Spanish village offers affordable housing to attract residents

The town of Zarra, in Valencia, Spain, is offering municipal housing for less than 300 euros per month to encourage people to move there.

With a current population of 374, the town government is also asking private homeowners to rent out vacant properties at reasonable prices, offering municipal assistance for renovations. This isn’t the first time Zarra has launched this initiative.

Last year, the program brought three new families and eight students to the area, helping to sustain the local rural school which was facing closure. Interested individuals can apply by submitting a basic form with their name, age, current residence, and employment status to [email protected] or by phone. While completing the form doesn't guarantee housing or employment, the town hopes to build a stable and integrated community.

Zarra offers residents essential services including a medical center, pharmacy, three bars, a restaurant, and a butcher shop. The town also boasts a swimming pool located within a forest and a recently renovated municipal gym. Beyond these amenities, residents can explore the 12-kilometer hiking trail along two dams. The local government recently rejected a proposal for a large landfill project, prioritizing the preservation of the environment.

The town of Zarra, with a history stretching back to Iberian and Roman times, is focused on attracting young families to reverse a declining population that currently stands at around 600 residents.