Maltese Man Perfectly Describes The Harsh Reality Facing Youths Trying To Buy A Home For The First Time
A Maltese man broke down the harsh reality the average Maltese young adult is facing when trying to buy their own place in Malta, and it really hit home, garnering hundreds of shares in mere hours.
Damjan Attard broke down just what Maltese youth are facing when they try to get a loan and buy a place of their own with the meagre wages most people are getting on the island.
His rant has gone viral, with commentators saying he had captured exactly what so many young adults are going through
“Youths between the ages of 25 and 30, working full-time, that have a wage of between €1,000 and €1,400 a month plus a part time job, are going to a bank for a loan, and the bank is giving them €85,000 to €100,000 (if they are lucky).”
“That’s enough to buy a garage. Not only that, but to make them even more worried, the bank will tell them the more time passes (30+) the higher the chances are that they can forget getting a loan. If you are over 35, and you aren’t making at least €2,500 a month, forget buying a place. You’d be better of thinking about emigrating if you want a roof over your head.”
“This isn’t just a few people we are talking about; these are the wages of the many people who offer services like education, health, and social support in our country. It’s no surprise so few people are interested in these sectors. We’ve ended up without teachers, without nurses, carers… and it’s no surprise.”
“This is the reality that many youths are facing today, and it will only get worse going forward. It’s no surprise that there’s been an increase in youths living outside, in their garage or in a car. Before, we were worried that you’d end up without a job and you’d need to go to social services so they help you for a bit until you found your feet…”
“Now, our youths are working, but they’ve remained in the same place.”
“Actually, they need to beg for help. What could be worse than having a full-time job and still having to beg?”
“The security of having a roof over our heads is essential for any society that aims to be the best. Security in our lives mean stronger relationships, less mental health, less criminality, and a right to all those who exist in the world, let alone those you work hard and excel.”
“This is an injustice against our future generations. And no, sending a young adult to beg at social services to buy a house when this person works full time is not a solution!”
His on-point rant received hundreds of shares in mere hours, leading him to post a follow-up explaining his reasoning
“I didn’t expect my post to touch so many people. I spoke from a personal experience. Not mine, because I am 38-years-old, with an annual wage of less than €13,000 a year, I’ve long since given up on buying a place.
“But when you see friends, and people close to you, who are just beginning life and who are working and who should be thinking of the future, instead are left crying or stressed out over an injustice like this, you can’t stay silent.”
Malta’s housing situation has become increasingly problematic for many Maltese youths who are trying to acquire their first homes, with house prices as well as rental prices shooting sky high in recent years.
Cover photo: Travel Tom
Do you agree with Damjan’s assessment of the current housing situation?
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