The Foundation for Affordable Housing is a Maltese social enterprise established through a public deed between the Government of Malta and the Archdiocese of Malta on 13 January 2022. It was created to address the gap between conventional social housing and market-priced homes, focusing on individuals, couples and families whose incomes are too high to qualify for social housing but insufficient to purchase or rent suitable accommodation independently.311
The Foundation operates within Malta’s housing market and is described by the Maltese Government as a collaboration between the state and the Archdiocese.15 Its activities include housing development, residential leasing and the design of financial instruments intended to improve access to adequate housing.15 The organisation also produces research and policy publications on housing affordability and Malta’s middle-income population.412
One of its first financial products was LoanUP, launched with APS Bank to provide more favourable borrowing conditions for prospective homeowners and reduce part of the interest burden faced by first-time buyers.10 In 2025, Parliament approved the transfer of public land to the Foundation for affordable housing projects aimed at lower-middle-income earners.3 A related project covers approximately 260 homes in Ħal Kirkop, Fgura, St Julian’s and Marsaskala, with homes intended to be sold at about 30% below market value to eligible individuals and couples.13
The Foundation’s governing council is chaired by Ambassador Roberto Buontempo, with Dominic Sciberras as Secretary General and Rose-Anne Abdilla as treasurer.2 Dr Jake Azzopardi has served as Chief Executive since May 2023 and manages the organisation’s day-to-day operations.2 Its headquarters are in Birkirkara, Malta, at the Vision Exchange building in the Central Business District.14