Abela Announces Extension to First-Time Buyers Scheme for Separated Singles

· Updated

In brief

  • Malta's €10,000 First-Time Buyers Scheme will now extend to individuals who applied as a couple but became single before receiving the full grant.
  • Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the revision during a Sunday address, expanding on plans recently outlined by the housing ministry.
  • Abela credited national economic growth for enabling the continued financing of government support schemes for families and businesses.

The government is expanding Malta's €10,000 First-Time Buyers Scheme to support individuals who applied for the grant alongside a partner but subsequently separated before receiving their full entitlement.

Prime Minister Robert Abela outlined the policy update during a Sunday morning radio address, noting that the measure adapts to changes in beneficiaries' personal circumstances. The adjustment builds on a recent initiative announced by Minister for Lands and Social Housing Owen Bonnici.

Under the existing scheme, eligible first-time property buyers receive annual grant disbursements over a ten-year period. The new provisions aim to ensure individuals do not lose access to the remaining funds if a relationship ends during that timeframe.

Speaking during his address, Abela framed the policy adjustment around Malta's wider financial health, asserting that robust economic performance remains essential to fund public support initiatives.

He maintained that ongoing state support for families and local enterprises depends directly on maintaining economic stability and growth across key sectors.

The Spin Room

Low media divide. Coverage differed primarily in topical focus, with one outlet highlighting the housing policy details while the other reported on the broader economic rhetoric.

Updates

  • : Updated with additional details from MaltaToday and ONE News on how separating couples can split the €10,000 grant across two properties.

Sources (4)