Malta’s Sinking Dream Home: A Couple’s Nightmare

Imagine buying your dream home, signing the papers, moving in, and then watching it literally sink before your eyes. This isn’t a scene from a horror movie, but the reality for a Maltese couple who purchased a brand new apartment in Birkirkara. Their story has through Malta’s real estate scene, raising questions about construction standards and buyer protection.

Meet Mark and Lisa, a young couple who, like many Maltese, dreamt of owning their own home. In 2019, they bought a two-bedroom apartment in a newly constructed block on Triq il-Kbira, Birkirkara. The apartment was part of a modern, gated community, promising a safe and comfortable life. But their dream home has turned into a nightmare.

Within months of moving in, Mark and Lisa noticed cracks appearing on their walls. They dismissed it initially, attributing it to the settling process common in new buildings. But the cracks grew wider, and the apartment started to slope. It was then they realized something was seriously wrong. Their home was sinking.

Mark and Lisa immediately contacted the developers, who initially seemed cooperative. They promised to send engineers to assess the situation. But months passed, and nothing happened. The couple then turned to the Malta Developers Association (MDA), who assured them they were looking into the matter. Still, no concrete action was taken.

Desperate, Mark and Lisa reached out to the Building Regulation Office (BRO) and the Environmental Health Directorate. They were finally told that the apartment was indeed sinking, and the cause was likely poor construction and inadequate soil preparation. But by then, the apartment had sunk by over 10 centimeters, and the couple was living in constant fear of their home collapsing.

Mark and Lisa have since launched a court case against the developers, alleging negligence and breach of contract. They’re not alone in their fight. Other residents in the same block have reported similar issues, and some have already moved out, fearing for their safety.

The couple’s lawyer, Joseph Giglio, told Hot Malta, “This is a clear case of negligence. The developers should have ensured the soil was properly prepared and the construction was up to standard. Instead, they’ve left these people with a home that’s literally crumbling beneath them.”

The story of Mark and Lisa’s sinking home has sparked a national conversation about real estate buyer protection in Malta. Many are calling for stricter regulations, better enforcement, and more transparency in the construction process. Some are even suggesting a national registry of problematic properties.

Minister for the Environment, Climate Change, and Planning, Aaron Farrugia, told Hot Malta, “We’re looking into this matter urgently. We want to ensure that no one else falls victim to such a tragic situation. We’re considering all options, including stricter regulations and better enforcement.”

Meanwhile, Mark and Lisa continue to live in their sinking apartment, too afraid to leave and too broke to move. They’re fighting for justice, but they’re also fighting for their home. Because despite everything, it’s still their home. And no one should have to watch their home sink into the ground.