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Home Ownership in Malta Plunging — Rentals Surge in Parallel
Home Ownership in Malta is Declining — Renting on the Rise
Published on 14 October 2025
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.