First-Time Buyer FAQs in Malta

You qualify if you're purchasing your first residential property in Malta and have never owned or inherited residential property anywhere. Owning a garage, field, or other non-residential property doesn't disqualify you. This applies to Maltese, EU, and foreign buyers purchasing a primary residence.

Two permanent benefits: 0% stamp duty on the first €200,000 of the property's value (standard rate is 5%), and a €1,000-a-year cash grant for 10 years from the Housing Authority, for properties valued up to €500,000 financed with a bank home loan. Buyers in Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) can also get a €15,000 grant (€40,000 in Gozo).

Up to €10,000. You pay 0% on the first €200,000 of the property price and the standard 5% only on the amount above that. See the full breakdown of what you'll pay in our guide to property tax in Malta.

Yes. The Housing Authority's Deposit Assistance Scheme covers the Promise of Sale deposit for properties valued up to €250,000, aimed at buyers who can afford loan repayments but struggle to raise the 10% upfront deposit.

Yes. Owning non-residential property such as a garage, agricultural land, or commercial unit doesn't affect your first-time buyer status. Only owning or inheriting residential property disqualifies you.

Beyond the 10% deposit, budget for: 1% stamp duty due on signing the promise of sale, notary and architect fees, property search costs, home insurance, and (if you have a loan) mandatory life insurance.

Banks typically finance up to 90% of the purchase price, so you'll need a 10% deposit plus the 1% stamp duty due on signing. First-time buyers purchasing under €250,000 may qualify for the Housing Authority's Deposit Assistance Scheme.

Apply directly with a local bank (BOV, HSBC, APS, or BNF). Banks generally lend up to 90% of the purchase price, repayable over up to 40 years or to retirement age, whichever comes first. Get pre-approved before you start viewing properties.

A written indication from your bank of how much they'd lend you, before you make an offer. Not a guarantee of final approval, but it tells sellers and agents you're a serious, prepared buyer.

Typically: your application, 3–24 months of bank statements, recent payslips and FS3, an architect's valuation, a land registry site plan, ID copy, and a copy of the promise of sale (konvenju).

Off-plan often costs around 10% less pre-construction and gives room to negotiate, but you're buying on paper. Resales let you inspect the actual property and move in sooner. Browse current apartments for sale in Malta to compare both.

Consider proximity to public transport, schools, shops and healthcare, noise and traffic levels, and commute time. Visit any shortlisted property at different times of day before deciding.

Yes — the same first-time buyer stamp duty exemption and grant apply, and the UCA restoration grant is higher for Gozo (up to €40,000 versus €15,000 in Malta). See our dedicated guide on buying property in Gozo for what's different about the process there.

SDAs let foreign buyers purchase property in Malta with the same rights as Maltese citizens, without needing an AIP permit, though local first-time buyer incentives depend on your specific residency and buyer status. Our Special Designated Areas guide covers eligibility and the areas involved.

The stamp duty exemption and grant are generally tied to buying your first residential property for use in Malta, not to citizenship, but the details vary depending on your residency status and where you're relocating from. If you're moving to Malta rather than already living here, our FAQs on property and residency in Malta and residency in Malta guides cover what applies to you.

No fixed number, but agents recommend no more than five viewings per day. Once you've shortlisted favourites, view them again at a different time of day to check traffic, noise, and light.

Tell your agent you're ready to make an offer, choose a notary, and confirm your bank loan if needed. Request a Current Market Analysis (CMA) of comparable sales, and make your offer conditional on loan approval if you need financing.

A legally binding preliminary agreement between buyer and seller, drawn up by a notary, setting the price, conditions, and deadline for the final contract. Usually valid for three months, requires a 10% deposit held by the notary.

Verifies the seller's ownership and legal title, checks for outstanding debts or liens, confirms planning permits and building regulation compliance, registers the promise of sale, and prepares the final transfer.

Stamp duty is the main tax for buyers, but other charges (notarial fees, search costs, and — for sellers — capital gains-related withholding tax) apply across a transaction. See the full picture in our guide to property tax in Malta.

An EPC rates a property's energy efficiency and is a legal requirement before a sale or rental contract is signed. Valid for 10 years, arranged by a registered EPB assessor.

The final Deed of Transfer is read and signed by all parties — at the bank if you have a loan, or at the notary's office otherwise. You pay the balance due, settle stamp duty and notary fees, and receive the keys.

A compact apartment that suits you today may feel cramped with a partner, children, or a home office down the line. Since buying is a long-term commitment, it's worth allowing room to grow if your budget allows.