Accommodation Malta

Searching for accommodation

Online platforms

Airbnb: An international platform offering a variety of accommodation options—from private rooms to entire homes; suitable for both short-term and long-term rentals.

Booking.com: A well-known booking service providing a wide selection of apartments and flats in Malta. Options are available for both short-term and long-term stays.

Flatio: Specializes in monthly rentals of furnished apartments; offers transparent rental conditions without a deposit, making it attractive for those looking for medium-term accommodation.

Realting.com: Provides current listings for long-term property rentals in Malta.

Tranio: An international real estate broker offering rentals of luxury villas and homes in Malta; specializes in short-term rentals of high-class properties, making it suitable for those seeking luxury accommodations for a vacation.

When choosing a platform for renting accommodation in Malta, it is recommended to consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences, as well as carefully study the rental conditions and reviews from previous tenants.

Real estate agencies: Local agencies can offer a wide range of options and assist with document processing. However, their services usually come with a commission fee.

Types of rental

Short-term rental: Suitable for tourists, students in short courses, or temporary workers. The rental term is usually up to 6 months. It's important to note that such agreements have their own specifics. For example, the first month is mandatory for the tenant, and subsequent termination requires a week's notice via registered mail.

Long-term rental: Intended for those planning to live in Malta for more than a year. The standard term of such an agreement is 1 year or more. In 1-year agreements, the first 6 months are mandatory for the tenant, after which termination is possible with a one-month notice. If the agreement is for 3 years or more, the first 12 months are mandatory, and subsequent termination requires a 3-month notice.

In Malta, a rental or purchase agreement plays a key role in resolving a number of administrative and legal issues.

Obtaining a residence permit

To apply for a residence permit in Malta, it is necessary to confirm the availability of housing. This is confirmed by providing a rental or purchase agreement: the rented property must be for a term of at least 6 months, with no minimum price requirements. Moreover, from September 2024, a requirement for notarized rental agreements for residence permit applications will be introduced, emphasizing the importance of the legal validity of the documents provided.

Obtaining a tax number

To obtain a tax number in Malta, proof of residence address is also required. A rental or purchase agreement serves as the main document confirming your presence in the country. This allows tax authorities to verify your connection with Malta and determine tax status.

Registration with a doctor

When registering with a doctor or medical institution in Malta, proof of residence address is usually required. A rental or purchase agreement can serve as such proof, ensuring access to medical services and the proper documentation of medical records.

Other administrative procedures

Opening a bank account: Banks often require proof of address to open an account.

Vehicle registration: Proof of residence may be required when registering a car.

Obtaining a driver's license: Proof of residence may be needed to apply for local driving licenses.

Recommendations

Legal review: Before signing a rental or purchase agreement, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer to ensure the document meets all requirements.

Agreement registration: Ensure the rental agreement is registered with the relevant authorities, such as the Housing Authority of Malta, confirming its legitimacy.

Comply with terms: Pay attention to minimum rental terms, especially if planning to obtain a residence permit or other permissions.

Types of rental properties

Apartments: The most common type of housing, offering various options from small studios to spacious multi-bedroom apartments.

Maisonettes: Part of a large house with a separate entrance, often including a garage and utility rooms.

Villas: Detached houses with their own plot, sometimes featuring a pool and garden, offering a high level of comfort.

Furnishing and Equipment

Most rental properties in Malta are fully furnished and equipped with necessary household appliances. However, the quality and condition of the furniture may vary:

Antique furniture: If the property includes valuable or antique furniture, this may increase the rental cost by 10–15%. In such cases, an additional agreement is often concluded to regulate the terms of its use and preservation.

Condition of furniture: If the furniture is not new or shows wear, the rent may be reduced by up to 20%.

Impact of location on rental cost

The cost of rent significantly depends on the location of the property:

Sea view: Properties with a direct sea view are usually more expensive. If such a view is not available, a reduction in rent can be expected.

Area: Central and tourist areas such as Sliema and St. Julian's have higher prices compared to less popular locations.

Realtor commission

When renting a property in Malta through a real estate agency, a commission is usually charged, depending on the duration of the rental:

Short-term rental (up to 6 months): The agency's commission is 10% of the total rent amount for the entire rental period.

