Malta property glossary

Terms

• Konvenju — A Konvenju is the preliminary contract (promise of sale) signed by buyer and seller before the final deed of sale in Malta.
• AIP permit — An AIP permit is the authorisation some non-Maltese buyers need before acquiring property in Malta.
• SDA (Special Designated Area) — A Special Designated Area (SDA) is a development where buyers of any nationality can generally buy without an AIP permit.
• Stamp duty — Stamp duty is a tax paid on the transfer of property in Malta, generally calculated as a percentage of the purchase price.
• Ground rent — Ground rent is an annual payment due on some Maltese properties that are built on land held under a long lease.
• Shell form — A property in shell form is sold structurally complete but without interior finishes, so the buyer completes it.
• Freehold — Freehold means the owner holds the property outright, with no time limit and no ground rent.
• Leasehold — Leasehold means the owner holds the property for a fixed term under a lease or grant rather than outright.
• Airspace — Airspace is the right to build above an existing building, which can be sold separately from the property below.
• House of character — A house of character is a traditional Maltese home with period features such as stone arches, courtyards and high ceilings.
• Maisonette — A maisonette in Malta is a low-rise home within a small block, usually with its own entrance and sometimes a yard or terrace.
• Emphyteusis — Emphyteusis is a long-term grant of property in exchange for an annual ground rent.
• Final deed — The final deed is the notarial contract of sale that transfers ownership of a property in Malta.
• Notary in Malta — In Malta a notary prepares and publishes property contracts, checks title and collects stamp duty.
• UCA (Urban Conservation Area) — An Urban Conservation Area is a designated historic area where building works are tightly controlled.