PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION
In two years €150 million invested in the field of social and affordable housing
The evolution of the housing market, present and future needs and the Government’s strategy in this area were discussed at a conference “The House of Tomorrow” which brought together experts and several speakers in this field.
At the opening of the conference, Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes said that 377 new social housing allocations had already been granted in the first nine months of this year. Together with last year’s 550 allocations, these new allocations provided housing for more than 900 families.
Minister Galdes said between last year and this year, the Government invested around €150 million on social and affordable housing, while it will continue to support this investment even during next year.
Minister Galdes said that in the course of 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 to those who do not qualify for social housing. He mentioned the affordable housing project together with the Church which provides for 260 apartments for sale at 30% lower than the market price. Minister Galdes also referred to new initiatives that will be launched including the concept of cooperatives in the field of community-linked housing.
Minister Galdes also mentioned that the Government will continue to support the elderly and vulnerable with means for new stairlifts and lifts to facilitate mobility in their homes. He recalled Housing Authority schemes such as “Nikru biex Nassistu” which 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 to become homeowners.
“In line with Vision Malta 2050, housing continues to be given importance because it is a pillar of social justice and the foundation of a fair and inclusive society.” concluded Minister Galdes.
The conference was also addressed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Social and Affordable Housing Emanuel Psaila who referred to ongoing work on schemes which aims to aid more people. He mentioned that among the measures and schemes that are being considered 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 multifaceted discussion. He mentioned how the Vision Malta 2050 is based on quality of life and how the second pillar of the Vision seeks to build a country that keeps at its centre the individual, and affordable housing is part of this plan.
Several speakers also participated in discussions held during various panels.
