Updated 1300
New Airbnb rules would affect three-quarters of Malta’s licenced holiday homes: Up to 75% of licensed holiday homes in Malta and Gozo could be affected by proposed regulations requiring condominium neighbours’ consent for short-term rental licenses. Malta has over 6,000 licensed holiday homes, mostly apartments, concentrated in hotspots like Sliema, St Julian’s, and St Paul’s Bay. However, studies suggest nearly half of Malta’s 10,000 properties on Airbnb and VRBO operate without a license. Gozo, with fewer apartment-based rentals, may face less impact. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) proposal aims to address issues like noise and littering in tourist areas, drawing mixed reactions. While the government opposes bans like Barcelona’s, stakeholders remain divided on whether the rules are too restrictive or insufficiently robust.
Over two-thirds of builders fail theory exam for licence: Seven out of 10 masons failed a newly revamped theory exam for a builder’s licence, despite decades of experience. Of 183 candidates, fewer than 60 passed. With no resit options, failed applicants must wait months to reapply. The updated exam, overseen by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), tests health and safety, construction law, geometry, and concrete technology. Critics, including the builders’ association (ABK), argue that the format confused applicants, many of whom lacked prior exam experience, and that the process lacks transparency. Induction sessions were poorly communicated, leaving some excluded. The ABK called for clearer exam requirements, resit options, and feedback, while the BCA stressed the importance of raising industry standards.
Mellieħa sewage treatment plant to expand in response to population growth: The Mellieħa sewage treatment plant will triple its capacity to meet rising demand from population growth and tourism. Plans by the Water Services Corporation propose expanding the Ċumnija Wastewater Treatment Plant to handle 20,000 cubic meters daily, up from 6,700, serving 121,000 residents until 2040. The upgrade includes a new treatment unit, underground pipelines, and advanced Membrane Bioreactor technology for better pollutant removal and increased “new water” production for agriculture. The project, encroaching on agricultural land, lies near Natura 2000 sites, raising concerns about noise, light, and operational impacts. While the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) supports the project, it recommends mitigation measures and further studies to address potential ecological risks.
Morning Briefing
SiGMA generated €100 m over three days – PM
The iGaming conference SiGMA generated €100 million for Malta’s economy over its three-day duration, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday. While acknowledging the traffic congestion it caused, particularly on the first day, Abela argued that the solution lies in investing in a larger conference centre capable of hosting 30,000 quality tourists, rather than driving such events out of the country. “This is money that benefits people directly—not to mention the income it brought for hairdressers, equipment setup teams, chauffeurs, hoteliers, and restaurant owners, among others,” he said. Abela made these remarks during a Labour event in Msida, where he criticised the Nationalist Party’s proposed solutions, describing them as populist, ineffective, and a threat to the country’s economic growth.
PN leader accuses PM of double standards
The government has become synonymous with fraud, Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech stated during a political event on Sunday. Grech criticised the leadership and governance of Prime Minister Robert Abela, accusing him of applying “double standards.” He pointed out that while former AWAS CEO Joseph Baldacchino faced court and was found guilty of embezzling public funds, Ministers Clayton Bartolo and Clint Camilleri “continue to be shielded by Abela despite misusing public funds.” Referring to the Amanda Muscat consultancy scandal, Grech highlighted that Justice Minister Jonathan Attard and Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul both endorsed the Standards Commissioner’s report, demonstrating their agreement with its conclusions. (The Malta Independent)
Property prices in Grand Harbour region decline – study
Demand for residential and office space in the Grand Harbour region is falling, with asking prices continuing to decline. Meanwhile, retail rental costs have surged, doubling over the past year, according to a new report by KPMG released this week. The report highlights a mixed picture for the area, which is bucking broader trends in some aspects. Property prices in Malta’s other five regions have recovered from last year’s slight dip, now showing modest increases. These range from a 1% rise in Gozo to a 12% jump in the north-west areas of Malta. However, a finished apartment in the Grand Harbour towns—such as Valletta, Floriana, and Cottonera—now costs €2,795 per square metre, nearly €1,000 less than in 2022. This marks a drop of more than 25% in asking prices over the past two years, suggesting that estate agents in the region are struggling to attract buyers at current rates. (Times of Malta)
