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 is one of Europe's smallest countries, but its property market is surprisingly complex, especially if you are a foreigner trying to figure out what you can actually afford.
In this article, we break down what you can realistically buy in Malta at different budget levels, from $100k all the way to luxury territory, using official data and real market benchmarks.
We constantly update this blog post to give you the freshest numbers on the Malta property market as of January 2026.
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.
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Malta right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Malta, or is it all scams?
At around $100,000, which converts to roughly €85,000 using the January 2026 ECB exchange rate, you are below Malta's legal minimum purchase threshold for foreigners who need an AIP permit, so in most cases you simply cannot buy a standard residential property at this budget.
Even if you are somehow exempt from AIP rules, the market reality is that Malta's median advertised apartment price sits around €350,000 according to KPMG's 2025 property report, which means €85,000 is far below what typical apartments cost anywhere on the island.
If you are AIP-exempt and determined to find something at this level, your best chances are in value areas like Marsa, Paola, Tarxien, or Gozo towns such as Victoria, Xaghra, and Nadur, but even there listings are rare and usually compromised.
Buying in popular areas like Sliema, St Julian's, or Valletta for $100,000 is essentially impossible, as even the smallest studios in these locations start well above €200,000 in early 2026.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Malta (studio, land, old house)?
At the €85,000 level in Malta in 2026, you are realistically looking at garages, airspace rights, or extremely compromised shell properties rather than move-in-ready homes, because Malta's official transaction data from the NSO shows garages make up a large share of lower-value residential transactions.
If you do find something habitable at this price, expect it to need serious renovation, likely €20,000 to €50,000 or more, with issues like old plumbing, moisture problems, and dated electrical systems being common in bargain properties.
For long-term value at this ultra-low budget, a garage in a high-demand area like Sliema or St Julian's may actually be your safest bet in Malta, since parking is scarce and garages hold value better than a compromised apartment that drains money on repairs.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, you need a minimum of around €250,000 (approximately $295,000 or €250,000) to start accessing comfortable apartments in Malta, because this is where you begin to find finished one to two bedroom units in non-prime but practical locations.
Most buyers in Malta who want a genuinely comfortable standard end up spending between €300,000 and €400,000 ($350,000 to $470,000), which aligns with KPMG's reported median and average advertised apartment prices of €350,000 and €400,000 respectively.
In Malta, "comfortable" typically means a finished apartment of 60 to 90 square meters with a lift, modern plumbing and electrics, and decent natural light, often in a building less than 20 years old.
The budget you need varies dramatically by neighborhood in Malta: in Sliema or St Julian's you might pay €400,000 for what costs €280,000 in Birkirkara or Mosta, so location is the single biggest factor in how far your money goes.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Malta as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, $200,000 converts to approximately €170,000, which is just below Malta's AIP minimum threshold of €174,274 for apartments, so if you need an AIP permit you would want to budget closer to $205,000 to clear the legal minimum before closing costs.
If you are AIP-exempt, €170,000 can get you an older one-bedroom apartment in value areas like San Pawl il-Bahar, Qormi, or parts of Gozo, typically ranging from 50 to 70 square meters depending on condition and exact location.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Malta.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Malta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest areas to buy at the €170,000 level in Malta include Birkirkara, San Pawl il-Bahar, Qormi, and Gozo towns like Victoria and Xaghra, because these locations combine relative affordability with strong local demand and transaction liquidity.
These areas are smarter buys than similarly priced pockets elsewhere because they have consistent rental demand from locals and expats, better transport links, and appear frequently in NSO transaction data, which signals a healthier resale market.
The main growth driver in these value areas is the spillover effect from Malta's premium zones, as buyers priced out of Sliema and St Julian's increasingly look to adjacent or well-connected neighborhoods, pushing prices gradually upward in places like Birkirkara and the northern coast.
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.
What can I buy with $300k in Malta in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (approximately €255,000) in Malta means you go from entry-level and compromised apartments to finished one or two bedroom units with better layouts, newer construction, and often a lift, which is a significant comfort upgrade.
Yes, €255,000 can often buy you a property in a newer building in Malta, especially in areas like Mosta, Naxxar, Santa Venera, or parts of San Pawl il-Bahar, where recent developments offer modern finishes at prices below the premium zones.
