Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Malta Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Malta Property Pack
Malta has become one of the Mediterranean's most attractive short-term rental markets, drawing investors with its year-round tourism demand and relatively straightforward licensing system.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about running an Airbnb in Malta in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic profit expectations.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, pricing trends, and market conditions in Malta's short-term rental landscape.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
Insights
- Malta's Airbnb market hosts roughly 9,500 active listings as of early 2026, yet the island still absorbs over 70% of tourist nights in rented accommodation rather than hotels.
- The average Airbnb nightly rate in Malta sits around €120 in 2026, but Gozo farmhouses with pools can command €200 or more during peak summer months.
- Occupancy rates in Malta average 72% annually, which is notably higher than most Southern European destinations due to the island's compact size and consistent tourism flow.
- Self-managed Airbnb hosts in Malta typically keep €1,200 to €2,200 per month in net profit, while those using property managers see that drop to €700 to €1,700.
- Malta's proposed Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2025 could introduce zoning restrictions for short-term rentals, making the current open licensing system a potential window that may not last.
- Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta account for the highest concentration of licensed holiday premises in Malta, creating fierce competition for new hosts in these neighborhoods.
- High season in Malta runs from June through September, when monthly Airbnb revenue can reach €3,300 to €5,500, roughly double the low-season average.
- The Environmental Contribution, a guest-paid tax that hosts must collect and report separately, is one of Malta's unique compliance obligations that many new hosts overlook.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Malta in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is fully legal in Malta, though it operates under a regulated licensing framework rather than being a free-for-all.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Malta is the Holiday Furnished Premises (HFP) licence, which is administered by the Malta Tourism Authority and covers typical residential properties like apartments, maisonettes, townhouses, villas, and farmhouses.
The single most important requirement hosts must comply with is obtaining an MTA Holiday Furnished Premises licence before accepting tourist bookings, as operating without one can result in enforcement action.
Beyond licensing, hosts must also register their rental income with the Malta Tax and Customs Administration and collect the Environmental Contribution from guests, which is a separate mandatory charge that accommodation providers must handle and report.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Malta.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Malta.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Malta does not impose a nationwide minimum-stay requirement or a maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb hosts, which makes it more flexible than cities like Amsterdam or London that have strict annual limits.
These rules do not currently differ by property type or host residency status in Malta, meaning a studio apartment in Sliema and a villa in Gozo face the same absence of night caps.
However, Malta's government published a draft of the Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2025 that proposes giving regulators the power to introduce zoning controls and potentially restrict where short-term rental licences can be issued, so this flexibility may not last indefinitely.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Malta right now?
Malta does not require you to live in a property to operate it as a short-term rental, which is a significant advantage for investors compared to markets with strict primary-residence-only rules.
Owners of secondary homes and pure investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Malta under the Holiday Furnished Premises framework, and this is actually how a large portion of Malta's Airbnb market functions.
There are no additional permits or special conditions that apply specifically to non-primary residence rentals in Malta, as the HFP licence treats all eligible residential properties the same regardless of whether the owner lives elsewhere.
The main practical difference between renting a primary versus secondary residence in Malta comes down to tax treatment and your personal situation, not to short-term rental eligibility itself.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Malta right now?
Yes, Malta allows you to operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name or entity, and the Holiday Furnished Premises licensing framework explicitly contemplates operators managing more than one premises.
There is currently no hard cap on the maximum number of properties one person or company can list for short-term rental in Malta, though each unit must be properly licensed and meet MTA requirements individually.
The additional licensing requirement for multi-property hosts is straightforward: you simply need to ensure each property has its own valid HFP licence, proper tax declarations, and Environmental Contribution compliance rather than a single blanket approval.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you need a Holiday Furnished Premises licence from the Malta Tourism Authority to legally operate a short-term rental in Malta, and you must also comply with tax registration and Environmental Contribution collection requirements.
The typical process to obtain an HFP licence involves submitting an application through the MTA, providing property documentation, and ensuring the premises meets safety and quality standards, with processing times varying based on application completeness.
Documents typically required include proof of property ownership or a landlord consent letter, floor plans, photographs of the premises, and confirmation that the property meets fire safety and habitability standards.
