Construction as pseudo-development in Malta

Abstract

Alas, the Boathouse in Xlendi, Gozo, is no more. What will take its place will continue the transformation of this coastal locale into an unsightly jungle of stone and concrete, with hardly a beach between buildings and the sea. The ‘development as construction’ paradigm has become even more entrenched of late in Malta. The Maltese are risk averse, and they generally prefer to invest their savings into safe projects. And so nothing beats investing in property, whose value on this small island state with a large population density has historically never decreased. Recent changes in building regulations, which have allowed most home and property owners to erect two additional floors to their existing stock, have exacerbated the building boom.