Family help key to getting on property ladder as first-time buyers face stressful search

Four in 10 first-time buyers in Malta received financial assistance from family members to help them purchase their first home, highlighting the growing importance of intergenerational support in accessing the property market.

The finding emerged from a new Housing Authority study examining the experiences and outcomes of first-time buyers in Malta, based on 1,659 responses from beneficiaries of the First-Time Buyer Scheme who purchased their first residential property between 2022 and 2025.

The study found that around two-thirds of first-time buyers were aged between 25 and 34, while 54 per cent purchased their property jointly with another person and 46 per cent bought a home on their own.

The findings also underline the importance of family support beyond financial assistance. Around 80 per cent of respondents said they received some form of emotional support from their families, while 68 per cent received help with repairs or alterations to their new property.

The vast majority of properties purchased by first-time buyers were apartments, which accounted for 72 per cent of all purchases. Maisonettes represented a further 15 per cent, while houses and villas accounted for a smaller share.

Purchase prices were largely concentrated between €150,000 and €350,000, with this range accounting for 77 per cent of buyers. Those purchasing alone were most commonly found in the €150,001 to €200,000 price bracket, while buyers purchasing with a partner were more likely to purchase properties priced between €250,001 and €350,000.

The property search itself was described as a stressful experience by a significant majority of respondents. Some 65 per cent agreed that searching for a property was stressful, while approximately 66 per cent disagreed that most of the properties they viewed were to their liking.

Despite the challenges involved in entering the property market, overall satisfaction among first-time buyers was high. Approximately 84 per cent said they were satisfied with the property they purchased, with natural light and ventilation, space and layout, and building quality among the features receiving positive assessments.

Parking and garages, however, emerged as a significant source of dissatisfaction. Almost half of respondents, or 47 per cent, said they were dissatisfied with the availability of garages or parking spaces, compared to 35 per cent who expressed satisfaction.

The study also found that housing costs continue to represent a financial burden for many homeowners. While 45 per cent described their housing costs as a moderate burden, a further 35 per cent considered them a heavy burden. Only 4 per cent said housing costs were not a burden at all.

The research suggests that for some first-time buyers, the first property may not necessarily be a permanent home. Around 37 per cent of respondents believed they would need to move to a different property within the next ten years, while 35 per cent disagreed.

The research also highlighted the particular challenges faced by those purchasing alone, who may have to make greater compromises in terms of property type, size or location due to having less purchasing power.