A total of 3,357 applications for the redemption of the lease of properties formerly held by the church, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said.
Replying to Jason Azzopardi, Dr Borg said that an applicant does not pay any upfront deposit.
A number of applications still await processing while as regards a number of other properties the Joint Office is still awaiting details from the church.
Rising on a supplementary question, Dr Alfred Sant urged the speeding up of the procedures which can also become added revenue for government.
Dr Borg explained the process and said all efforts are being made to speed up the process.