The Foundation for Affordable Housing is publishing a study: “Entryways to Homeownership” by Dr. Dylan Cassar. This comprehensive analysis takes a sociological angle and reveals the essential role of families in Malta’s housing system.

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The publication explores how family networks adapt strategies to facilitate homeownership amid rising property prices and evolving market conditions. The study can be found on affordablehousing.mt or can be accessed through this link https://shorturl.at/P8qCR

The study concludes that any discussion on housing affordability in Malta must consider the family’s role, as families often cushion the impact of rising property prices and affordability challenges. The distribution of housing-related support within families can also affect wealth and income inequality, influenced by demographic changes and intergenerational wealth transfers.

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In past decades, initiatives led by the state and Church significantly boosted homeownership in Malta by offering land at reduced prices and subsidising loans for home construction.

This was supplemented by family support in the form of financial and hands-on assistance, which was crucial in the construction of homes. However, today the landscape has shifted dramatically due to the depletion of undeveloped land and reduced direct involvement from the state and Church, leading to a reliance on family support, which exacerbates wealth inequality in access to housing.

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Recognising the urgent need to address these evolving challenges, the Foundation for Affordable Housing (FAH) plays a pivotal role in providing innovative solutions to improve housing affordability. FAH’s introduction of LoanUp, a programme offering subsidised loan rates, is a strategic response to the limited availability of affordable properties.

This initiative aims to reduce the barriers to access the housing market, thereby striving to balance the disparities caused by the current economic and social dynamics.

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The “Entryways to Homeownership” study underscores the indispensable role of family networks in Malta’s housing market, particularly amid escalating property prices and shifting economic conditions. It highlights the multifaceted support families provide, from financial aid to leveraging social connections, which significantly boosts homeownership rates.

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As Malta navigates these challenges, recognising and integrating the contributions of family networks into housing policy discussions will be crucial for fostering a more equitable and sustainable housing market.