Held by the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation, the first ‘Youths in Housing’ conference was held to give youth the space to voice their concerns about the reality they are experiencing in the property market. 

In association with the ‘Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ’ (KNZ), the conference initiated discussions based on various studies which were presented by several experts on the subject.

Speaking at the conference, Minister for Accommodation Roderick Galdes said that it is crucial to maintain an ongoing conversation with Malta’s youth so that the island’s politics can truly address their challenges. 

‘We have been closely monitoring the figures and conducting studies to understand the challenges that be when it comes to affordability in the past couple of months’ said Galdes. 

He highlighted how, following up on last years’ schemes to give homes to whoever it may be, the programmes will continue and take a particular focus on Malta’s youth. 

The Minister explained that in the past few years there has been collaboration between the government and the local banks and pointed to the fact that the majority of bank clients have changed from couples to singles. Many of these are approaching banks to become owners of their own homes and the age of these individuals is averaging at around 30 years. 

Speaking at the conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the importance of ‘Youth in Housing’ as it can help the government truly understand what the youth are experiencing on the market. 

‘The wish of many youths is that, one day, they can achieve a level of independence and have their own home. We have all undergone such sacrifices’ he said, and it is a journey which continues to change depending on the realities of today. 

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