Long-term rental (more than 6 months): The agency's commission is usually equal to 50% of one month's rent.

These commissions are paid once upon signing the rental agreement. However, conditions may vary depending on the particular agency and property, so it is recommended to clarify the commission amount and included services in advance.

Rental period and contract terms

Short-term rental: Up to 6 months. However, many landlords prefer long-term tenants and may refuse short-term rentals.

Long-term rental: From 1 year or more. The longer the rental period, the more favorable conditions can be obtained.

Deposit: Usually, a deposit equivalent to one month's rent is required, which is returned provided the property is preserved after the end of the rental period.

Utilities and additional costs

Utility payments: Usually paid separately and include electricity, water, internet, and other services.

Repairs and maintenance: In case of appliance breakdowns or repair needs, the responsibility for expenses may lie with the tenant, so it's important to clarify this in the contract.

Features for foreign nationals

Personal presence: To conclude a rental agreement, personal presence in Malta and a valid visa are required, as the contract specifies passport details and visa number.

Minimum rental period: Many landlords prefer to rent for at least 6 months, so short-term rental may be difficult.

Recommendations

Careful study of the contract: Before signing the contract, carefully study all conditions, especially those related to payments, rental terms, repair responsibilities, and termination conditions.

Inspection of the property: Personally inspect the property before concluding the contract to ensure its condition and compliance with your requirements.

Consultation with a lawyer: If necessary, consult a lawyer to review the contract and provide legal advice.

Legal aspects for foreign buyers

AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit: In most cases, foreign buyers need to obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Finance of Malta - an AIP license. The process takes 6 to 12 weeks and allows the purchase of one property for personal residence.

Special Designated Areas (SDA): In these areas, foreign buyers are exempt from the need to obtain an AIP permit and can purchase multiple properties with the right to rent them out. SDAs typically represent elite residential complexes with developed infrastructure.

Taxes and Additional Expenses

Stamp Duty: The rate is 5% of the property value. However, a lower rate or exemption may apply for the first 200,000 euros.

Notary Services: Paid by the buyer, typically ranging from 0.25% to 1% of the property value.

Registration Fees: Can vary depending on the property's value and transaction conditions.

Financing the Purchase

Local banks offer mortgage loans to foreign buyers, although the terms may differ from those available to residents. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the bank requirements and prepare the necessary documents in advance.

Land Purchase Features

Acquisition of land plots by foreign citizens is more strictly regulated. In most cases, land purchase is only possible in an SDA or with a special permit.

Obtaining a Residence Permit through Property Purchase

Buying property in Malta can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit, especially under investment programs. However, there are certain minimum value requirements and additional conditions.

Recommendations

Consult licensed agents and lawyers specializing in real estate to ensure the legality and safety of the transaction.

In Malta, insuring residential property is not mandatory by law. However, in certain situations, obtaining an insurance policy becomes necessary:

Mortgage Loan: When purchasing property with a mortgage loan, banks usually require an insurance policy on the property.

Even without the legal requirement, many property owners in Malta prefer to insure their properties. Insurance provides financial protection against various risks such as fire, flooding, theft, and other unforeseen events.

Types of Property Insurance in Malta

Building Insurance: Covers damage to the building structure, including walls, roof, and permanent fixtures.

Contents Insurance: Covers losses or damages to personal property inside the home, such as furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.

All-Risk Insurance: Provides broader coverage, including protection for personal belongings both inside and outside the home.

Estimated Insurance Costs:

Two-bedroom apartment: Up to 300 euros per year.

Villa: About 700 euros per year.

Thus, while property insurance in Malta is not obligatory, obtaining it offers significant benefits and additional protection for property owners.

Main Utilities and Their Features

Electricity and Water: Electricity and water expenses depend on consumption and are paid based on meter readings. Average monthly costs are:

- For an apartment: around 100–120 euros.

- For a small house or villa: from 200 euros.

Malta does not have centralized heating and hot water supply. Air conditioners and heaters are used for heating, and water heaters are used for heating water. Each apartment usually has its own water tank on the roof where tap water is supplied, heated, and then distributed to the apartment.

Gas: Malta lacks centralized gas supply. Gas cylinders are used for domestic needs, which can be purchased at specialized sales points.