At this budget, you typically start seeing features like air conditioning, proper insulation, covered parking options, and contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, rather than the outdated finishes common in sub-€200,000 properties.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Malta in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, finding a two-bedroom apartment for €255,000 in good areas of Malta is realistic, but "good" here means solid, practical neighborhoods rather than the most prestigious addresses like Sliema seafront or St Julian's core.
Specific areas where a two-bedroom at this budget is achievable in Malta include Mosta, Birkirkara, Qormi, Msida, and parts of Naxxar, all of which offer decent infrastructure, local amenities, and reasonable commutes to employment centers.
At €255,000, a two-bedroom apartment in Malta typically offers around 70 to 90 square meters (750 to 970 square feet), though this varies based on building age and exact location within the neighborhood.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Malta as of 2026?
At the €255,000 price point in Malta in 2026, you start to access more central and lifestyle-friendly zones like Gzira, Msida, parts of Swieqi, and even some non-waterfront pockets of Sliema, which were essentially unreachable at the $200,000 level.
These newly accessible areas are more desirable than lower-budget zones because they offer walkability to entertainment, dining, and employment hubs, plus better public transport connections and a more cosmopolitan feel that appeals to expats and young professionals.
In these newly accessible neighborhoods, €255,000 typically buys you a smaller but well-located apartment, often a compact two-bedroom or a spacious one-bedroom, in buildings with better maintenance and communal areas than what you find in outer suburbs.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Malta.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Malta in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, $500,000 converts to approximately €426,000, which sits above Malta's median apartment price and unlocks spacious two or three bedroom apartments of around 90 to 140 square meters in many desirable locations across the island.
Yes, €426,000 can often buy a family home with outdoor space in Malta, such as a maisonette with a yard, a townhouse with a roof terrace, or a larger apartment with a substantial terrace, especially if you look outside the absolute premium waterfront zones.
At this budget in Malta, you typically find properties with three bedrooms and two bathrooms as a standard configuration, sometimes with an additional guest toilet, and often with features like a garage, storage room, or dedicated parking.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Malta here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Malta in 2026?
At €426,000 in Malta in 2026, you can seriously shop in premium neighborhoods including Sliema (non-top-seafront streets), St Julian's (select pockets), Gzira's better buildings, Swieqi, and quiet-premium zones like parts of Madliena, Balzan, and Attard.
These neighborhoods are considered premium in Malta because they combine walkability, sea proximity or green surroundings, low crime, proximity to international schools and hospitals, and a concentration of cafes, restaurants, and retail that creates a genuine lifestyle appeal.
For €426,000 in these premium Malta neighborhoods, you can realistically expect a well-finished two-bedroom apartment with a terrace, or a smaller three-bedroom in an older but maintained building, typically with a lift and possibly a garage space.
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.
What counts as "luxury" in Malta in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Malta right now?
In Malta in 2026, luxury real estate generally starts at around €600,000 ($700,000) for apartments, because this is where you begin to see high-end finishes, prime locations, larger sizes, and features like private pools or direct sea views that separate luxury from merely "nice."
At the €600,000 entry point to luxury in Malta, you typically find properties with designer kitchens, smart home systems, high-quality stone or wood finishes, generous terraces, and locations in sought-after developments like Portomaso, Tigne Point, or Fort Cambridge.
Compared to other Mediterranean markets like the French Riviera or Ibiza, Malta's luxury threshold is more accessible, but it is higher than places like Croatia or Portugal's Algarve, positioning Malta as a mid-tier luxury market within Europe.
For mid-tier luxury in Malta, expect to spend €800,000 to €1.2 million ($940,000 to $1.4 million), while top-tier luxury properties with sea views, penthouses, or villas in prime locations typically start at €1.5 million and can exceed €5 million.
Which areas are truly high-end in Malta right now?
The truly high-end neighborhoods in Malta in 2026 include Sliema seafront, St Julian's (especially Portomaso), Valletta's prime streets, Tigne Point, Madliena's villa zone, select parts of Mellieha with views, and waterfront pockets in Gzira and Ta' Xbiex.