Licence fees in Malta are relatively modest compared to the overall investment, though exact costs depend on the property size and type, and renewal is required to maintain your legal standing.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Malta does not have hard neighborhood bans or restricted zones where Airbnb is outright prohibited, making it more permissive than major European cities with explicit no-go areas for short-term rentals.
However, the draft Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2025, which was under public consultation, proposed giving the Malta Tourism Authority the power to designate specific zones where short-term rental licences could be restricted or refused.
This proposed zoning power is aimed at addressing concerns about over-concentration of tourist accommodation in residential areas, particularly in hotspots like Sliema and St Julian's where licensed holiday premises are already densely packed.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Malta compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Malta in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Malta is approximately €120 (around $127 USD), while the median nightly price sits closer to €110 ($117 USD), reflecting the range between budget apartments and premium villas.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Malta Airbnb listings falls between €80 and €180 ($85 to $190 USD), with outliers on both ends for basic studios and luxury pool properties.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Malta is location, with Valletta heritage properties and Sliema waterfront apartments commanding premiums of 30% to 50% above inland or resort-belt listings.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly Airbnb prices in Malta can vary by €100 or more ($106 USD) between the most expensive and most affordable areas, with Valletta heritage core averaging €140 to €200 ($148 to $212 USD) per night while St Paul's Bay resort belt averages €80 to €125 ($85 to $132 USD).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Malta are Valletta at €140 to €200 ($148 to $212 USD), Sliema at €120 to €180 ($127 to $190 USD), and Gozo farmhouse areas at €110 to €220 ($117 to $233 USD) for pool properties with views.
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are St Paul's Bay at €80 to €125 ($85 to $132 USD), Msida at €100 to €150 ($106 to $159 USD), and Pietà at similar ranges, though these areas still attract steady bookings from budget-conscious travelers and longer-stay guests.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Malta is approximately 72%, which translates to roughly 22 booked nights per month on average across the year.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Malta Airbnb listings falls between 55% and 85%, depending on location, property quality, pricing strategy, and how well hosts optimize for seasonal demand swings.
Malta's Airbnb occupancy rates are notably higher than many Southern European destinations because a very large share of tourist nights, over 70%, are spent in rented accommodation rather than hotels, creating structural demand for short-term rentals.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Malta is having a well-located property in the Sliema to Valletta corridor combined with competitive pricing and strong reviews, as guests in this dense market compare options carefully.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Malta is approximately €2,640 (around $2,800 USD), calculated from an average nightly rate of €120 multiplied by roughly 22 booked nights per month.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Malta Airbnb listings falls between €1,800 and €3,500 (around $1,900 to $3,700 USD), depending on property type, location, and host execution.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Malta, particularly well-positioned Valletta apartments or Gozo farmhouses with pools, can achieve €4,000 to €5,500 ($4,240 to $5,830 USD) per month during peak season. For example, a premium 2-bedroom Valletta apartment at €180 per night with 85% occupancy would generate roughly €4,590 per month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Malta.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly Airbnb revenue in Malta during low season ranges from €1,600 to €2,600 ($1,700 to $2,760 USD), while high season revenue jumps to €3,300 to €5,500 ($3,500 to $5,830 USD), representing a near doubling of income during peak months.
Low season in Malta runs primarily from January through February and parts of November, while high season spans June through September, with August being the strongest month when both occupancy and nightly rates peak simultaneously.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly expenses for operating an Airbnb in Malta range from €650 to €1,250 ($690 to $1,325 USD) for self-managed properties, and €1,050 to €2,000 ($1,115 to $2,120 USD) if you use a property management company.
The single largest expense category for Malta Airbnb hosts is typically cleaning and laundry, which runs €250 to €900 ($265 to $954 USD) per month depending on property size and guest turnover frequency.
Malta Airbnb hosts should typically expect to spend 25% to 40% of gross revenue on operating expenses before any mortgage payments or income tax, with the lower end achievable for efficient self-managers and the higher end for those outsourcing to property managers.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Malta.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Malta ranges from €1,200 to €2,200 ($1,270 to $2,330 USD) for self-managed properties, with profit per available night averaging around €56 ($59 USD) based on typical revenue and expense figures.
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Malta Airbnb listings falls between €700 and €2,200 ($740 to $2,330 USD), with the lower end representing managed properties and the higher end representing efficiently self-managed listings in prime locations.
