Olmeda de la Cuesta Village Offers Cheap Land to Boost Population

Olmeda de la Cuesta, a small settlement in the Cuenca province of Spain with roughly 3,000 residents overall but fewer than 30 in its historic centre, is trying to halt depopulation. Mayor José Luis Regacho said the town lacks jobs and hopes remote workers and people with independent incomes will settle there.

The municipal council and Spain's Ministry of Finance have placed 15 rural parcels and eight municipal parcels up for sealed‑bid auction. Initial prices start at €105 and rise to €600 for rural lots, while municipal lots begin between €200 and €1,300. Successful buyers must construct a home or business within two and a half years. Some parcels include natural caves. The auctions require a 5% deposit, full payment within a month, and notary registration. EU citizens can acquire land without a visa; non‑EU nationals need a residence permit. The village’s only school closed 40 years ago and health services are provided only once a week.