Minister for Social Housing Roderick Galdes was present for a news conference inside the Old Hall of the Old University in Valletta, where he was given an overview of the measures in the social housing sector announced in the 2022 Budget.
This budget came in a context where the waiting list was halved by 700 allocations in three years, and in addition, all aid and schemes remained in place. The minister said, “It is worth noting that the housing budget from € 29 million has risen to just over € 40 million, which means that we will maintain all programs and continue to meet new needs.” In the meantime, some new measures have been announced to continue the social housing revolution through the Care Plan, new affordability challenges will also be addressed, the affordable market will be strengthened with new alternatives, and SSP scheme.
A study for the design of a Care Plan has been launched together with the University of Malta which this budget will help to implement, where a specific assistance program and services will be offered to the beneficiaries beneficiaries of social housing. Gradually this Care Plan will be extended to all applicants and beneficiaries of social housing.
Measures have also been presented that will reach different categories of people and income. The Equity Sharing scheme, which is currently open to people over the age of 40, will be extended to people over the age of 30, with the government earning a maximum of 50% of the property. thus enhancing the value that can be obtained in loans.
For a more affordable rent the property tax on the sale of a house up to € 200,000 that has been rented for 10 years at affordable rates will be halved. If it is sold to the tenant himself no tax is paid. On the sale of properties that have been rented for more than three years but less than 10, which are sold to tenants eligible for the rent benefit issued by the Housing Authority, the tax will be halved. “This is a strong incentive for landlords and an opportunity for tenants to strengthen their position in a way that is fair to landlords,” said Minister Galdes.
An agreement has also been reached to commit € 300,000 a year to the Affordable Housing Foundation to ensure a permanent supply of affordable housing. The subsidy given to tenants in controlled old rents for structural maintenance will also be increased from € 10,000 to € 25,000.
Minister Galdes concluded by saying that, “We have expanded what we mean by housing because we are adapting to the needs of the times of Maltese society with a sensitive method that meets specific and different needs. We are looking at housing as the best tool for social mobility and we are offering a suitable accommodation option for everyone. “
Photos: MSA
