Home ownership overtakes Government rentals, Census reveals

The 2022 Census confirms that for the first time on record, more households in Gibraltar own their homes than live in Government-rented accommodation.

The census reports 5,787 owner-occupied households, making up almost 40% of homes in Gibraltar. By comparison, 4,798 households -  33.1% - live in Government-rented accommodation.

The shift is a housing milestone for Gibraltar. 

Back In 1970, almost everyone lived in rented accommodation. 

Just 3.5% of households owned their homes, while 60% lived in Government rentals.

Since then, there has been a gradual trend towards homeownership that is strongly linked to co-ownership housing schemes.

These schemes remain a significant feature today, accounting for 11.2% of households in 2022. 

With many families having moved into Hassan’s Centenary Terraces in recent years , and more soon to make Chatham Views their home - this figure will rise even higher.

The latest Census saw almost 2700 additional households recorded, compared to 2012 figures.

But because more homes are being built, the number of people living inside them is getting lower. 

The census shows the average household size fell from 4.1 people in 1970 to 2.6 in 2022.

Overcrowding has drastically reduced, with households reporting six or more people down to just 3%. 

While all major residential areas saw an increase in people living in them, the construction heavy North District experienced the fastest growth, with its population rising by over 50% in the 10 years from 2012.

There has also been notable growth in the Upper Town, driven by ongoing regeneration projects.

However, as of 2022, the reclamation areas continue to host the largest share of households.