Paul Attard is a leading figure in real estate development for more than two decades and has recently founded PLAN Group. PLAN Group proudly emerges as one of the successors of GAP Group, continuing a legacy of excellence. PLAN Group inherits the vast experience, knowledge, and commitment to quality that GAP was known for in Malta’s real estate market. Rooted in this strong foundation, PLAN Group brings the same dedication, professionalism, and reliability. The group offers residential homes as well as elderly care homes.

From his offices in a renovated 300-year-old farmhouse showcasing particular attention to quality and detail, Mr Attard together with his team manages PLAN Group’s operations, ranging from the development and finishing of new homes to the running of two care homes for the elderly.

Mr Attard is very much involved in the day-to-day activity of the Group. Quickly at ease, he hints at the family spirit throughout the office, evidently witnessed between colleagues. This same outlook is transmitted through the approachable style afforded to those seeking the Group’s services. He notes how PLAN Group seeks to be “in sync with clients”, well beyond the conclusion of agreements and the significant milestone of handing over the keys to a property.

Clearly on top of his companies’ operations, Mr Attard succinctly reflects on a Group that is growing at a steady pace, offering innovation in the sectors it is involved in, while remaining grounded to deliver according to client expectations.

A case in point are the care homes, where advances in this field are constantly implemented to ensure a comfortable environment for residents. A minute detail perhaps, but in this age almost a necessity, Mr Attard notes that fibre-optic and networking cables are integrated into the homes, easing the transition for clients in their everyday lives. He continues that there is a focus on quality throughout, including on the outdoor space designed for the homes, besides a comprehensive list of other elements of care that are afforded by the Group.

“Relatives of residents are considered as clients as well,” Mr Attard remarks, signalling at this concept of a wider family that the Group embraces in its various functions. And the high standard of service that is being delivered, translates into substantial demand. Mr Attard notes that the Porziuncola home, only open since November 2023, is already fully occupied. The 400-strong team dedicated to the care homes, headed by Jackie Camilleri, also operates another residence in Naxxar that has been open for a good number of years.

This strong focus on quality is also prioritised when it comes to the development of new residential properties. Divulging that “first-time buyers are a main client group”, he highlights that PLAN Homes seeks to offer “quality at reasonable prices, attentive to maintaining affordability and the price ratio involved”. Keenly aware of the current trends concerning residences, especially following the pandemic, Mr Attard reiterates the Group’s willingness to be synchronised with client requirements.

Denoting its heritage, PLAN Homes is one of the successors of GAP Homes, “continuing a legacy of excellence” with solid foundations marked by long-standing experience and knowledge as well as underlined by a commitment to quality. Continuing this tradition, PLAN Homes conveys the same spirit, one that Mr Attard asserts is marked by “dedication, professionalism, and reliability.”

The Group has several completed residences that give an indication to prospective clients of what they can look forward to, such as those in Mellieħa, Mosta and Iklin. Currently, PLAN is working on several new projects, including in Mellieħa with around 109 apartments that Mr Attard notes are set to be of a high standard and estimated to be completed within the next 30 months. 203 units expected to be concluded in Qajjenza within 36 months, and in Qawra, a further 200 units are set to be finished in two and a half years. This last venture presents a good opportunity for first-time buyers and for rental investors, adds Mr Attard.

Covering various segments of the real estate market, the range of projects undertaken reflect a balance that Mr Attard specifically manages to have, with a good spread across the sector. This is an in-built philosophy of the PLAN Group, ensuring that the business aspect remains sustainable throughout, mitigating investment risks, and encapsulating Mr Attard’s preference for a steady approach.

In the context of an industry that has been going at full throttle for the past years, Mr Attard places an emphasis on adherence to the estimated completion times. This assurance allows better planning prospects for all parties involved. And with the experience that Mr Attard at its helm demonstrates, it is a good indicator of a Group that really knows its business.

A client “buys a home, not a house”, Mr Attard firmly notes, continuing that this entails a degree of individualisation on their part in line with individual choices. PLAN Homes seeks to cater for this, while also considering elements that retain the quality and affordability of the project. Indeed, Mr Attard explains that PLAN Homes maintains a flexible approach, while incorporating the input of designers to their finalised project for the client.

Judging from the attention to detail afforded to the renovated and modernised farmhouse that now serves as the Group’s offices, with a subtle hint of beauty added to the working environment, one can see where PLAN Group wants to lead in the sector. “Ensuring that the customer experience is a pleasant one” remains at the forefront of the company’s endeavours, elaborates Mr Attard. The Group also provides a structured workflow and a dedicated team to follow up with clients, keeping in mind that “clients have invested substantial resources on their new homes”, Mr Attard is quick to add with a down-to-earth perspective.

PLAN Group’s proposition, with PLAN Homes and PLAN Care, makes it of particular interest to the local scenario. Discussing with Mr Attard, one can easily envision why the Group is addressing these sectors with a strong focus on quality and care.

He pragmatically notes that the baby boomer generation will, in ten to fifteen years’ time, require more from retirement homes, and he sees this happening currently, but believes that in the coming years there will be a greater emphasis on quality care for the elderly. In this regard, PLAN Care is already optimised for such adjustments, and is constantly seeking to implement advances in this area.

Regarding real estate, Mr Attard notes a drive to renovate the property market, highlighting the more sought-after energy efficiency in the finished home and a push to headhunt for skilled workmanship, while observing that there is a “positive outlook for the market for those who are able to address the challenges”.

Mr Attard’s acumen in the sector is well-known – he has established himself as a leading figure on the local scene and under his direction the PLAN Group is positioning itself to address several current and future needs. Whether investing in a home or requesting for care throughout the twilight years, Mr Attard’s goals are very clear: to closely reflect client requirements and deliver the best solutions possible.