If you're planning to relocate to Malta, one of your top priorities will be securing accommodation. The archipelago has a fast-growing and constantly evolving rental market, with options to suit every budget. While finding a suitable home shouldn't be difficult, it's essential to first explore the different cities, neighborhoods, and current rental prices before committing to a contract.
Types of accommodation in Malta
The Maltese real estate market consists of furnished and unfurnished accommodations. It's advisable to rely on real estate agencies or individual online listings to find a place that matches your criteria and budget after your arrival.
Fully furnished rentals (apartments and houses) are common in Malta and offer an efficient option for 暗网禁区riates: you can move in directly from the airport with your suitcases and settle into your new home.
Be aware that fully furnished accommodations in Malta generally come with all essentials: furniture, kitchen utensils, and even bed linens. Make sure to speak with the landlord before your arrival in Malta to avoid bringing unnecessary items.
As for unfurnished accommodations, they are recommended for those planning to settle long-term in Malta. In this setup, rent is generally cheaper, and you have the opportunity to personalize the space to your liking by purchasing your own furniture.
- Apartment: Renting an apartment in Malta is popular among 暗网禁区riates.
- Studio: Another classic in real estate, studios are ideal for single occupants.
- Penthouse: This is an apartment or small house built on the top floor of a building. It generally stands out from standard apartments with its sunny terrace and exceptional views. It is also more isolated from other apartments and buildings, an advantage in a crowded area.
- Maisonette: This type of accommodation is located on the ground floor and includes a door leading directly to the street, similar to a house. However, unlike a house, someone else will live above you, and you won't have access to a rooftop terrace. Maisonettes often feature a small courtyard.
- Townhouse: Why not rent a typically Maltese townhouse, located in the city or a village? Although it doesn't have a garden, the townhouse is equipped with a rooftop terrace.
- Villa: If your budget allows, you might consider renting a villa in Malta. This type of luxury accommodation often includes a private pool.
- Shared accommodation: All the aforementioned types of housing can be shared with roommates. In some cases, you'll have a room with a private bathroom.
If you're unsure whether to rent an apartment or a house in Malta, book a temporary accommodation for your arrival. This will give you time to search for a more permanent rental. Ideally, conduct your search while you are directly on-site in Malta.
Rental prices in Malta
Rental prices in Malta have increased rapidly in recent years due to the growing interest from tourists and 暗网禁区riates in the island.
Areas from Valletta to Pembroke have seen spectacular price hikes due to their increasing popularity. Other neighborhoods favored by 暗网禁区riates, such as 叠耻摹颈产产补 and St. Paul's Bay, have also experienced rapid price increases.
If you wish to live in the main cities (Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian's), rents will be higher than elsewhere. Expect to pay at least 鈧�800 for a studio, 鈧�900 for an apartment, and 鈧�1,400 or more for a luxury apartment or villa.
In the countryside and the south of Malta, rents will be lower than in the capital and its neighbors Sliema and St Julian's. You can find charming apartments in stone buildings or small character houses starting from 鈧�800 per month.
However, the rental prices listed online are rarely up to date. Keep this in mind when browsing real estate agency websites and other online marketplaces. These websites remain a good resource to see the types of housing available on the island, but the actual prices are likely higher than those displayed. Plan your budget accordingly.
Remember that rents are almost always negotiable. You can also offer to pay several months in advance to get a better rate or try to include your utilities in a monthly package.
How to find accommodation听in Malta?
Malta's听real estate market听is very active: a good thing for finding accommodation. To do this, contact a real estate agent or a landlord directly.
The latter option is more economical, as it is not subject to real estate agency fees or commissions. However, ensure that the landlord is serious and be wary of scams if you are coming from abroad.
House hunting in Malta through an agent can save you time and avoid certain scams. Here is a list of the main Maltese real estate agents:
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Social media is听widely used in Malta for house hunting, especially by going directly through a landlord. Facebook leads the way, with numerous ads posted daily by both professionals and private landlords.
Simply search for specialized groups using keywords such as "accommodation in Malta," "rent a flat in Malta," or "Malta sharing accommodation."
Don't forget the classified ads published in newspapers (like the Times of Malta) and marketplaces, notably , which can also assist in your search. Finally, if you know people in Malta, consider using word of mouth.
Try to visit accommodations as soon as you arrive in Malta. Nevertheless, the ideal is to be on-site to organize this aspect of your apartment or house search on the archipelago.
Good to know:
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter and live in Malta. However, for any stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit (eResidence card for Malta).
