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
If you're looking to rent or invest in Malta, understanding actual rental prices is essential before making any decision.
This blog post breaks down Malta's residential rents by apartment size, neighborhood, and tenant type for 2026.
We constantly update this article with the latest data.
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 rental prices grew by approximately 4.5% year-over-year in early 2026, slower than the 6.8% spike in 2024, suggesting the market is cooling as affordability pressures build.
- Sliema and St Julian's command rent premiums of 25% to 40% above the Malta average, driven by seafront access and proximity to expat offices.
- Over 70,000 active rental contracts were registered with the Malta Housing Authority in H1 2025, showing strong market formalization.
- The typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for around €1,200 per month in January 2026, but in St Paul's Bay you can find options closer to €900.
- Furnished apartments dominate Malta's expat rental market because most international tenants prefer move-in-ready units.
- Landlords in Malta pay no annual property holding tax, but most face a 15% final withholding tax on gross rental income.
- Properties near the University of Malta in Msida rent 15% to 20% faster than comparable listings in outer localities.
- Peak tenant demand occurs in September and October, aligning with hiring cycles and university terms.
- The rent per square meter in Malta averages around €19 per month, but jumps to €22 to €26 in premium seafront localities like Sliema and Ta' Xbiex.
What are typical rents in Malta as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Malta is around €800 ($870 USD).
Most studios rent for between €650 and €1,100 per month ($700 to $1,200 USD), with budget options more common outside the Northern Harbour area in places like Birkirkara or Fgura.
The main factors causing studio rents to vary are proximity to the seafront in places like Sliema or Gżira, quality of finishes, and whether the building has a lift and air conditioning throughout.
Studios in Malta are popular with single professionals and short-term contractors who prioritize location over space, which keeps demand strong in central areas.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Malta is approximately €900 ($980 USD).
Most 1-bedroom apartments rent for between €750 and €1,100 per month ($815 to $1,200 USD), with lower-cost long-lets available in less central areas and premium finishes pushing toward the higher end.
St Paul's Bay and Qawra have the cheapest 1-bedroom rents, while Sliema, St Julian's, and Swieqi consistently have the highest rents for this apartment size.
The 1-bedroom apartment is the most commonly rented unit type in Malta, making up a significant portion of the Housing Authority's registered contracts.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Malta is around €1,200 ($1,300 USD).
Most 2-bedroom apartments rent for between €850 and €1,600 per month ($925 to $1,740 USD), with significant variation based on neighborhood and property quality.
St Paul's Bay and Qawra offer the cheapest 2-bedroom rents at around €850 to €1,050 per month, while Sliema and St Julian's are the most expensive at €1,300 to €1,600 or more, reflecting their premium status.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
What's the average rent per square meter in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Malta is approximately €19 per month ($21 USD).
Rent per square meter ranges from around €15 in value-driven areas like St Paul's Bay and Mosta to €26 or more per square meter in premium locations like Sliema, St Julian's, and Ta' Xbiex.
Compared to other cities in Southern Europe, Malta's rent per square meter sits in the mid-to-upper range, higher than most of Sicily but comparable to parts of Barcelona's outer districts.
In Malta, property characteristics that typically push rent per square meter above average include sea views, seafront proximity, modern finishes, dedicated parking, and location within the Northern Harbour area.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Malta have increased by approximately 4.5% compared to January 2025.
The main factors driving rent changes are continued strong employment demand from the gaming and financial services sectors, limited land supply on the island, and a large share of expat tenants competing for well-located apartments.
This 4.5% growth is notably lower than the 6.8% increase recorded in 2024H1, suggesting that affordability constraints and lease renewals at unchanged rents are starting to moderate the pace of increases.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, projected rent growth for the full year is expected between 3% and 6%, most likely around 4%.
Key factors likely to influence rent growth in Malta include sustained employment from the gaming and financial services sectors, continued expat inflows from across Europe and Asia, and the island's fundamental constraint of limited buildable land that keeps supply from catching up with demand.
In Malta, neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in 2026 are Sliema, St Julian's, and Gżira, where demand from international workers remains intense and vacancy is lowest.
Risks that could cause rent growth to differ from projections include economic slowdowns in key employer industries like iGaming, regulatory changes affecting short-term holiday lets, or a faster-than-expected increase in new apartment supply from ongoing construction projects.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Malta. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Malta as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest rents are Sliema at €1,400 per month for a 2-bedroom ($1,525 USD), St Julian's at €1,350 ($1,470 USD), and Swieqi at €1,300 ($1,415 USD).
These Malta neighborhoods command premium rents because of their seafront access, walkability to restaurants and nightlife, proximity to major employers in gaming and finance, and generally higher-quality building stock with modern amenities.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Malta neighborhoods consists of international professionals working in gaming, finance, and tech sectors, as well as senior executives, expat couples, and digital nomads seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Malta.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Malta right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent are Gżira, Msida, and Sliema, offering good access to workplaces and public transport.
