Housing in Malta

Most occupied dwellings in Malta are satisfactory in terms of physical structure, maintenance and amenities. In 2005, the majority of dwellings (55.9 per cent) were perceived to be in a good state of repair. However, the number of dwellings in need of repairs and in a dilapidated form cannot be overlooked.

The 2005 Census on housing shows that 0.3 per cent of occupied dwellings are in a dilapidated state, while 4.2 and 7.1 per cent are in need of serious and moderate repairs respectively.

In October 1999, the authority launched three repair schemes - Scheme Z, offering grants for adaptation works in owner-occupied property; Scheme 5, allocating grants for repair works in leased privately-owned properties; and Scheme W, offering grants for adaptation and repair works in government-owned property. These schemes were however amended with time to meet changing demands.

The authority also offers a care and repair service for those unable to manage the works on their own, offering a more individualised approach.

In 2005, 98.2 per cent of occupied dwellings had a bath and/or shower installed, with the highest proportion in the northern district (99.2 per cent) and the lowest in the southern harbour district (96.9 per cent). The other two per cent that do not have bathrooms involve 2,479 dwellings.

Improvements and installation of bathrooms are among the most requested works under the Housing Authority repair schemes that aim to improve housing conditions and household amenities.

State of repair varies by district. According to the Census, the lowest percentage of occupied dwellings in a good state is found in the southern harbour area (48 per cent) while 8.2 and 0.9 per cent need serious repairs and are in a dilapidated state respectively.

In 2005, the state of dwellings declined with age. Only 29 per cent of those who live in decent dwellings are aged 60 and over. This figure is in sharp contrast with 47 and 40 per cent of those living in dwellings needing serious repairs and which are in a dilapidated state respectively.

A major concern is enabling older people to live in housing of an appropriate standard and in which they can retain their dignity and independence as members of the community. Elderly people very often do not have the funds to maintain the property they live in. The authority offers this vulnerable group services through its adaptation grants for persons with disabilities, lift installation in government-owned blocks to increase accessibility and the building of sheltered housing offering self-contained apartments for the elderly.

The average annual rent paid in 2005, according to the Census, was €698.81 (Lm300). Through its Rent Subsidy Scheme, the authority provides subsidy to the most vulnerable, the majority being single/separated mothers with children. Families having a disabled member and with more than five members are entitled to an extra grant.

Home ownership has increased from 68 per cent in 1995 to 75 per cent in 2005. Through its initiatives, the authority aims to promote and encourage home ownership among people with lower and middle incomes.

The Shared Ownership initiative was introduced in August 2005 after a successful pilot project. All sold units are now offered on a shared ownership basis. Under this initiative, applicants can buy the share of property they can afford, based on their income. At least lower-income families and single people can fulfil their aspirations to become home owners. The third issue of sale of 331 units under the authority's Shared Ownership scheme was launched recently.

Residents of government-owned property are encouraged to become home owners through the Right-to-Buy scheme. Assistance to first-time buyers on their first dwelling is also provided.

Ms Micallef is chairman of the Housing Authority.