Italy, with its rich cultural and urban heritage, faces a significant challenge in the era of smart cities: demographic decline. This phenomenon, although not uniquely Italian but rather a concerning global trend, has led to a series of social and economic consequences in a country composed of a geographical fabric of medium and small cities, ("frazioni") districts, and ("borgos") villages 1.The country also holds the title of the longest-living nation in Europe, with the largest elderly population over 80 years old, and has the highest median age in the eurozone. According to the 2024 Eurostat report by the European Commission, the average age in Italy is 47 years, while in other European countries, the average is 44 years 2. To address the impacts of the declining economically active population as well as the aging population, the national government needs to implement a complex public housing policy that responds to new social expectations, including the need for specific, safe, accessible structures that facilitate mobility.The decentralized initiative by local administrations to sell houses for 1 Euro in Italy emerges as a creative and innovative response to the challenges of demographic decline and an aging population. By revitalizing abandoned villages and boroughs, this strategy seeks to attract new residents, boost the local economy, and preserve the country's cultural heritage. In addition to offering a unique opportunity for those dreaming of living in Italy, this measure also encourages a renaissance of communities, promoting sustainability and social cohesion.This article examines the positive and negative aspects of this innovative housing policy in its early stages. It stands out precisely where national and European housing policies have failed to achieve the necessary relevance for effective implementation. Throughout the text, we discuss the criticisms and potential of this approach, highlighting its ability to achieve the fundamental goal of promoting economically sustainable repopulation.
Juliana Martins (Fri,) studied this question.