Iowa town offers free land and five years of tax breaks to new residents

Manilla, a small town in western Iowa, is actively seeking new residents by offering free residential lots for single-family homes. This initiative, part of the second phase of the "Sunrise Addition" development, aims to revitalize the community and combat population decline.

The program, which remains active through 2026, provides not only free land but also five years of property tax exemption and complimentary connections to municipal services. The lots come with basic infrastructure and access to local utilities, including electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and high-speed internet. Local businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, and hardware stores, along with financial and insurance services, are also available.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific conditions and commit to building a single-family home on the assigned lot. The "Sunrise Addition" development, a collaboration between the Manilla Economic Development Corporation, the city, and Manilla Municipal Utilities, has already seen success in its first phase, with 12 homes completed or under construction. While the land is free, successful applicants are responsible for financing and constructing their homes, adhering to development regulations, and covering all associated project costs.

The town is also working with the Region XII Council of Governments to offer first-time homebuyers assistance of up to $15,000 for down payments. Manilla is located in Crawford County, near Denison, and its Economic Development Corporation can be contacted for more information on available lots.