Malta Airbnb hosts typically achieve net profit margins of 45% to 65% of gross revenue before income tax, which compares favorably to many European markets where operating costs and regulations eat more into earnings.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Malta Airbnb listing is roughly 35% to 45%, meaning hosts need only 11 to 14 booked nights per month to cover their operating expenses, which explains why even winter months remain viable.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Malta versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Malta as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Malta has approximately 9,500 active Airbnb listings, based on STR data reporting 9,146 active listings in December 2025 and local analysis citing over 9,300 listings.
This number has grown steadily over recent years as Malta's tourism industry expanded and investors recognized the strong returns available from short-term rentals, though the growth rate may slow if proposed zoning regulations take effect.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Malta are Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira, Valletta, and St Paul's Bay (including Bugibba and Qawra), which together account for the highest concentration of licensed holiday premises per square kilometer.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine walkable waterfront access, strong public transport connections to Valletta, and established tourism infrastructure, making them the obvious first choice for both guests and investors over the past decade.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new Malta Airbnb hosts include the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua), Mellieħa, and select Gozo towns like Victoria and Xlendi, where competition is lighter but demand still exists from travelers seeking authentic experiences.
What local events spike demand in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Malta include the Valletta Baroque Festival (January), Isle of MTV Malta and Malta Music Week (summer), the Malta International Fireworks Festival (April), and various public holidays that create long weekends.
During these peak events, Malta Airbnb bookings typically increase by 20% to 40% above normal levels, while nightly rates can be pushed 25% to 50% higher than regular pricing, particularly in neighborhoods close to event venues.
Malta hosts should typically adjust their pricing and availability 4 to 8 weeks before major events to capture early bookers, while leaving some flexibility to raise rates further as the event approaches and remaining inventory becomes scarce.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Malta achieve occupancy rates of 82% to 92%, which translates to 25 to 28 booked nights per month even accounting for seasonal variation.
Average hosts in Malta typically see occupancy rates of 65% to 75%, creating a gap of 10 to 20 percentage points that compounds significantly over a year and can mean thousands of euros in lost revenue.
New hosts in Malta typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, as building reviews, optimizing listings, and learning seasonal pricing patterns all take time even with a well-located property.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Malta right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Malta is €80 to €140 ($85 to $148 USD), where budget-to-midrange apartments in Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira, and St Paul's Bay create intense competition for guests.
White space opportunities for new Malta Airbnb hosts exist at the €150 to €220 ($159 to $233 USD) range for design-led 1 to 2 bedroom stays in emerging areas like the Three Cities, and at the premium end above €200 ($212 USD) for family-ready homes near beaches or authentic heritage townhouses done to a high standard.
Property characteristics that would allow a new host to successfully compete in these underserved segments include modern renovations with distinctive design touches, pools or outdoor space for Gozo properties, beach proximity with family amenities for Mellieħa, or genuine heritage character combined with hotel-level comfort for Valletta and the Three Cities.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Malta right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Malta as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties get the most Airbnb bookings in Malta, as they match the dominant traveler profile of couples, small friend groups, and young families doing Mediterranean short breaks.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Malta shows studios and 1-bedrooms capturing roughly 45% of bookings, 2-bedrooms capturing around 35%, and 3-bedroom-plus properties taking the remaining 20%, with larger units booking more slowly but earning more per stay.
This bedroom count performs best in Malta specifically because the islands attract high volumes of short-stay visitors rather than large family reunions, and the local housing stock (dominated by apartments and maisonettes) naturally favors smaller unit sizes.
What property type performs best in Malta in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, well-located apartments and maisonettes in Malta's coastal corridor (Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta fringe) perform best on a risk-adjusted basis, offering strong occupancy with manageable maintenance compared to larger properties.
Occupancy rates across property types in Malta show apartments averaging 70% to 78%, heritage townhouses in Valletta and the Three Cities achieving 65% to 75% when renovated well, and Gozo farmhouses with pools reaching 60% to 70% annually but with much higher summer peaks and winter lows.
