Approved new dwellings surge 40.5% in first quarter of 2026

When compared to the same quarter of 2025, the number of approved new dwellings increased by 40.5 per cent, according to new figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

During the first quarter of 2026, a total of 3,010 new dwellings were approved across Malta and Gozo by the Planning Authority through 504 building permits. The number of building permits issued also rose by 18.6 per cent year-on-year.

The NSO said apartments continued to dominate approved residential developments, accounting for 72.1 per cent of all approved new dwellings. A total of 2,171 apartments were approved during the quarter, followed by 459 penthouses, 245 maisonettes, 107 terraced houses, and 28 other residential units, including villas and farmhouses.

The average number of approved dwellings per building permit stood at 6.0.

By district, Malta registered a 47.2 per cent increase in approved new dwellings compared to the first quarter of 2025, while Gozo and Comino recorded a smaller increase of 6 per cent.

The Northern Harbour district recorded the highest number of approved new dwellings at 1,080 units, followed by the Northern district with 533 dwellings. The Western district registered the lowest figure, with 213 approved dwellings.

At locality level, Sliema registered the highest number of approved new dwellings during the quarter, with 322 units approved. It was followed by San Pawl il-Baħar with 171 dwellings, Birkirkara with 154, Mosta with 149, and Qormi with 126.