Young professionals in Malta typically pay between €800 and €1,100 per month ($870 to $1,200 USD) for a 1-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods, depending on exact location and finishes.
The specific amenities that attract young professionals to these Malta neighborhoods include proximity to bus routes and the Sliema ferry, walkable restaurants and cafes, gym access, co-working spaces, and short commutes to office hubs in St Julian's and Valletta.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
Where do families prefer to rent in Malta right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent are Mosta, Naxxar, and San Ġwann, offering more space and quieter streets.
Families in Malta typically pay between €1,000 and €1,400 per month ($1,090 to $1,525 USD) for a 2 to 3-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods, with prices varying based on size and proximity to schools.
The specific features that make these Malta neighborhoods attractive to families include wider streets with easier parking, access to parks and playgrounds, lower traffic density, proximity to good schools, and a stronger sense of community compared to the Northern Harbour belt.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Malta neighborhoods include St. Monica School in Mosta, San Anton School in Mġarr (close to Naxxar), and various church schools throughout the central region.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas that rent fastest are Msida (near the University of Malta), Gżira (central bus access), and Valletta (main bus terminus).
In these high-demand Malta areas, properties typically stay listed for only 10 to 20 days on average, compared to 30 days or more in less connected localities further from the main transport arteries.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of the University of Malta or major bus routes in Malta is around 10% to 20% above comparable units further away, adding roughly €100 to €150 per month ($110 to $165 USD) to the rent.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Malta right now?
The top three neighborhoods popular with expats are Sliema, St Julian's, and Gżira, all in the Northern Harbour area.
Expats in Malta typically pay between €900 and €1,500 per month ($980 to $1,635 USD) for a 1 to 2-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods, depending on size and quality.
The specific features that make these Malta neighborhoods attractive to expats include English-speaking services, international restaurants and supermarkets like Arkadia and Greens, proximity to gaming company offices in Portomaso and Tigne Point, and an active social scene with other internationals.
Nationalities most represented include British, Italian, German, and Scandinavian residents, plus growing numbers from India, the Philippines, and Serbia.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Malta.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Malta right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Malta?
The top three tenant profiles dominating Malta's rental market are international workers (especially in gaming and finance), young Maltese adults renting before buying, and room-sharers seeking affordable options.
In Malta, international workers represent roughly 40% to 50% of active rental contracts in popular localities, while young Maltese adults make up around 25% to 30%, and room-sharers account for approximately 15% to 20% of the market.
International workers in Malta typically seek furnished 1 to 2-bedroom apartments in the Northern Harbour area, young Maltese adults often look for 1-bedroom units with good value closer to family, and room-sharers focus on shared spaces with reasonable transport links.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Malta.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Malta?
In Malta, approximately 65% to 70% of rental demand in expat-heavy areas is for furnished apartments, while unfurnished units represent 30% to 35%.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished in Malta is around €100 to €200 per month ($110 to $220 USD), depending on the quality of furniture and appliances included.
In Malta, the tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals are international workers on fixed-term contracts, relocating professionals, and anyone arriving from abroad who wants a move-in-ready solution without buying furniture they may not keep.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Malta?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Malta are sea views, dedicated parking or a garage, full air conditioning throughout, modern high-quality finishes, and a building with a lift and well-maintained common areas.
In Malta, a sea view can add €150 to €300 per month ($165 to $325 USD) to rent, dedicated parking adds €80 to €150 ($90 to $165 USD), full AC adds €50 to €100 ($55 to $110 USD), modern finishes add €100 to €200 ($110 to $220 USD), and a lift adds €50 to €100 ($55 to $110 USD) per month.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Malta?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Malta are kitchen upgrades with new appliances, bathroom modernization with walk-in showers, AC system improvements, better windows for soundproofing, and layout changes that add a usable second bedroom or home office.
In Malta, a kitchen refresh typically costs €3,000 to €8,000 ($3,270 to $8,720 USD) and can add €75 to €150 per month to rent, a bathroom upgrade costs €2,500 to €6,000 ($2,725 to $6,540 USD) and adds €50 to €100 monthly, and an AC upgrade costs €1,500 to €4,000 ($1,635 to $4,360 USD) and adds €50 to €100 per month.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by landlords in Malta include overly luxurious finishes that exceed the neighborhood standard, swimming pools in apartments (a maintenance headache), structural changes that reduce bedroom count for open-plan layouts, and ultra-high-end appliances that most tenants won't pay extra for.
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 strong is rental demand in Malta as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Malta is approximately 5% on average, meaning most correctly priced properties find tenants relatively quickly.
Across different neighborhoods in Malta, vacancy rates range from around 3% to 4% in high-demand areas like Sliema and Gżira to 6% to 8% in outer or seasonally affected localities like Mellieħa and parts of Gozo.
