The performance of the housing market, current and future needs and the Government’s strategy in this sector were discussed during a conference called “Id-Dar t’Għada” which brought together experts and various speakers in this field.
At the opening of the conference, Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes said that in the first nine months of this year, 377 new social housing allocations have already been granted. Together with the 550 allocations last year, these have provided a roof over the head for more than 900 families.
Minister Galdes said that last year and this year the Government will have invested around €150 million on social and affordable housing, while it will continue to support this investment even during next year.
Roderick Galdes said that during 2024 there were more than 12,300 families who benefited from Housing Authority schemes such as the first-time buyers scheme and the equity sharing scheme. While 85% of Maltese families are homeowners, the Government will continue to offer more alternatives for those who do not qualify for social housing. He mentioned the affordable housing project together with the Church which envisages 260 apartments for sale at a price 30% lower than the market price. Minister Galdes also referred to new initiatives that will be launched including the concept of cooperatives in the housing sector that will be linked to the community.
He also mentioned that the Government will continue to support the elderly and vulnerable with new stairlifts and elevators to increase accessibility in their homes. He recalled schemes such as “Nikru biex Nassistu” which has benefited 1,300 families after an investment of €38 million in the last 8 years.
Minister Galdes said that the Government’s commitment remains to further reduce the waiting list while increasing the stock of affordable housing through new buildings and initiatives, while helping more families become homeowners.
“In line with the Malta 2050 Vision, housing continues to be given importance because it is a pillar of social justice and the foundation of a just and inclusive society,” concluded Minister Galdes.
The conference was also addressed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Social and Affordable Housing Emanuel Psaila who referred to the work being done to continue reaching more groups of people through the various housing schemes. He mentioned that among the measures and schemes being considered there are those that are extremely innovative for our country.
Permanent Secretary Ronald Mizzi, responsible for the Coordination and Implementation of Vision Malta 2050 within the Office of the Prime Minister, praised the multi-dimensional discussion. He mentioned how Vision Malta 2050 is based on quality of life and how the second pillar of the Vision seeks to build a country that keeps the individual at its centre, and affordable housing is precisely part of this plan.
The conference also featured several speakers in discussions held in various panels.
