Home Ownership in Malta Plunging — Rentals Surge in Parallel
Home Ownership in Malta is Declining — Renting on the Rise
Malta’s housing landscape is shifting. New figures show that fewer people are owning their homes, while more households are turning to renting as their primary housing option.
Homeownership Drops, Rentals Surge
Homeownership in Malta has traditionally been strong, but that’s rapidly changing. In just one year, the number of households who own their home has dropped significantly, while the rental market has nearly doubled in size compared to five years ago.
Today, nearly one in three households in Malta are renting — a significant increase that highlights how the rental market is no longer limited to younger or single individuals. Families with children are also turning to rental homes at unprecedented rates.
Families Renting More Than Owning
One of the most notable shifts is among families. A few years ago, the majority of families with children owned their home. Now, more families are renting than owning. This trend reflects broader economic and social changes, where affordability and flexibility are influencing how people live.
Fewer Mortgage-Free Homes
Not only are fewer people buying property, but those who do are increasingly relying on mortgages. The number of households who fully own their homes without debt has decreased sharply over the past decade. This means more people are locked into long-term financial commitments — a potential pressure point, especially in uncertain economic conditions.
Apartments and Maisonettes Dominate
For those still entering the property market, apartments and maisonettes have become the most common choices. These housing types now make up the majority of purchased homes, pointing toward denser, more urban living arrangements that are more affordable and accessible.
Crowding and Living Standards
Alongside these changes, more households are reporting issues with overcrowding and dissatisfaction with their living conditions. Complaints about pollution, noise, and cramped spaces are rising, especially in urban areas. As Malta becomes more densely populated, these quality-of-life concerns are becoming harder to ignore.
What This Means for the Market
These shifts have major implications for the property market in Malta:
Rental demand is here to stay, making it a strong sector for investment.
Affordability challenges are reshaping buyer behaviour, with more people priced out of the traditional path to homeownership.
Urban planning and housing supply need to keep pace with changing needs, particularly for families and lower-income groups.
Policy makers may need to act, whether through incentives for buyers, support for renters, or strategies to improve housing quality and affordability.
This transition isn’t necessarily negative — it reflects a more dynamic and flexible housing market. But it does signal that expectations around owning a home in Malta are evolving. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or renter, understanding these trends is key to making smart property decisions in today’s market.