The current vacancy rate in Malta is slightly lower than the historical average of around 6% to 7%, reflecting strong ongoing demand driven by continued employment growth and international worker inflows.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Malta is approximately 28 days for a correctly priced, standard-quality long-term let.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Malta, days on market ranges from just 10 to 20 days in Sliema, St Julian's, and Gżira to 40 to 60 days or more for overpriced units or properties in less connected areas like the south of the island.
The current days-on-market figure in Malta is similar to one year ago, though properties in the premium Northern Harbour corridor are renting slightly faster due to continued strong expat demand.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Malta?
Peak months for tenant demand in Malta are September and October, with a secondary bump in January and February.
The specific factors that drive seasonal demand patterns in Malta include the timing of hiring cycles in gaming and financial services, the start of the University of Malta academic year in October, and the natural post-summer relocation rhythm when people settle into new positions.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Malta are typically June through August, when many existing tenants are settled, tourism competes for short-term stock, and fewer companies onboard new international employees.
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An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Malta as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Malta should expect no annual property holding tax or council tax, since Malta does not impose recurring property taxes in the way many European countries do.
Because Malta has no annual property tax, there is no range to report for this cost, though some properties may carry ground rent (called "ċens" or emphyteusis) of €50 to €500 per year ($55 to $545 USD) depending on the title and specific terms of the agreement.
Property taxes in Malta are primarily transactional rather than annual, meaning landlords pay stamp duty and withholding tax when buying or selling, but face no yearly council-style tax simply for owning property.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Malta, we cover exemptions or deductions available for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Malta right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Malta is approximately 1% of the property's value, which for a €300,000 apartment means around €3,000 per year ($3,270 USD).
Depending on property age and condition in Malta, annual maintenance costs can range from €1,500 to €2,000 ($1,635 to $2,180 USD) for newer buildings to €4,000 to €6,000 ($4,360 to $6,540 USD) for older properties with more frequent repair needs and aging systems.
Landlords in Malta typically set aside 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance, with higher percentages needed for older buildings or properties with air conditioning systems that require regular servicing in Malta's hot climate.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Malta right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Malta are building common-area costs (lift maintenance, stairwell cleaning, building insurance) and sometimes internet when marketing a serviced furnished unit.
In Malta, common-area building fees typically cost landlords €30 to €100 per month ($33 to $110 USD), while including internet in a serviced rental adds around €25 to €50 per month ($27 to $55 USD).
The common practice in Malta is for tenants to pay electricity and water directly through ARMS billing, as well as their own internet and TV packages, while landlords cover only shared building costs and any amenities specifically included in the lease.
How is rental income taxed in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, most landlords in Malta choose to pay a 15% final withholding tax on gross rental income, filed through the TA24 form, which is the simplest and most common approach for residential landlords.
If landlords in Malta choose the 15% final withholding option, they generally cannot claim deductions for expenses like maintenance, repairs, or mortgage interest against that rental income.
A common tax mistake specific to Malta that landlords should avoid is assuming they can deduct expenses while using the 15% final withholding route, since this simplified method explicitly does not allow deductions and switching methods mid-year can create complications.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Malta.
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.
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.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Malta Housing Authority - Registered rental contracts 2024H1 | Regulator's dataset based on actual registered leases. | Anchor for real-world rents by locality and bedroom count, and baseline for rent growth. |
| Malta Housing Authority - Rent Report 2023 | Regulator providing annual view with market structure. | Cross-checked typical rent ranges and narrative consistency. |
| Malta Housing Authority - Rent Report 2023 H2 Update | Official bi-annual update from Malta's regulator. | Checkpoint to sanity-check levels in popular localities. |
| Central Bank of Malta - Registered vs advertised rents | Central bank research on how rent datasets diverge. | Adjusted interpretation of registered versus asking rents. |
| Central Bank of Malta - Profile of tenants and landlords | Primary research from Malta's central bank. | Described who rents in Malta and tenant preferences. |
| Global Property Guide - Malta rental yields | Established international property data publisher. | Median asking rents translated to what new tenants see in listings. |
| Global Property Guide - Malta taxes and costs | Comparative reference separating holding vs transaction taxes. | Confirmed no annual property holding tax. |
| BusinessNow - Housing Authority rent dashboard | Local outlet referencing official Housing Authority numbers. | Double-checked locality examples. |
| BusinessNow - H1 2025 active contracts | Reports concrete regulator statistic. | Supported demand narrative around market formalization. |
| Times of Malta - Eurostat rent inflation | National newspaper citing Eurostat. | Contextualized Malta's rent dynamics versus the EU. |
| Malta Tax and Customs Administration - Rental income manual | Official government manual on tax rules. | Explained 15% final withholding option and no deductions rule. |
| Servizz.gov.mt - Tax on Rental Income TA24 | Government's official tax payment portal. | Confirmed mechanism landlords use for final withholding tax. |
| PwC Malta - Property tax and duty | Major audit firm summarizing Malta's regime. | Cross-checked that recurring property tax burden is low. |
| Malta Joint Office - Ground rent FAQ | Official government source on ground rent system. | Explained ċens and emphyteusis. |
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