Ritratt: Michela TufignoTista’ taqra bil-
Malti.
The number of individuals waiting for social housing in Malta has fluctuated over the past decade, with over 1,600 applicants currently on the waiting list after peaking 2017.
Newly tabled parliamentary data reveals that 1,674 individuals were on the waiting list for social housing as of November 2024, compared to 2,475 in 2014 and a peak of 3,288 in 2017.
This information was tabled in Parliament by social and affordable housing minister Roderick Galdes, in response to a parliamentary question posed by Opposition MP Bernice Bonello.
The data highlights the evolving demand for social housing across a ten-year period, with a sharp decline observed between 2018 and 2021 followed by a gradual increase in recent years.
The numbers underscore the persistent housing affordability challenges in Malta, where rising property prices and rental costs continue to outpace wage growth.
Persons Waiting for Social Housing (2014–2024)
YearIndividuals on waiting list20142,47520152,66820163,02020173,28820183,17220192,59720202,38020211,29420221,43720231,576January – November 20241,674Source: Parliament of MaltaA decade of rising and falling demand
The highest waitlist figures were recorded in 2017, with 3,288 individuals seeking accommodation. This period coincided with Malta’s economic boom, which pushed property prices and rents to unprecedented levels.
By contrast, the waitlist dropped to 1,294 by 2021, reflecting government efforts to address housing issues, including the construction of new social housing units and the introduction of housing subsidy schemes.
However, the subsequent increase to 1,674 in late 2024 suggests that these measures have not fully kept pace with demand, reflecting ongoing pressures in the housing market, including soaring property prices and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on income stability.
Majority of applicants single parents
A 2021 study profiling social housing applicants provides crucial context to the people behind the numbers. Conducted by Vincent Marmarà and Maria Brown, the research highlighted the demographic and economic realities of those on the waiting list.
The data illustrated that demand for social housing remained significant, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The research had revealed that 75% of social housing applicants are women, with a staggering two-thirds being single parents.
The economic vulnerability of these applicants is particularly striking. The study found that the average monthly income among participants is a mere €755, with those relying solely on social benefits receiving approximately €530 monthly. This starkly contrasts with the rising costs of housing in Malta, where average rents exceed €250 per month and are perceived as unaffordable by many.
While 39% of applicants were unemployed, many cited barriers such as child-rearing responsibilities (26.4%) and health issues (16.8%) as the primary reasons for their economic inactivity.
The study also dispelled the myth of dependency among social housing applicants, revealing that many aspire to secure sustainable housing solutions but are constrained by structural challenges, including limited access to affordable housing and support services.
The demand for social housing exists within a broader context of escalating property prices. The 2023 European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey revealed that 53.6% of respondents perceive housing costs as a slight burden, while 24.9% consider them a heavy burden. Most alarmingly, 72.5% of severely materially deprived individuals view housing costs as an overwhelming financial challenge.
The survey also revealed that overcrowding and substandard living conditions remain significant concerns, particularly among migrant workers and economically vulnerable groups.
Moreover, Malta’s Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) rose by 6.8% in 2024, while rental costs have increased by 17.5% annually. These trends exacerbate housing affordability issues, particularly for low-income households.
