The Foundation for Affordable Accommodation, a collaborative initiative between the Government and the Church, has announced that a call for proposals will be issued to commence construction on a new affordable accommodation project. The initiative will lead to the development of approximately 260 residential units, aimed at individuals who do not qualify for Housing Authority assistance but still require support to become homeowners. Through this scheme, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to purchase property at prices approximately 30% below market value.
This project is aimed at individuals and couples with low to middle incomes, specifically individuals earning up to €33,000 annually and couples earning up to €38,000. The Foundation for Affordable Accommodation is launching an expression of interest for the design and development of new housing units in Ħal Kirkop, Fgura, St Julian’s, and Marsaskala. In each of these four localities, the Government has transferred public land to the Foundation, some of which had originally been passed from the Church to the State in previous years. The call is targeted at developers capable of delivering innovative and sustainable housing solutions that meet high-quality standards.
During the press conference, Archbishop Charles Scicluna welcomed the launch of the Foundation’s next phase, describing it as a “tangible expression of our society’s enduring commitment to social and economic justice. Access to safe and dignified housing is not just a material concern, but a moral one. Every person, regardless of income, deserves a place to call home”. The Archbishop emphasised that, through its active role in the Foundation and its previous donation of land intended for social purposes, the Church is contributing in a concrete and meaningful way to advancing social justice for those priced out of the property market.
Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that this project fulfils an important social objective by providing a better future for 260 families. He described the initiative as an innovative model that reinforces the Government’s mission to ensure that everyone has access to a home. While expressing satisfaction that official statistics indicate that 85% of Maltese and Gozitans are homeowners, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing commitment to making housing more affordable and accessible for all.
Dr Abela noted that this initiative builds upon a series of other Government measures aimed at supporting homeownership. These include assistance for first-time buyers, who are now benefiting from increased stamp duty savings, a €10,000 grant spread over a ten-year period, and an additional scheme offering up to €9,000 for those investing in sustainable property. In total, first-time buyers, the majority of whom are young people, can receive up to €30,000 in support through various Government schemes.
The Prime Minister also referred to other major reforms that the Government has implemented in the housing sector, providing support to tenants while also ensuring fairness for property owners. Many families who were at risk of eviction due to pre-1995 rental agreements are now receiving assistance. He also referred to the New Hope Scheme, which is offering individuals with health conditions the opportunity to become homeowners. The Prime Minister concluded by stating that, through these initiatives, the Government is offering families renewed hope, greater security, and an improved quality of life.
Addressing the press conference, the Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes stated that this project marks another important step in turning the dreams of many families into reality. He highlighted a number of Government schemes, such as the 10% Deposit Scheme, Equity Sharing, Social Loan, New Hope, and Sir SID Darek, through which the Housing Authority has supported nearly one family every two days in becoming homeowners. Minister Galdes emphasised that, despite these encouraging results, the Government remains firmly committed to expanding affordable housing initiatives. He noted that this commitment is reflected in the decision to transfer four public land sites to the Foundation for Affordable Accommodation to enable the development of this project. “Through this initiative, we are recognising the hard work of our families and supporting them in fulfilling their aspirations to become homeowners,” the Minister concluded.
Foundation for Affordable Housing CEO Dr Jake Azzopardi stated that this is an innovative and sustainable initiative which ensures that whoever works in Malta can afford a home. Dr Azzopardi added that the model guarantees buyers an affordable path to homeownership and builders a fair return on their investment without room for speculation.
Further information about this initiative is available at affordablehousing.mt. Full details on eligibility and how to benefit from the scheme can be found on the same website.