With its hills, olive groves, and vineyards, Radicondoli looks like the image of Tuscany found on postcards. But behind the stone walls and quiet streets, the small medieval village near Siena has been losing people for years. Once home to around 3,000 residents, Radicondoli now counts just 966. About 100 of its 450 houses sit empty. Local officials are now trying to reverse that decline — with cash.
In 2023, Radicondoli launched a program offering up to 20,000 euros, or about $23,000, to anyone willing to buy and live in one of its vacant homes, along with an extra 6,000 euros in contributions towards expenses like heating and transport. This year, the town expanded the plan. Instead of only helping buyers, it will now cover half of the first two years’ rent for new tenants through early 2026.