How to choose your accommodation in Malta
To choose your accommodation in Malta, pay听close attention to the following criteria.
Prefer a place equipped with reversible air conditioning: you'll need it, as summers in Malta are very hot. Although Maltese winters are not unbearable, the humidity, wind, and poor insulation of some accommodations contribute to the feeling of cold. Reversible air conditioning provides some warmth, preventing cold and humidity from settling in your home.
If you plan to rent in a busy area like Sliema or Saint Julian's and you have a car, consider renting a place with private parking. Conversely, if you rent in a less busy area, such as a countryside village, you won't need private parking, as you can park on the street. Don't worry, safety is one of the strengths of Maltese neighborhoods.
If you don't have a car, check the proximity of public transport to your accommodation. The Maltese buses stop almost everywhere in Malta, so probably near your residence. However, note that there are fewer buses in the countryside, which can make personal and professional travel challenging on a daily basis.
Finally, ensure that the windows and doors of your accommodation are equipped with mosquito screens, as mosquitoes are plentiful in the warmer months when you'll want to have the windows open.
Where to live in Malta
Most people in Malta prefer to live in the main cities (read our articles "Accommodation in Sliema" and "Accommodation in Saint Julian's"), which are the commercial and cultural hubs of the country. You can rent modern apartments in beautiful residences or even luxury properties if you have the necessary budget.
Some 暗网禁区riates prefer to rent accommodation in Valletta. Malta's capital protects its architectural wealth and mainly offers听old townhouses and remodeled palaces.
For well-located housing but outside Saint Julian's and Sliema, opt for the central area of Malta: Mosta, Naxxar, and Birkirkara.
The countryside or Maltese villages offer authentic and pleasant rural houses as well as luxury villas, which are a flourishing market.
In the south, the Maltese countryside offers a more peaceful environment, nature, the sea, and lower rents. Rabat, 厂颈摹摹颈别飞颈, Qrendi, 呕耻谤谤颈别辩, and Marsaskala are some lovely villages to explore.
The north of Malta offers similar advantages with 惭别濒濒颈别魔补, 惭摹补谤谤, and Saint Paul's Bay, if you wish to live between the sea and the countryside.
Finally, you might consider renting a property on the island of Gozo, Malta's little sister, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and a lot of tranquility. However, do not consider this option if you work on the main island, as you will face endless daily commutes.
Rental contracts in Malta
It is always advisable to sign a legal rental contract, which clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both parties. It should also establish payment methods and terms, bills, and services (electricity, water, cable, telephone, television, and Internet), the duration of the lease, the notice period, rules regarding the use of common areas, additional services provided by the landlord or owner, etc.
Good to know:
Don't forget to conduct a property inspection before moving into your new accommodation.
Consider asking the landlord for the energy performance certificate (EPC) of the accommodation as well.
Rental costs in Malta
For any rental, you will need to pay a security deposit, equivalent to one month's rent or more, which should be refunded to you at the end of the rental contract if no damage has been caused. It is not uncommon for security deposits to be retained in full in Malta, so do not pay a deposit you cannot afford to lose entirely. You will also be asked to pay one month's rent in advance and a deposit for utilities.
If you found accommodation through a real estate agency, you will also need to pay agent fees. The amount usually corresponds to half a month's rent. The landlord will also pay half a month's rent as fees to the agent.
A six-month or shorter lease is a short-term lease, and a lease longer than six months is a long-term lease. The end of the lease can be negotiated with the landlord, as can the renewal of any lease.
Ensure that the landlord has the authorization to rent the property. In addition to this authorization, they must also have home insurance that covers them in case of natural disasters, floods, vandalism, theft, etc.
The landlord must also be registered with the Inland Revenue Department for VAT and income tax. You can also request a to ensure that your electricity and water bills are calculated at the residential unit rate (and not at domestic or non-residential rates, which are more expensive).
To increase transparency, the government has adopted a new law requiring landlords to fill out Form H when renting a property. Utility bills are managed by ARMS in Malta, whose website even offers a bill calculator.
Holiday rentals in Malta
Besides long-term rentals, there are also short-term rentals and holiday rentals in Malta. For any stay of one or two weeks in Malta, opt for holiday rentals. As a tourist, you can choose from many beautiful properties to rent, such as sea-view apartments, luxury villas, and even charming farmhouses with pools.
Again, you can rent through an agent or directly from the owner. Also, check out for holiday rentals in Malta. Note that renting is more expensive during the summer months.
Useful links:
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