Budget 2027: €2 Million for Social Housing Upgrades as Renovation of 55 Apartments Begins in Gżira
The Maltese government has announced an investment of nearly €2 million in 2027 to maintain and improve social housing estates across the country, with 244 families expected to benefit.
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing and Lands Owen Bonnici during a visit to ongoing renovation works at four social housing blocks in Gżira.
€450,000 Renovation Project Underway in Gżira
The project involves four residential blocks, covering 10 entrances and 55 apartments, with a total investment of €450,000.
The works include the restoration and improvement of building façades, roofs and communal areas, aimed at providing residents with safer, more attractive and better-maintained surroundings.
Façade renovation works began in July 2026 and are expected to be completed by the end of December. Works on roofs and common areas are also scheduled for completion in December.
Minister Bonnici described the project as an investment in communities that deserve a better and more dignified living environment.
He explained that Budget 2027 provides for further maintenance and beautification projects in social housing estates across Malta and Gozo, benefiting an additional 244 families.
Housing Assistance Schemes to Continue in 2027
The Minister also highlighted several Housing Authority initiatives designed to help individuals and families purchase their own homes.
These include the Deposit Guarantee, Equity Sharing, New Hope and Sir Sid Darek schemes, which will continue to provide assistance to eligible applicants.
According to Minister Bonnici, an average of one family per day became a homeowner through one of these schemes last year.
The government intends to extend these programmes to allow more households to benefit from financial assistance.
€27 Million for Rental Housing Assistance
Minister Bonnici announced that approximately €27 million is expected to be invested next year in assistance schemes supporting people living in rental accommodation, including properties covered by pre-1995 and post-1995 arrangements.
Meanwhile, the first-time buyers scheme will also be extended, with an anticipated allocation of €11.5 million in 2027.
The Minister said that more than 15,000 people benefited from Housing Authority schemes during the previous year, while the reported number of beneficiaries reached 20,000 during the first nine months of the current year.
€10 Million to Help Residents Adapt Their Homes
A further €10 million has been allocated for 2027 to support eligible individuals and families who need to improve or adapt their homes.
These measures are intended to help older people, persons with disabilities and other qualifying residents continue living independently.
Supported improvements may include the installation of stairlifts, accessible showers and structural modifications to make homes safer and easier to use.
"These schemes help people to have works carried out to make their homes more accessible," Minister Bonnici said, highlighting the importance of dignity, security and independence.
Buyers' Charter and Public Land Schemes
Minister Bonnici also discussed the proposed Buyers' Charter, which aims to strengthen transparency in the property market and clarify the rights and responsibilities of property buyers.
The public consultation closed on 2 November, with a conference planned to provide stakeholders with a further opportunity to submit their views and proposals.
He also highlighted the government's Temp25+ scheme, launched in December 2025, which allows eligible residents to redeem temporary residential leases and obtain full ownership of their homes.
Since its introduction, the scheme has received 515 valid applications, with 39 contracts already concluded and another seven expected to be signed shortly.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Housing Support
Concluding his remarks, Minister Bonnici said the government's housing policies were intended to provide practical support to families facing different challenges.
"Malta With You is not simply a slogan. It is a declaration of responsibility and commitment," he said.
He added that the government's objective is to remain close to residents and create opportunities for people in different circumstances.
Photo: DOI / Daniel Scicluna
