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A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Rental Properties in Malta and Emerging Trends.
Malta’s rental market is expanding steadily, offering a broad selection of properties to meet the needs of both local residents and an international tenant base. Prices are influenced by location, property type, size and amenities, with certain localities registering significant increases in demand. Areas that were once overlooked, such as Santa Venera, Birkirkara and Gozo, are now seeing remarkable growing interest thanks to their accessibility, relative affordability and improved infrastructure.
Demand is being fuelled by expatriates and foreign workers relocating to Malta, as well as by locals looking for flexible or temporary rental options. This article outlines the most popular rental properties in Malta today, focusing on property types, locations, features, pricing trends and wider market dynamics.
Property types in high demand
Apartments remain the most sought-after rental option. Their central locations and practicality appeal to professionals and expatriates who value convenience and access to workplaces, schools and transport links. Increasingly, tenants expect modern layouts, quality finishes, air-conditioning, strong connectivity and the option of parking.
At the higher end of the market, penthouses continue to perform strongly. These units are usually finished to a premium standard and often include secure access, terraces or rooftop spaces. Privacy, safety and exclusivity are the features most appreciated by tenants renting at this level.
Townhouses are gaining a lot of traction, while traditional houses of character remain consistently attractive, particularly for families or those seeking distinctive accommodation with more generous living areas. These properties often provide unique architectural features and larger outdoor spaces that modern apartments cannot always offer.
Philippa Tabone, Rentals Manager at Frank Salt Real Estate, notes: “The majority of tenants are requesting pet-friendly properties, external space and above all, value for money. Properties that meet these requirements are experiencing the highest levels of enquiry.”
Location remains decisive
Rental demand varies considerably by locality. Coastal towns remain attractive due to access to leisure and recreational facilities, while areas near commercial centres are preferred by professionals seeking efficiency and convenience.
Pembroke and Ta’ Xbiex have experienced an increase in enquiries, although limited supply has heightened competition here. Beyond traditional hotspots such as Sliema and St Julian’s, other areas are emerging. Amongst these are Birkirkara, San Gwann and Santa Venera which are seeing stronger demand as tenants look beyond the coastal strip for better value and easier accessibility.
San Gwann, in particular, has become a growth area thanks to its proximity to business districts, schools and transport routes. As demand rises and availability remains restricted, upward pressure on supplying more rental units in the locality is already evident.
Expatriates continue to favour Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta for short-term stays due to their centrality, services, cosmopolitan and cultural appeal. By contrast, local residents often only take on shorter leases when renovating or upgrading their own homes and when they need a place to stay in the interim.
Features tenants prioritise
Tenants today seek properties that combine comfort with functionality. The most commonly requested features include:
- Outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces or gardens
- Scenic aspects, particularly sea or country views
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms with quality finishes
- Efficient air-conditioning systems
- Allocated or secure parking
- Pet-friendly policies
Properties offering these features consistently record higher occupancy rates and reduced tenant turnover. For landlords, adapting their rental properties to these expectations is a clear route to attracting reliable, long-term tenants.
Pricing trends and market dynamics
Rental prices for in-demand properties can be pricey, with central and coastal locations commanding premiums. Affordable units are increasingly scarce in these areas, driving competition among tenants even further up.
Landlords who invest in upgraded finishes and desirable amenities are seeing stronger rental returns, while those offering outdated or under-equipped properties are struggling to remain competitive or even find the right tenants.
Despite ongoing construction across Malta and Gozo, supply continues to lag behind demand. According to Philippa Tabone, “We do not anticipate a slowdown in overall demand. The market may be seeing an influx of new quality units, but demand always exceeds supply. Interestingly, there is also a definite increase in rental activity in the south of Malta.”
Market verdict
Landlords and investors who adapt their offerings to meet the criteria as discussed above, are well-positioned to benefit from continued and sustained rental growth, high occupancy levels and long-term resilience.
How Frank Salt Real Estate can help
For more than 56 years, Frank Salt Real Estate has been at the forefront of Malta’s property rentals market, assisting landlords and tenants with expert advice and professional service.
Our Lettings Division provides:
- Comprehensive marketing to ensure properties reach the right audience
- Tenant vetting to match landlords with qualified, reliable renters
- Assistance with all paperwork and legal requirements
- Support with Housing Authority registrations
- Optional full property management services through our dedicated division
Get in touch with our Rentals Division whether you are looking to maximise returns on your rental investment as a landlord or want to secure a property that meets your needs and lifestyle as a tenant. Our experienced team is waiting!
