This is a report based on the National Statistic Office Census of Population and Housing 2021

The Maltese property market has experienced remarkable growth over the last decade, driven by a thriving economy. This report delves into the findings of the National Statistic Office’s Census of Population and Housing 2021, which is conducted once every ten years. The 2021 Census report which was published on September 2023, reveals significant changes in dwelling characteristics, reflecting the evolving housing landscape in Malta.

Dwelling Stock Growth
In 2021, Malta boasted a total of 297,304 dwellings, marking a substantial increase of 32.8 percent (73,454 dwellings) since the previous Census in 2011. This rapid growth, averaging 7,345 dwellings per year over the last decade, is the largest intercensal growth recorded to date. This contrasts starkly with the period before 2021 when the average growth rate between censuses was only 2,068 dwellings, with the most significant growth observed between 2011 and 2005, at 5,256 dwellings per year. Over the past century, the dwelling stock has more than quadrupled, from 68,485 dwellings in 1921 to 297,304 in 2021.

Primary and Secondary Residences
Out of the total dwellings, 215,691 (approximately 72.6 percent) were classified as main residential dwellings, with the remaining 81,613 serving as secondary, seasonally used, or vacant properties. This indicates a slight decrease in secondary, seasonally used, or vacant dwellings compared to primary residences. Primary residences grew by 41.2 percent, whereas secondary, seasonally used, or vacant dwellings increased by 14.8 percent during the past decade.

Type of Dwellings
The distribution of dwelling types has evolved significantly over the last ten years. Flats and penthouses now constitute the majority at 52.7 percent, followed by terraced houses at 22.7 percent and maisonettes at 19.8 percent. This marks a shift from the 2011 Census, where terraced houses held the largest share at 34.4 percent. Presently, flats and penthouses dominate as primary residences (48.4 percent), followed by maisonettes (23.9 percent), with terraced houses constituting 22.7 percent. Maisonettes have the highest proportion (87.5 percent) used as main residences.

Number and Citizenship of Dwelling Members
The average number of occupants in main residential dwellings stands at 2.4, with a noticeable trend towards single-member households, accounting for one-third of the total. Two-member households make up an equivalent percentage, while the remainder consists of three or four-member households.
Approximately 23.8 percent of main residential units were inhabited by non-Maltese residents, with 4.2 percent being shared by both Maltese and non-Maltese residents. Among Maltese residents, flats or penthouses were the most popular (36.7 percent), followed by terraced houses (29.2 percent) and maisonettes (28.4 percent). However, non-Maltese residents had a different pattern, with a significant 82.0 percent residing in flats or penthouses, 11.3 percent occupying maisonettes, and 4.3 percent living in terraced houses.

Tenure Status
Regarding tenure status, approximately 74.6 percent of Maltese individuals owned their primary residences, while more than half of non-Maltese residents (52.8 percent) rented their homes furnished, and 41.4 percent owned them freehold.

In conclusion, the 2021 Census of Population and Housing paints a dynamic picture of Malta’s dwelling characteristics, highlighting substantial growth in dwelling stock, shifting preferences in dwelling types, and varying tenure statuses among residents, including a notable distinction between Maltese and non-Maltese residents. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the Maltese housing market as it continues to evolve.

Written by: Prasad Koswattage – Head of Marketing