THE TRUE COST OF BUYING PROPERTY IN MALTA

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is focusing only on the purchase price. The reality of buying property in Malta is that Malta stamp duty, Malta notary fees, and other Malta real estate fees add 7 to 10% on top of the asking price. Understanding these Malta property costs upfront lets you budget accurately and avoid surprises at signing.

MALTA STAMP DUTY - THE LARGEST BUYING COST

Malta stamp duty is the most significant additional cost when buying property in Malta. Malta stamp duty is charged at a rate of 5% of the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. It is paid by the buyer on signing of the Final Deed of Sale. Example: on a 350,000 euro Malta property purchase, Malta stamp duty amounts to 17,500 euros.

FIRST-TIME BUYER MALTA STAMP DUTY EXEMPTION

First-time buyers benefit from a Malta stamp duty exemption on the first 200,000 euros of the purchase price. On a 350,000 euro property, this reduces Malta stamp duty from 17,500 to 7,500 euros - a saving of 10,000 euros. This applies only to a primary residence.

REDUCED MALTA STAMP DUTY IN GOZO

Properties purchased in Gozo attract a reduced Malta stamp duty rate of just 2% instead of 5% - one of the most attractive Malta real estate fees incentives available. This makes Gozo particularly compelling for buyers looking to minimise buying costs in Malta.

MALTA NOTARY FEES

A notary is legally required for all Malta property transactions. Malta notary fees are regulated and typically range between 1% and 2% of the purchase price. On a 350,000 euro purchase, Malta notary fees amount to between 3,500 and 7,000 euros - the second-largest buying cost in Malta after Malta stamp duty.

AGENCY COMMISSION - MALTA REAL ESTATE FEES FOR BUYERS

In Malta, agency commission is traditionally paid by the seller, not the buyer. Standard Malta real estate fees for agency commission range from 1% to 3.5% of the sale price. As a buyer, you will not typically pay a separate Malta real estate agency fee - but always clarify this arrangement before proceeding.

AIP PERMIT FEE - MALTA PROPERTY COSTS FOR NON-EU BUYERS

Non-EU buyers purchasing outside a Special Designated Area must apply for an AIP permit as part of their Malta property costs. The AIP permit fee is 233 euros - a minor Malta real estate fee, but one that adds 4 to 8 weeks to the timeline.

THE 10% DEPOSIT - PROMISE OF SALE MALTA PROPERTY COSTS

When your offer is accepted, you sign a Promise of Sale (Konvenju) and pay a 10% deposit. If you withdraw, the deposit is forfeited. If the seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit under Malta property laws.

LEGAL FEES - ADDITIONAL MALTA REAL ESTATE FEES

Many buyers engage a separate property lawyer in addition to the notary. Legal fees typically add 1,500 to 5,000 euros to your total Malta property costs depending on complexity. Surveyor or architect fees may also apply - strongly recommended for older character properties.

ONGOING MALTA PROPERTY COSTS AFTER PURCHASE

Beyond one-off buying costs in Malta, ongoing Malta property costs include buildings insurance at 300 to 800 euros per year, condominium fees of 50 to 300 euros per month for shared maintenance, utility connection fees where applicable, and the 15% flat tax on rental income if you let the property.

TOTAL MALTA PROPERTY COSTS SUMMARY

On a standard 350,000 euro Malta property purchase, total buying costs in Malta typically include 17,500 euros in Malta stamp duty (5%), 3,500 to 7,000 euros in Malta notary fees (1 to 2%), and 1,500 to 3,000 euros in legal Malta real estate fees. Total additional Malta property costs of approximately 22,500 to 27,500 euros - or 6.4% to 7.9% on top of the purchase price. First-time buyers saving 10,000 euros on Malta stamp duty reduce total buying costs to approximately 4% to 5%.

FIND MALTA PROPERTY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET ON MIRA ESTATE

Understanding the full Malta property costs is the first step. Mira Estate makes finding the right Malta property simple - browse listings from the island's leading agencies filtered by area and budget on mira-estate.eu.

Sources: Malta Government, NSO Malta, Global Property Guide 2025