Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535569
6 NEWS 6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 MAY 2025 JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Parliament-approved housing plan will sell properties at below-market cost Foundation for Affordable Housing says houses in four localities will be sold below market prices, helping people who don't qualify for social housing but are not earning enough to buy a house PARLIAMENT officially approved of a major housing initiative that will see public land transferred to the Founda- tion for Affordable Housing (FAH), to build homes for people who cannot af- ford market prices but do not qualify for social housing. "The rise in property prices has created what we call the 'stretched class', which are hardworking people earning a decent wage who still can't secure a home," said Jake Azzopardi, the chief executive of the foundation. "Average income earn- ers cannot secure home loans strong enough to cover market prices, and peo- ple are left stuck, either living with their parents or paying rent that takes up a substantial amount of their income." MaltaToday is informed that hundreds of units will be built across these four lo- calities. The Foundation for Affordable Hous- ing was set up in 2022 by the govern- ment and the Archdiocese of Malta to help lower-middle income earners. This group often earns just above the limit for social housing but still struggles to buy a home on the private market. The new housing projects will be built in four locations across Malta: Ta' Ġiorni in St Julian's, Ħal Kirkop, Fgura, and Marsascala. The homes are planned to be sold below the usual market pric- es, offering a new way forward for those stuck between renting and owning. The chairperson of the foundation, Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, said the move is more than just a govern- ment measure. "This milestone reflects not just a structural commitment, but a moral one," he said. He referred to this initiative as a tan- gible expression of its social mission. "The church, together with the state, is helping to create a new model of shared responsibility and solidarity in housing." The NAO accounts committee in par- liament approved the transfer of land from the Housing Authority to the foun- dation. Social Housing Minister Roder- ick Galdes welcomed the decision and said the projects will have a real impact. "I look forward to seeing the founda- tion embark on these projects, which will make a real difference in the lives of many Maltese and Gozitan families in need of support to become homeown- ers through access to affordable accom- modation at prices below those of the current private residential market," the minister said. The foundation says the project is not a form of charity or subsidy, but a long- term and practical plan. It aims to work with the private sector, NGOs, and banks to offer sustainable housing options. Photo: Micaela Parente/Unsplash Rebecca Buttigieg concerned over 'regressive attitudes' eroding LGBTIQ rights Rebecca Buttigieg has expressed con- cern over the erosion of rights for LG- BTIQ+ communities in some countries when addressing the European IDA- HOT+ Forum. The reforms parliamentary secretary it is "essential to safeguard and protect the hard-won progress" achieved to dat. Buttigieg warned against "regressive attitudes", which she said risked undermining hu- man rights and equal- ity. IDAHOT+ Forum is one of Europe's leading platforms dedicated to ad- vancing LGBTIQ+ rights, equality, and inclusion. Malta hosted this year's edi- tion as part of its pres- idency of the Council of Europe. Buttigieg said Malta had achieved significant progress in advancing civil rights over the past 10 years. This was possible, she added, because of "strong political will" and sustained commit- ment to the principle of equality. The Forum called for deeper collaboration and unified action for a Europe where "equal- ity is not only pursued, but genuinely re- alised". Prime Min- ister Robert Abela told par- ticipants that sustaining equality requires continued na- tional effort. He reaffirmed the government's commitment in this regard. "Malta will continue to show its unwavering support as it strives to re- main a beacon of equality for all," Abela said. KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt