Towards alternative housing models : housing solutions through policy design

Abstract

Inspired to further develop my M.Arch design thesis which explores the provision of housing through alternative housing models, the dissertation looks at housing policies which outline housing solutions in Malta. As will be discussed in the literature review, the current housing solutions to the ever-present issue of housing in Malta fall into 3 main categories; house ownership, the private rented sector (PRS) and social housing. The dissertations finds that subsidized government housing cannot cater for all the population who require it in its current format, and the current financial inflationary period will undoubtedly leave part of society priced out, due to the rising cost-of-living. The study mainly explores current local housing schemes as offered by the Maltese Housing Authority and the UNECE Housing2030 policies. This was carried out qualitatively, taking a reflexive approach, to identify gaps which could inform Malta’s vision for better housing policy. The study mainly finds that these gaps do actually exist and the housing schemes are only a bandaid solution which standalone do not manage to bridge the gap. These housing gaps have serious implications and the data shows that as time passes, these shortcomings will widen and more households will be affected. Through these findings, the aim of the dissertation research is to explore and identify tried and tested solutions established in countries across the UN bloc as laid out by the UNECE Housing 2030 tool-kit document. These solutions outlined could be the start of a shift towards alternative housing models such as co-housing and housing co-operatives, which could function in the Maltese local context to better serve the ever-changing makeup of the households. The essay also seeks to establish a solid foundation of information, on which further studies can be made in this critical subject.