Over 1,300 building licences issued, 'hundreds' more awaiting approval
Construction sector reforms under the spotlight at engineering summit in Malta
More than 1,300 building licences have already been issued under Malta's new mandatory contractor licensing regime, with "hundreds more" in the approval process, the Minister for the Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard said.
These licences are subject to independent monitoring and periodic renewal to ensure accountability. The licensing requirment came into effect towards the end of 2023, initiating a process through which applicants were required to register, submit the necessary documentation, and meet specific criteria before being granted a licence.
"For the first time in history, this system ensures that both operators and individuals carrying out construction-related activities — including excavation, demolition, and building — are legally required to hold a valid licence. As a result, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will have, for the first time, a comprehensive and transparent record of all those operating within the sector," Attard said.
Addressing the first edition of SHARE Malta, an international forum uniting architecture and engineering professionals from across Europe, the minister highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to raise standards across the construction industry with major reforms proposed to improve safety, professionalism and sustainability.
“Over the past year, as a ministry, we worked tirelessly to bring together various stakeholders in this sector – from planning and design to construction, regulation, and market operations,” Attard said, noting that all efforts were aligned with the national Malta Vision 2050 framework.
Among the reforms mentioned, Attard pointed to the introduction of mandatory licensing for contractors and builders.
He also highlighted an agreement to introduce Malta’s first National Building and Construction Code, which will regulate structural safety, energy use, accessibility, site operations, and environmental performance.
In line with a broader commitment to quality and ethics, a new Property Agency will serve as a dedicated regulator for the property sector, promoting transparency and consumer protection.
Financial incentives under the 'Ixtri Proprjetà Sostenibbli' (Buy Sustainable Property) scheme are also being offered to buyers of energy-efficient homes, supporting a more climate-resilient built environment.
Architecture and the built environment must serve the common good, creating spaces that promote well-being.
"Malta Vision 2050, along with the legislative reforms we are implementing as a government, all testify to how deeply this government believes in a construction sector that is sustainable and that respects both environmental and economic goals,” the minister said.