Apartments and maisonettes outperform in Malta because they align with the dominant short-break demand, require lower operating costs per booking, and turn over more efficiently than larger villas that depend heavily on peak season family bookings.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Malta, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) | The official regulator that licenses all tourist accommodation in Malta. | We used it to define what counts as a Holiday Furnished Premises and which residential property types fall under this licence. We also grounded the licensing requirement answers in the regulator's own wording. |
| Servizz.gov.mt | Malta's official government services portal for permits and business processes. | We used it to confirm the HFP licence exists as a government process and that common residential types are included. We kept the legal section practical by referencing what you actually need to apply for. |
| BusinessFirst Malta | Malta's government-backed one-stop shop for business licensing information. | We used it to cross-check the official definition of holiday premises and residential types covered. We treated it as a second official channel verification alongside MTA. |
| Government of Malta Public Consultation | An official government publication and consultation notice for proposed regulations. | We used it to identify that updated regulations for short-lets were being prepared. We flagged realistic regulatory tightening risks as of early 2026. |
| Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2025 (Draft) | The draft legal text published through an official government channel. | We used it to support discussion of potential zoning controls being considered. We treated it as proposed direction, not confirmed law. |
| MTA Environmental Contribution Page | The regulator's official compliance page for a mandatory guest charge. | We used it to explain the recurring compliance task many hosts overlook. We built Environmental Contribution into the expenses and admin overhead assumptions. |
| Environmental Contribution Guidelines (PDF) | An official government guideline explaining who must collect and remit the charge. | We used it to confirm liability falls on accommodation providers. We treated the charge as a real operating obligation for Malta short-term rentals. |
| MTCA Manual on Taxation of Rental Income | The official tax authority's manual explaining rental income taxation options. | We used it to frame realistic tax treatment for individuals earning rental income. We kept profitability estimates after likely tax rather than fantasy gross figures. |
| MTCA Buying Property Overview | The tax authority's official overview of taxes linked to property transfers. | We used it to anchor acquisition-cost assumptions and keep ROI thinking realistic. We avoided relying on agent blogs for core purchase-tax facts. |
| NSO Malta Inbound Tourism (June 2025) | Malta's official statistics agency for tourism volumes, nights, and spend. | We used it to validate demand strength and seasonality. We confirmed that rented accommodation absorbs a large share of tourist nights, supporting STR demand. |
| NSO Malta Inbound Tourism (August 2025) | Official peak-season tourism data from Malta's national statistics office. | We used it to calibrate high-season demand and summer revenue upside. We justified why Malta Airbnbs typically peak hard in July through September. |
| NSO Malta Residential Property Price Index | The official housing price index based on administrative and tax data. | We used it to describe the housing-cost backdrop affecting investment feasibility. We avoided vibes-based claims about property price trends. |
| Central Bank of Malta Interest Rates | The central bank's official portal for Malta interest rate series. | We used it to ground financing-cost discussion in official rate reporting. We kept mortgage sensitivity realistic as of early 2026. |
| European Central Bank MFI Interest Rates | The euro-area central bank and primary source for harmonised bank rate statistics. | We used it to triangulate that Malta's bank lending rates sit within the euro-area framework. We treated it as an outside-Malta check on financing costs. |
| Housing Authority Rental Market Report | A government authority producing regular, data-led rental market analysis. | We used it to add context on the long-let alternative and opportunity cost. We informed exit strategy realism if STR rules tighten. |
| Airbtics STR Analytics | One of the most widely used professional STR datasets with transparent metrics. | We used it as a private-sector benchmark for STR performance ranges. We only used it when we could cross-check with other indicators like tourism statistics. |
| Visit Malta Events Calendar | The official tourism board's comprehensive listing of Malta events. | We used it to identify demand-spiking events throughout the year. We built event timing into our pricing strategy recommendations. |
| Festivals Malta | The official cultural events organization for Malta's major festivals. | We used it to confirm specific event dates like the Valletta Baroque Festival. We validated winter demand drivers beyond peak summer season. |
| Isle of MTV Malta | The official source for one of Malta's largest annual music events. | We used it to identify summer demand spikes from major music events. We included it in our peak pricing opportunity analysis. |
| Time and Date Malta Holidays | A reliable reference for national holiday dates across countries. | We used it to map public holidays that create long-weekend demand spikes. We factored these into seasonal pricing recommendations. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Malta. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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