La Rioja offers housing subsidies to combat rural depopulation

The La Rioja region in Spain has implemented the Revive program to combat rural depopulation by offering financial incentives to citizens for purchasing, building, or renovating homes in small towns. The program is open to European Union citizens between the ages of 18 and 45 who meet specific income requirements.

Subsidy amounts are determined by the population of the settlement. In villages with fewer than 500 residents, the program covers up to 40 percent of the purchase price, capped at 40,000 euros. For towns with 501 to 2,000 residents, the subsidy is 30 percent, capped at 30,000 euros. In settlements with 2,001 to 5,000 residents, the coverage is 20 percent, capped at 20,000 euros.

To qualify for the maximum 40,000 euro subsidy, the property must be worth at least 100,000 euros. The upper limit for eligible properties was recently increased from 180,000 to 220,000 euros. Applicants must use the property as their permanent residence and register their address within three months of completion. Funds are disbursed after the purchase or the completion of construction and renovation works. The program supports transactions and projects completed through June 1, 2027.