Photography: Xenos
A tiny Swiss village is on the hunt for new residents, and could pay €21k to those willing to move.
The picturesque town of Albinen has just 240 inhabitants – a number that’s dwindling as families move away. With so few permanent residents, its school has been forced to close and locals are considering a radical new scheme to attract outsiders.
On November 30, the town will vote on an initiative that would give €21k, per person, to newcomers who are buying or building a house in Albinen. For those with children the potential payoff is even better, netting an additional €8k per child.
What the village lacks in job opportunities it makes up for in available land, and fresh mountain air – Albinen is 1,300 metres above sea level and overlooks the Rhone Valley. It’s a half hour away from the city of Sion, and 20 minutes to Leukerbad, the biggest thermal spa resort in the Alps.
If the scheme gets the green light next week, there will be some conditions though. Any potential new residents must be under 45, and be prepared to make the town their permanent residence for at least a decade – that means they can’t divert the money into an Albinen holiday home fund.
Houses must also have a minimum value of 200,000 SFr. The money doesn’t have to be repaid, unless residents get itchy feet and decide to leave before their 10-year stay is up.
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