Applications for the first-time buyers scheme are now open, Social and Affordable Accommodation Minister Roderick Galdes stated during a press conference.

The minister said that first-time buyers are able to apply for this scheme, which he said is giving first-time buyers €1,000 euro per year for ten years, for a total of €10,000. Galdes said that since the scheme's introduction in 2023, 4,909 first-time buyers have benefited from the scheme, and they will receive another €1,000 in June. He continued that these recipients are first-time buyers who purchased their property through a home loan in 2022 and 2023, meaning that around half have received their frist payment while the others have already received two payments.

The ministry stated that around 2,600 first-time buyers are eligible to benefit from the scheme for the first time this year after having purchased a property in 2024. It continued that around 64% of them have already applied, and encouraged those who have not yet applied to do so by the end of April by applying with the Housing Authority so that they are able to receive their first payment next June.

Galdes said that the investment made by this government on this scheme last year amounted to around €4.7 million, with the investment since the scheme's introduction to date exceeding €7 million. He remarked that this investment is continuing to increase the purchasing power of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

He continued that the first-time buyers scheme is not the only scheme that the Housing Authority is offering through which the purchasing power of the people is increasing. In this regard, he referred to a study carried out by the Housing Authority on this subject, from which he said it results that another scheme that many are applying for is the First Residence Grant. The ministry said that this scheme assists in the completion of the first property by providing financial assistance of up to a maximum of €5,824 to first-time buyers.

Galdes commented that the government has schemes that help families become homeowners, and other schemes that strengthen the purchasing power of families both in the first years after buying a property as well as with assistance later in their lives. He said that this is so that everyone has access to affordable and high-quality accommodation, which protects the dignity of people as well as addressing the particular needs of each family.

Housing Authority Chief Executive Matthew Zerafa said that the profile of first-time buyers is constantly evolving. He commented that from the applications the Housing Authority is receiving, it turns out that more than half of the applicants are choosing to buy a property on their own.

"The Housing Authority is making it a priority to ensure that families find sufficient support and opportunities to achieve their aspirations," Zerafa concluded.