Waste Removal: This service is provided by the state and does not require additional payment. Waste is collected according to a set schedule that may vary depending on the region.

Payment Methods for Utilities

Bank Transfers: Payment can be made through bank transfers or online banking.

Payment Terminals: Some supermarkets and shops have terminals for paying utility bills.

Automatic Withdrawal: It is possible to set up automatic withdrawal from a bank account to pay the bills.

Water Supply Features

Water Quality: In Malta, water is desalinated, so its taste may differ from what you're used to. Locals often prefer to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Water Tanks: Due to potential disruptions in water supply, each apartment is equipped with a roof tank with a capacity of about 500 liters, providing a reserve of water.

Seasonal Expense Fluctuations

Summer Period: In hot months, electricity expenses may increase due to the active use of air conditioners.

Winter Period: In the absence of central heating, costs for heating with electric heaters may also rise.

Tips for Optimizing Expenses

Energy-Efficient Appliances: Using household appliances with a high energy efficiency rating can help reduce electricity consumption.

Solar Panels: Installing solar panels can reduce energy costs, considering the abundance of sunny days in Malta.

Maintaining Public Order

Noise Level: It is recommended to minimize noise during evening and night hours, usually from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Cleanliness and Order: Residents are required to maintain cleanliness in common areas such as stairwells, elevators, and corridors.

Use of Common Areas

Purpose: Common areas are intended exclusively for the purposes they were created for and should not be used for storing personal belongings or other purposes without the consent of the management company or residents' association.

Parking: Vehicles should be parked only in designated areas, avoiding the blockage of driveways, sidewalks, and emergency service zones.

Safety

Fire Safety Measures: It is prohibited to obstruct evacuation exits and corridors or use open flames in common areas.

Building Access: It is recommended to ensure security by controlling access to outsiders in the building and promptly closing entrance doors.

Pets

Keeping: Pet owners are obliged to monitor their behavior, ensuring they do not cause inconvenience to other residents.

Walking: Pets should be walked in specially designated areas, with mandatory clean-up after them.

Renovation Work

Timings: Noisy renovation works are recommended to be carried out on weekdays during set hours, usually from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to minimize inconvenience to neighbors.

Approval: Major renovations or redevelopments affecting the building's common structures require approval from the relevant authorities and possibly from neighbors.

Management Bodies

Residents' Associations: Many apartment buildings in Malta have residents' associations or management companies that set additional rules and ensure their compliance.

Meetings: Regular residents' meetings are held to discuss common issues, make decisions for improving living conditions, and resolve conflicts.

Responsibility for Violations

Impact Measures: Violating established rules may lead to warnings, fines, or other measures as provided by the house internal regulations or legislation.

Conflict Resolution: In case of disputes between residents, it is recommended to contact the management company or residents' association for resolution.

The Malta real estate market is characterized by active development and stable price growth, making it attractive both for locals and foreign investors.

Volume of New Construction

In recent years, Malta has seen significant growth in new construction. From January to May 2023, the number of real estate transactions increased by 13% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 6,976 transactions. The sales volume increased by 19%, exceeding 1.9 billion euros.

Comfort of Rental and Sale Housing

The Maltese real estate market offers a wide range of housing, from modern apartments to historical houses. A feature is the prevalence of luxury properties, especially in new residential complexes. Modern business-class apartments increase in price by 18–25% per annum during construction and approximately 10% per annum after construction is completed.

Prices by Region

The cost of real estate in Malta varies depending on the region:

Valletta: The average price per square meter is around 5900 €.

Floriana: About 5300 € per square meter.

Siggiewi: Approximately 3850 € per square meter.

Attard: About 3800 € per square meter.

Gzira: Approximately 3200 € per square meter.

Marsaskala: Around 2800 € per square meter.

Sliema: Approximately 2600 € per square meter.

The most affordable real estate is on the island of Gozo, where the average price is around 1050 € per square meter.

Types of Residential Property

Malta offers various types of residential properties:

Apartments: The most common type of housing, offering a variety of options from studios to multi-room apartments.

Maisonettes: Duplex apartments with a separate entrance, often combining the advantages of an apartment and a house.

Villas: Detached houses with a private plot, often with a pool and garden, offering a high level of comfort.

Townhouses: Urban houses that combine elements of an apartment and a private house, usually with multiple floors.

