Götene, a picturesque town in Sweden, is enticing potential residents by offering land at a meager cost of 1 krona per square meter, equivalent to nine US cents per 10 square feet. Located about 200 miles from Stockholm, the initiative aims to revitalize the town by counteracting its low birth rates and aging population. As part of the deal, buyers must construct a home on the land, intended either for permanent residence or as a vacation property. This scheme has generated significant interest, with thousands of inquiries since its launch in May. Due to the overwhelming response, the local government has temporarily paused sales to refine the process, potentially transitioning to a bidding system upon resumption.

Mayor Johan Månsson expressed optimism about the scheme, highlighting its potential to bring a high quality of life to those seeking a serene countryside lifestyle. Götene’s strategic location near Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, and proximity to notable UNESCO sites such as the Platåbergens Geopark and Mount Kinnekulle, adds to its appeal. Building a house in the area typically costs between 3 to 4 million krona ($283,000 to $377,262), and land that usually costs 500,000 krona ($47,158) is now available at a fraction of the price, making it an attractive proposition for potential buyers. Månsson noted that the town might expand the scheme to include more plots or even inexpensive houses similar to Italy’s one-euro homes, as a means to meet the high demand and foster community growth.