Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537233
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 JULY 2025 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION Building hope: Expanding social housing in Malta By Matthew Zerafa, Romina Fenech and Brian Micallef NECESSITY is the mother of inven- tion. This timeless proverb, possibly origi- nating from Aesop's fables, has never rung truer than in today's housing landscape in Malta. As the econo- my grows and evolves, so too does the responsibility of ensuring that prosperity is shared, and that no one is excluded from basic necessities, especially decent housing. The Housing Authority plays a central role in this mission, combining long- term investment in public housing with innovative, flexible solutions that respond to today's realities. At the core of its work is the direct pro- vision of social housing for individu- als and families facing systemic dis- advantage and low income. Between 2017 and 2024, the Authority suc- cessfully halved the waiting list for social housing, with 1,679 applicants remaining as of 2024. More than 550 properties were allocated for social housing purposes in 2024 alone. While this progress is substantial, the need remains urgent, and temporary yet effective measures have become essential. One such measure is Nikru biex Nassistu—a scheme that allows the Housing Authority to lease properties from the private sector for ten years, subletting them to eligible tenants at social housing rates. To date, around 1,290 privately owned properties have been brought into the scheme, providing crucial support while new government-owned units are being developed. This scheme offers advantageous conditions to proper- ty owners, including tax-free rental income and rent paid every 6 months in advance. Despite the success of the Nikru biex Nassistu scheme, the Housing Authority opted to take a proactive approach to ensure a continuous pipeline of properties available for the scheme. The Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Vacant Dwellings for Rent is a powerful example of this approach. Through this initiative, property owners receive a grant of up to €25,000 to renovate homes that have been vacant for at least one year. Only a quarter of the grant must be repaid, and in return, land- lords agree to lease the refurbished property through Nikru biex Nas- sistu. This win-win model not only revitalizes empty buildings but also injects much-needed supply into the affordable housing market. The Housing Authority also strives to make better use of its existing housing stock. Every year, keys are returned to the Housing Authority for different reasons, including individ- uals who have vacated the property, changes in allocations, and when elderly residents transition into care homes. Since 2022, thanks to the Authority's compliance unit, we have recovered more than 430 sets of keys, allowing us to offer more families a fresh start. These efforts complement the gov- ernment's ongoing construction of new social housing. As of 2022, 440 units have already been completed, with several other projects in the pipeline for the years ahead. In addi- tion, the Housing Authority works in partnership with third-sector organ- izations, such as the Foundation for Affordable Housing, to introduce new affordable housing units to the market. Together, these programmes reflect a holistic strategy: one that maxi- mizes the use of existing housing stock while investing in the future. This dual approach is why reducing the waiting list and expanding the availability of social and affordable housing remain key pillars of the Government's Vision 2050 for the housing sector. The Housing Authority is also trying to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that is tailor-made to target specific policy challenges and address different cohorts of society, focusing in particular on the needs of vulnerable groups. The key elements of this specialized hous- ing involve the identification of a dilapidated property by the Housing Authority, close cooperation with NGOs, design competitions with architects, and a strong involvement of different stakeholders, including at the community level. Examples of these specialized hous- ing include Dar Bla Hitan in Birgu, for prisoners in the last few months of their sentence to help with their reintegration in society, and Dar Tereza in Bormla to assist mothers facing mental health challenges. There is also the intergenerational project in Valletta, the first of its kind in Malta and regenerated using EU funds, that brings together young adults and elderly people, each living independently under one roof. It is a powerful example of how innovative housing solutions can strengthen communities and improve the quality of life. As Malta's economy continues to develop, the true test of progress lies in how we care for the most vulnera- ble. Through the Housing Authority's multi-pronged approach—grounded in equity, innovation, and collabo- ration—we move closer to a society where decent housing is not a luxury but a guarantee. Matthew Zerafa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority. Romi- na Fenech is the Chief People Officer and Dr Brian Micallef is the Executive Head responsible for Digitalization, Legal and Communications at the Housing Authority. Dar il-Qawsalla