Political instability, economic uncertainty, and oversaturation with low-quality content—whether in the media or on our plates—are once again raising questions about the meaning and quality of life in the system we know.
More and more people want to regain control over their food and time, to live more slowly, and to create space for what truly matters—family.
Just a few years ago, it seemed that the exodus from villages was unstoppable, as young people were drawn to the dynamic urban lifestyle, while rural life appeared hard and monotonous. However, the situation is gradually changing. Many of my acquaintances (and even those who share their experiences publicly online) are now actively considering a return to nature, peace, and the harmonious life that only the countryside can offer.
If you are thinking about returning to your ancestral home or buying one of the many abandoned properties across Serbia, below are some useful articles and websites that can help you find your spot for a self-sufficient life.
My First Garden
Planning and planting a garden can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time growing your own food.
If you are a beginner, I recommend checking out guides that are written in a clear and practical way. Agromedia offers a very useful guide on how to plan your garden for maximum yield, to confuse pests, and to attract beneficial insects.
There is also a seasonal planting calendar by Supstrati Maki, which can help you plan your planting schedule to avoid planting too early or too late.
If you want to dive deeper into food production, AgroNET has prepared a comprehensive manual, Vegetables and Fruits: From Harvest to Market, and in the Manual for Organic Production you can find useful information on natural soil fertility, animal- and plant-based fertilizers, and more.
I believe these resources are more than enough to confidently start gardening and soon enjoy your first harvest.
How to Buy a Rural Property with a Subsidy
For several years, the government has offered programs that allow young people to buy a house in the countryside with no personal contribution. This program, run by the Ministry for Rural Care, is intended for individuals up to 45 years old, married or unmarried couples, and single parents. The house you purchase becomes your permanent property. The program covers 100% of the house’s value up to 1,500,000 RSD.
You can check all the conditions and necessary documents for the 2026 program here, so you can start collecting everything in advance.
This program has enabled hundreds of families to start completely new lives—it might be your opportunity as well.
Can I Install Solar Panels in the Countryside?
Those considering a return to the countryside also need to think about stable electricity supply. The good news is that solar panels are perfectly feasible for rural homes, and the procedure is fairly straightforward. For home solar systems up to around 10 kW, no building permit is required, and registration as a prosumer is done through EPS. You can see how to obtain prosumer status here.
If you want to get solar panels on your property with the help of subsidies, the best approach is to contact your local municipality and find out when they will announce the energy efficiency program that includes solar power installation. This is important so you can have all your documents ready in time.
If you prefer to finance your solar system yourself, experts estimate that the investment will cost between €3,000 and €15,000, depending on system size, equipment quality, and additional features like batteries. Engineers at CEEFOR can provide more precise information on how much your ideal solar installation would cost and the best solution for you—roof-mounted or ground-mounted, with or without battery storage.
In recent years, more households have turned to solar energy—not only for savings but also for the sense of taking control of their electricity.
Milena Maglovski
