This Italian island is paying people €15,000 (£12,600) to live there

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is fringed by picture-perfect beaches and has one of the highest life-expectancy rates on the planet. You might assume then, that the island would have no trouble attracting residents. However, this isn't the case, with certain areas struggling to attract new people and families.

Taking action, Sardinian officials have now offered a €15,000 (£12,600) grant to new residents in the hope of revitalising these dwindling communities.

The president of Sardinia said in a press release, "We have created the conditions for young people to decide to stay and (develop) the economic fabric of the most fragile territories."

Source: themajor.eu

Who is eligible?

The grant is available to anyone who can register their residence in a small town in Sardinia (less than 3,000 people), you can do this within 18 months of owning the property.

How many people can apply?

The scheme itself has a HUGE €45 million budget, so around 3,000 households will be able to benefit from the initiative.