Buying Your First Home in Malta: Key Schemes Explained by PLAN Homes

Owning your first home is an exciting milestone. With the right guidance and the right property, it can also be a smooth and rewarding journey. In Malta, a number of support schemes exist to help first-time buyers take this important step and understanding how they work is key to making informed decisions.

At PLAN Homes, we work closely with buyers to explain their options clearly and help them move forward with confidence. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Equity Sharing Scheme and the 10% Deposit Payment Scheme, and explain how PLAN Homes supports buyers throughout the process.

Equity Sharing Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Equity Sharing Scheme?

The Equity Sharing Scheme is a support mechanism administered by the Housing Authority that allows eligible buyers to purchase a home by sharing the cost of the property. Under this arrangement, the buyer pays 50% of the property price, while the remaining 50% is funded by the Housing Authority and repaid over time.

The government’s contribution is interest-free and spread over 20 years, making ownership more accessible and predictable from a financial planning perspective.

2. Who can apply for the Equity Sharing Scheme?

The scheme is open to applicants aged 25 years and over, following a recent extension to include younger buyers. This makes it particularly relevant for individuals who are early in their careers and planning their first long-term home.

Separated individuals purchasing a new home are also eligible under enhanced conditions.

3. What property values are eligible under the scheme?

The Equity Sharing Scheme allows the Housing Authority to purchase up to 50% of a property, up to €200,000 for most applicants, reducing the bank loan required. Buyers aged 25 and over can acquire their share first, with the remaining share purchased from the Housing Authority later as

their financial situation improves. For separated individuals buying a new home, the maximum property value under the scheme is €350,000.

4. How does repayment work?

The Housing Authority’s share of the property is repaid over a 20-year period, without interest. This structured approach helps buyers manage their finances more comfortably while building long-term security in their own home.

5. Why do buyers consider the Equity Sharing Scheme?

Many buyers choose this option because it:

• Reduces the size of the bank loan required
• Offers long-term, interest-free repayment on part of the property value
• Creates a more balanced and achievable path to ownership

When paired with the right property and professional guidance, it can be an effective way to enter the market with confidence.

10% Deposit Payment Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 10% Deposit Payment Scheme?

The 10% Deposit Payment Scheme is designed to support first-time buyers at the early stage of purchasing a home. Instead of paying the deposit upfront from personal savings, eligible buyers can finance this amount through a structured personal loan.

2. Who is eligible for the 10% Deposit Scheme?

The scheme applies to:

• First-time buyers
• Applicants aged 21 to 39
• Buyers purchasing a property as their primary residence

3. How does the scheme work?

Under this scheme:

• Buyers take a personal loan from a local bank to cover the 10% deposit
• The loan is repayable over 25 years
• The interest on that loan is covered under the scheme

In practical terms, buyers repay only the deposit amount itself, without additional interest costs. This can make the initial stages of buying a home more manageable and easier to plan for.

4. What is the current property value limit?

The maximum eligible property value under the 10% Deposit Payment Scheme has been increased to €250,000, widening the range of homes available to first-time buyers.

5. How does this scheme fit into the wider buying journey?

The 10% Deposit Scheme works best when combined with the right property choice and clear professional guidance. It forms part of a broader framework aimed at helping first-time buyers move from planning to ownership with greater clarity and confidence.

How PLAN Homes Supports First-Time Buyers

While support schemes can be helpful, navigating them correctly and understanding how they apply to your personal situation is essential. This is where PLAN Homes plays a central role.

We don’t just develop homes, we guide buyers through the entire decision-making process. When you work with PLAN Homes, you benefit from:

• Clear, personalised guidance on which schemes may apply to you
• Support in understanding eligibility requirements and documentation
• Homes designed with first-time buyers in mind, aligned with current scheme thresholds
• Practical assistance through our network of banks, notaries, and professionals
• For more information on government support and schemes that can help first-time buyers or investors, check out our guide: Support Schemes for Buying Your First Property in Malta.

Buying your first home should feel exciting and reassuring. At PLAN Homes, we focus on making the journey clear, structured, and well supported, so you can move forward with confidence.

Thinking about your first home? Get in touch with PLAN Homes today and let us help you take the next step towards owning a home that’s right for you.