The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, launched the new national scheme Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ, which will be open to properties located within Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) throughout Malta and Gozo.
This scheme, which will be rolled out across six regions, has been allocated a total of €30 million.
The first phase of the scheme is opening for the Western Region, which includes localities such as Mdina, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Siġġiewi, Ħad-Dingli, Ħal Kirkop, Imqabba, Qrendi, Rabat, Ħal Safi and Żurrieq.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated, “Through this new scheme we are continuing to invest in our historical and cultural heritage, in residents’ quality of life, and in the conservation of buildings that make our localities unique. ‘Restore Your Home and Village’ not only helps preserve these buildings, but is also a direct investment in our communities, in every region of Malta and Gozo, ensuring that our architectural identity continues to be preserved and appreciated by future generations.”
The scheme will open gradually until it covers all six regions of the Maltese Islands. It opens on 28 January 2026, for the Western Region; in February 2026 for the Southern Region; in March 2026 for the Gozo Region; in April 2026 for the Harbour Region; in May 2026 for the Northern Region; and in June 2026 for the Eastern Region.
Executive Chairman of the Planning Authority, Johann Buttigieg, said, “With this scheme, we are once again reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding the architectural heritage and identity of Maltese and Gozitan villages, thereby continuing to strengthen our communities for future generations and ensuring that this scheme achieves the results we aspire to. We are pleased that this scheme applies not only to private residences but also to buildings that host non-governmental organisations, which play a crucial role at the heart of every community.”
This initiative is designed to further encourage the restoration and preservation of architectural heritage within Urban Conservation Areas and to provide substantial financial assistance to property owners.
In fact, the maximum funding per beneficiary was stipulated to be as follows:
- Up to €15,000 for buildings within Urban Conservation Areas
- Up to €100,000 for Grade 1 buildings within a UCA
- Up to €50,000 for Grade 2 buildings within a UCA
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that through this scheme, the Government is continuing to strengthen its commitment to preserving the cultural identity of our communities, promoting urban regeneration, and boosting the local economy through direct investment in properties and restoration works.
Over the past 30 years, the Planning Authority has allocated more than €33 million through schemes of this type or similar ones, and through this scheme, a further €30 million will be allocated within six months. Since 2017, there have been more than 4,000 submissions.
This scheme is open to those who own buildings within Urban Conservation Areas and applies not only to private residences but also to buildings hosting non-governmental organisations, commercial buildings, and churches that are a crucial part of the heart of every community.
The Planning Authority shared how the funding will be divided between regions: €4.5 million was allocated to the Western Region, €5 million to the South Region, €1.5 million to Gozo, €9 million to the Grand Harbour Area, €3.5 million to the North Region, and €6.5 million to the East Region.