Housing Authority doubles vacant dwelling restoration grant to €50,000

The Housing Authority has doubled the grant under its scheme to convert vacant dwellings into social housing units, increasing it from €25,000 to €50,000.

Eligibility criteria have also been widened – whereas a property had to be at least 30 years old to qualify for this scheme, it can now be as young as 20. 

Under the Rehabilitation of Vacant Dwellings for Rent Scheme, people whose properties have lied vacant for over a year can benefit from restoration funds. 

Following restoration works, the properties will be added to the Nikru biex Nassistu scheme, whereby homes are leased to the Housing Authority for ten years to be used as social housing units.

Landlords benefit from tax-free rental income that is paid in advance every six months and predictable annual increases.

Housing Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul today said the government is creating an element of certainty on two fronts. 

“The owner has peace of mind that they will get a stable income by renting their property to the Housing Authority for ten years. On the other side, people who are most in need will have the certainty of a roof over their heads,” he said.

Housing Authority CEO Matthew Zerafa said that the scheme provides an opportunity for elderly people who own an unused second residence, as well as for families who inherited an old home that has remained vacant due to the expenses involved in restoring it. 

The Malta Development Association welcomed the extension of the scheme as “a significant and positive step for property owners and for communities struggling with housing pressures.

“The MDA has consistently argued that Malta must make better use of what we already have,” it said.

“Our towns and villages are full of older buildings that have stood for generations but, without targeted support, remain empty or fall into disrepair.”

“Schemes like this one not only unlock housing stock for social purpose but also reinforce pride in our built heritage and reduce pressure for unnecessary new development.”

The MDA added that this scheme indicates that Malta needs a comprehensive approach to retrofitting and regeneration that goes beyond single-purpose grants.