Malta’s Sinking Homes: A Nightmare for Homeowners

Imagine this: You’ve just bought your first home in Malta, the keys are yours, and you’re ready to start a new chapter. But as you step into your new property, the floor feels… squishy. The walls seem to be leaning at an odd angle. You’re not in a funhouse, you’re in your new home. Welcome to the world of Malta’s sinking houses.

The Sinking Syndrome

Malta’s unique geological makeup, a mix of limestone and clay, is the culprit behind this phenomenon. When water seeps into the clay, it expands, causing the ground to shift and structures to sink. This isn’t a new issue, but it’s one that’s increasingly affecting homeowners across the islands.

Take the case of Mr. and Mrs. Camilleri, who bought their dream home in Birkirkara just last year. “We noticed cracks in the walls soon after moving in,” Mrs. Camilleri told us. “But we thought it was just the house settling. Then the floor started to slope, and we realized something was seriously wrong.”

A Systemic Problem

Malta’s Planning Authority (MPA) has been grappling with this issue for years. In 2019, they revealed that around 1,500 houses in Birkirkara alone were at risk of sinking. Other towns like Msida, Gzira, and even parts of Valletta are also affected.

But the problem isn’t just about existing homes. New developments are also at risk. In 2020, a block of luxury apartments in Msida had to be evacuated due to fears of subsidence. The developer, who had invested millions in the project, is now facing a legal battle.

What’s Being Done?

The MPA has been working on a national strategy to tackle subsidence. This includes stricter building regulations, better mapping of affected areas, and even plans to raise some streets by up to a meter.

But for homeowners like the Camilleris, these are long-term solutions that don’t help their immediate problem. They’ve had to move out of their home and are now facing hefty repair bills. “We feel like we’ve been sold a dream that’s turned into a nightmare,” Mr. Camilleri said.

Dr. Joseph Galea Debono, a geologist at the University of Malta, believes more needs to be done. “We need to invest in better geological surveys before construction starts. We also need to educate the public about this issue. It’s not just about buying a house, it’s about buying the ground it stands on.”

For now, the Camilleris are left with a home that’s more hole than house. But they’re not giving up. “We bought this house because we love Malta,” Mrs. Camilleri said. “We’re not going to let this beat us. We’ll fix it, and we’ll stay.”