Supply and Demand Match

Malta's real estate market shows steady price growth, averaging 3–6% per year. However, in some segments, especially in luxury new builds, price growth can reach 18–25% per year during the construction stage. This indicates a high demand for quality housing, especially in prestigious areas and special construction zones, where foreign investors can purchase property without restrictions.

Thus, Malta's real estate market offers a diversity of housing options to match various needs and budgets, with a trend toward stable price growth and active development of new projects.

The cost of living in Malta depends on lifestyle, location, and individual needs.

Accommodation Rental

One-bedroom apartment in the city center: from 896 euros per month.

One-bedroom apartment on the outskirts: from 739 euros per month.

Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: from 1,500 euros per month.

Three-bedroom apartment on the outskirts: from 1,135 euros per month.

Rental prices depend on the specific city and area. For example, rent in Valletta will be higher than in less touristy areas.

Utilities

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal for an 85 m² apartment: about 96 euros per month.

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited): around 25–35 euros per month.

Note that Malta lacks centralized heating and hot water supply. Air conditioners and heaters are used for heating, and water heaters for heating water.

Groceries

Bread (500 g): 0.90 euros.

Milk (1 liter): 1 euro.

Eggs (12 pcs.): 2.16 euros.

Chicken fillet (1 kg): 6.23 euros.

Apples (1 kg): 2.11 euros.

Potatoes (1 kg): 1.13 euros.

Prices may vary depending on the store and season.

Transport

Monthly public transport pass: 26 euros.

Gasoline (1 liter): 1.12 euros.

Public transport in Malta consists of buses, and there is also a ferry service between islands.

Education

Annual tuition in an international primary school: about 7,872 euros.

Monthly attendance at a private kindergarten: about 414 euros.

Public schools provide free education, including transport and learning materials, for both locals and foreigners.

Healthcare

Malta offers both public and private medical services. Public clinics provide free services for citizens and residents, but for access to private medical services, it is recommended to have health insurance. The cost of insurance depends on age, health condition, and chosen coverage.

General Expenses

For a comfortable life, one person in Malta needs about 750 euros per month, excluding rent. Including rent for a one-bedroom apartment, monthly expenses will range from 1,500 to 1,800 euros, depending on location.

A family of four will need about 2,850 euros per month, excluding rent. Adding the cost of a three-bedroom apartment, total monthly expenses will range from 4,000 to 4,500 euros.

Salaries and Taxes

Minimum monthly salary: 835 euros.

Average monthly salary after tax: 1,396 euros.

Other Expenses

Fitness club (monthly membership): about 50 euros.

Movie ticket: about 8 euros.

The standard of living in Malta is comparable to other Southern European countries. However, taking into account the warm climate, high-quality medical care, and education, the country remains attractive for living and investment.

Programs for businesses and entrepreneurs

Malta Enterprise: The main government agency responsible for attracting foreign investment and supporting local businesses. It offers a range of schemes aimed at the development of enterprises of various sizes, including:

Business Development: Support in business development and expansion.

Business Start: Assistance to startups in their initial stages of development.

Skills Development: Subsidies for employee training and skill enhancement.

Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant: Grants for smart and sustainable investments.

Microinvest: Stimulation of micro-enterprises and small businesses through tax credits.

These programs are aimed at promoting innovation, sustainable development, and improving the competitiveness of Maltese enterprises.

Social programs and subsidies

Housing subsidies: The government provides rental assistance for low-income families, ensuring affordable living.

Utility payment subsidies: Subsidies are provided for vulnerable groups to help reduce electricity and water costs.

Family and child support: Includes child benefits, support for single parents, and programs to improve the well-being of families.

Educational programs

Scholarships and grants: The Maltese government offers scholarships for students aiming to continue their education at higher education institutions, both nationally and internationally.

Vocational training programs: Subsidies and grants for young people wishing to gain professional skills and increase their competitiveness in the job market.

Programs for foreign investors

Malta Permanent Residence Program: Launched in 2021; the program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Malta after successful completion of a comprehensive review. Requirements include real estate investment, government contributions, and donations to charitable organizations.

For up-to-date information on available programs and subsidies, it is recommended to contact the relevant government agencies directly or visit their official websites.