Updated 0930
Youths’ Home Loans Jump 32% as Property Prices Surge: Young people in Malta are taking on significantly higher home loans, with Central Bank data showing the median loan for 18–25-year-olds rose 32% from €162,900 in 2021 to €216,000 in 2024, an increase of over €53,000. An average of 427 youths annually secured property loans between 2021 and 2024. The 25–35 age group accounts for half of 2024’s 5,830 property loans, with median borrowing rising to €220,400. Rising prices are driving the trend, with property values up sharply since 2021. A KPMG study found affordability worsening, with minimum-wage couples able to afford just 2.2% of listings in 2025, increasing reliance on family support despite low default rates. (Times of Malta)
Malta Ranked World’s Second Most Congested Country: Malta has been named the world’s second most congested country in the latest TomTom Traffic Index, with a 45.1% congestion level in 2025, trailing Colombia and ranking first in Europe. Valletta drivers lost 94 hours to peak traffic last year, as average commute times increased further. Despite major road upgrades, high vehicle density—around 791 cars per 1,000 residents—continues to drive gridlock. Studies estimate congestion costs €274 million annually, potentially rising sharply by 2050. Critics argue infrastructure expansion has fuelled “induced demand,” while the government has prioritised road projects and free public transport over car-restriction measures. (Newsbook)
€2.5 Million Water and Sewage Upgrade Nears Completion in Birżebbuġa: A €2.5 million overhaul of the sewage and potable-water networks in Birżebbuġa has entered its final phase, with works in Triq il-Bajja s-Sabiħa now complete. The project included installing a new sewage main six metres underground, partly below sea level, to curb seawater infiltration that can damage treatment processes, alongside a new potable-water main. The upgrade, led by the Water Services Corporation following Enemalta cable works, aims to strengthen infrastructure and reduce disruption. Works have moved to Triq San Patrizju, with road resurfacing planned before summer. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
Tourism Surges as Malta Records 4 Million Visitors and €3.9 Billion Spend
Malta welcomed 4,022,310 inbound tourists in 2025, a 12.9% increase on the previous year, while total expenditure climbed by 18.6% to €3.9 billion, according to national statistics. Visitors spent 25.4 million nights on the islands, up 11%, with well over half travelling to Gozo and Comino. Speaking at a national tourism conference, Minister Ian Borg said Malta registered the sharpest rise in guest nights across the EU, far exceeding the 2% European average. Although overall growth moderated compared to 2024, off-peak months recorded a 19% increase, pointing to a stronger winter performance. Borg said the results reinforce the shift towards a lower-impact, higher-value tourism model aligned with Malta’s long-term strategy and Vision 2050 objectives. (Times of Malta)
Education Institute Unveils 2026–2030 Strategy
The Institute for Education has launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan following an extensive consultation process involving academics, educators, students and sector professionals. Built on four pillars ,strengthening professional capacity, expanding research and innovation, deepening partnerships, and ensuring sustainable governance – the strategy reinforces the institute’s role as a national hub for professional learning and system development. Chief Executive Joanne Grima described the plan as a practical roadmap centred on investing in people and widening programmes to support all professionals working in schools, including psychologists and other specialists. Education Minister Clifton Grima said the strategy will help translate Malta’s educational ambitions into concrete and sustainable outcomes, ensuring educators are equipped to respond effectively to emerging challenges and place students firmly at the heart of learning. (TVM News)
Insurers Call for Average Speed Cameras and Tougher Penalties
The Malta Insurance Association has called for the introduction of average speed cameras and stricter penalties for repeat offenders to deter drivers from treating Malta’s roads as “race tracks”. The association warned that the drop in speeding fines – from 43,761 in 2024 to 33,315 last year – does not necessarily indicate safer driving, as motorists often slow down near fixed cameras before accelerating once past them. Average speed cameras, which measure travel time between two points, would promote consistent compliance across entire stretches of road. The association also proposed clearer signage indicating random checks and progressive penalties for habitual offenders, arguing that meaningful enforcement is essential to reduce accidents and better protect all road users. (MaltatodaY)
