260 units on offer for shared ownership

The Housing Authority is offering to share ownership of 260 housing units with people who cannot afford to buy property on the open market.

Authority chairman Marisa Micallef announced at a press conference yesterday that 177 apartments, 82 maisonettes and one house would be made available in various towns and villages around Malta and Gozo.

Preference will be given to families with children, engaged couples and singles over 30, as well as people over 18 who either suffer from a disability or are leaving an institution.

A number of homes are also being reserved for applicants over 30 who are separated and have joint custody of children. The first 10 per cent of all properties will be allocated to applicants with a disability.

The units are in Birkirkara, Bugibba, Burmarrad, Imriehel, Kalkara, Kirkop, Marsaxlokk, Mgarr, Msida, Mtarfa, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qala, Qawra, Qormi, Siggiewi, Tarxien, Victoria, Xewkija and Zurrieq. Their average subsidised price amounts to Lm12,123 for applicants who wish to buy one third and Lm24,238 if applicants opt to buy two thirds.

Tenants, who will be means-tested, would have the option to buy the government's share at an unchanged price within the first 10 years.

"Through shared ownership, people who cannot fork out the whole sum can still own a home. They can either purchase one third or two thirds of the property," Ms Micallef said.

Last year, 132 units were sold under the first shared ownership initiative, the chairman said, adding that the Housing Authority's greatest challenge is to increase the housing stock to continue providing affordable housing.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said the shared ownership scheme was based on the need to address the shifts in life patterns reflected in the demand for suitable housing arrangements.

Ms Cristina said the allocation of units would be rigorously above board and transparent, as applicants whose plea was rejected would also have the opportunity to appeal.

Plans of the housing units for sale may be viewed on September 16 and 17, as well as on September 23 and 24 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Habitat Hall (opposite Boffa Hospital), Floriana, where assistance will be available from the authority's staff and bank representatives.

Application forms are available from the Housing Authority in Floriana and from 25, Enrico Mizzi Street, Victoria during office hours, and may be submitted till October 10.