According to statistics issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO), during the last quarter of 2025, a total of 3,487 new dwellings were approved. This is a massive 54.4% increase when compared to the same quarter of 2024.

These new dwellings fall under 597 building permits which were approved, with the NSO defining building permits as authorisations to initiate new building projects. 

Looking at the whole year, in 2025, 12,325 new dwellings were approved, a massive increase over the 8,716 approved in 2024.

It is a significant increase, especially in a country which is as small, and with such limited space, as Malta.

The majority of these new approved dwellings, in both years, were apartments and penthouses.

The sheer amount of permits indicates the appetite there is for investment in property.

This is also the result of rapid population growth, which itself is based on an economic model that relied on it.

But this level of development cannot be sustainable. Looking around at Malta's localities, densely built up areas are not well catered for in terms of infrastructure. Apartment blocks with narrow roads and not enough garages are problematic. Densely built localities face traffic issues, and in some cases drainage issues also. Will this situation repeat itself in other areas?

The way Malta has built up has led to homes and apartments in certain areas being in shadows for most times of day. Add on to that terrible planning policies which resulted in the uglification of areas due to poor design planning, and there is a recipe for ruining Malta's appeal in the long-term.

The economic model cannot continue to rely on increasing population numbers. Investment in research and technology, investment in sectors which require less manpower but offer high quality jobs must be the way forward. This must be coupled with educating and training the workforce to be able to take up those jobs.

Property prices are also high, making it hard for people to afford housing. How many people require government assistance in order to get or afford a home?

The public's awareness of Malta's lack of open space has risen over the years. People are more vocal about the issue. They want green space. They want parks. They want well designed areas. The politicians are now listening and making pushes in this regard.

But in order to reduce the intensification of development, it is not just parks that need to be created. The government has introduced measures to ensure that workers being attracted to Malta in certain sectors are needed, and to ensure that workers aren't being exploited, which is good.

But more forward looking planning is needed to really shift the economy towards more high paying jobs which require fewer workers. In addition, better policies leading to well-designed areas must be made a priority. An island filled with poorly planned construction will lead to more problems.