The value of Malta’s dwellings has surged from €30 billion to €88 billion over the past decade, fuelled mainly by speculation and limited land supply, according to a National Statistics Office analysis. While developers often blame rising construction costs for increasing prices, the NSO shows land values have grown far faster. Construction costs rose from €5.6 billion in 2014 to €14.6 billion in 2024, a €9 billion increase of 160 per cent. Yet the under lying land value jumped by €49.1 billion, up 200 per cent, climbing from €24.6 billion to €73.7 billion in the same period. The findings underline how land scarcity, rather than construction costs, has driven Malta’s soaring property market. (Maltatoday)
Sliema Police Operation Targets Illegal Residents
A large-scale operation by the Sliema Community Police, supported by detention services and immigration officers, has led to the detention of several individuals found homeless and staying illegally in Malta. In a Facebook post, the Sliema Local Council said the inspections uncovered a number of people living without legal status, some of whom had been the subject of multiple reports of harassment. Authorities confirmed that those detained will face deportation, while others identified as homeless and living illegally as vagabonds were arrested and will face court proceedings. The Council stressed that the action followed growing concerns from residents about safety and public order in the locality. (The Malta Independent)
MTA claims Blue Lagoon visitors decreased
The busiest day at Comino’s Blue Lagoon this summer saw 68% fewer visitors compared to last year’s peak, according to the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The new booking system, introduced in May, caps attendance at 4,000 concurrent visitors, with three daily slots: 8am–1pm, 1.30pm–5.30pm, and 6pm–10pm. Each booking generates a unique QR code to be presented on arrival. On 22 August, the site’s busiest day, numbers peaked at 3,830 visitors, far below the 12,000 recorded simultaneously in summer 2024. MTA said the average turnout was 1,979 visitors per time slot, with only 34 of 189 slots exceeding 3,000. The system aims to boost sustainability at the Natura 2000 site. Other measures included extending the swimming zone and assigning 12 daily cleaners to waste management. (Times of Malta)