These areas are considered truly high-end in Malta because they combine scarcity (limited buildable land), prestige (established addresses), sea views or historic character, proximity to five-star hotels and marinas, and extremely high demand from both local and international wealthy buyers.
The typical buyer profile for these high-end Malta areas includes successful iGaming executives, fintech entrepreneurs, retirees from Northern Europe seeking sun and tax efficiency, and high-net-worth individuals obtaining residency through Malta's investment programs.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Malta
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Malta in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Malta in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for buying property in Malta typically range from 6% to 8% of the purchase price, which you should budget on top of the agreed property value to avoid surprises.
In most standard Malta property transactions, the realistic range is 6% to 8%, though simpler deals at lower values might come in closer to 6%, while complex purchases or properties requiring more extensive searches can push toward 8% or slightly higher.
The main fee categories that make up this total in Malta include stamp duty (the biggest component), notary fees, legal searches, registration costs, and if applicable, the AIP permit fee of €233 for foreign buyers outside Special Designated Areas.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Malta.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary, registration, and legal fees in Malta typically total between 1.5% and 3% of the purchase price, which for a €300,000 property means roughly €4,500 to €9,000 ($5,300 to $10,600).
Notary fees alone usually run 1% to 2.5% of the property price in Malta, while registration and search fees add several hundred euros, making the notary the variable component and registration the more predictable fixed cost.
Of these three fee types, the notary fee is typically the most expensive in Malta because notaries handle contract drafting, title verification, searches at the Land Registry and Public Registry, and coordination of the entire legal transfer process.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, Malta does not have a significant recurring annual property tax for owner-occupiers, so your ongoing costs are primarily common-area fees, utilities, and maintenance rather than a large yearly tax bill.
Unlike countries with substantial municipal property taxes, Malta's property taxation focuses on the transaction (stamp duty at purchase) rather than annual levies, meaning your percentage of property value paid annually in taxes is effectively near zero for residential owners.
Annual costs in Malta do vary based on property type: apartment owners pay common-area fees (typically €1,000 to €4,000 per year depending on amenities), while house owners have no such fees but bear full maintenance responsibility, and SDA properties often have higher service charges due to luxury amenities.
There are no major annual property tax exemptions needed in Malta because the tax structure already favors owners, though rental income is taxed (either progressively from 0% to 35% or at a flat 15% rate for qualifying landlords).
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Malta here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Malta right now?
Obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Malta is possible but case-by-case, with banks like Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta providing most home loans, though approval depends heavily on your residency status, income source, and ability to demonstrate repayment capacity in euros.
Foreign buyers in Malta can typically access loan-to-value ratios of 70% to 80% (compared to up to 90% for first-time local buyers), with interest rates around 2.5% to 3% as of early 2026 based on ECB data and local bank offerings.
To qualify for a Malta mortgage as a foreigner, you generally need a Maltese bank account, proof of stable income (employment contracts or business accounts), a valid passport, proof of address, and often life insurance, with the bank requiring a property valuation by their appointed architect.
You can find the a detailed guide on getting a mortgage in Malta as a foreigner here.
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 should I predict for resale and growth in Malta in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, apartments resell fastest in Malta, particularly well-priced one and two bedroom units in high-transaction localities like Sliema, St Julian's, Birkirkara, and San Pawl il-Bahar, because these match what most buyers are actively searching for.
A typical time on market for correctly priced properties in Malta's liquid areas is a few weeks to three months, though overpriced or poorly located properties can sit for six months or longer without serious interest.
In Malta specifically, apartments near iGaming company offices, furnished units suitable for expat rentals, and properties in Special Designated Areas sell faster because they appeal to the steady stream of foreign workers and investors who drive demand in the market.
The slowest properties to resell in Malta tend to be large traditional townhouses needing renovation, properties in very southern localities with limited transport links, and overpriced units in areas with abundant new supply competing for the same buyers.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Malta.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| NSO Malta RPPI Q3 2025 | Malta's official statistics office publishing the country's price index. | We used it to anchor market direction and the latest official price growth rate of 5.7% year-on-year. We also referenced methodology notes for index coverage. |
| NSO Malta Transactions December 2025 | Official administrative data from registered deeds and promises of sale. | We used it to ground our discussion in real transaction volumes and identify which localities and property types are most actively traded. |
| MTCA AIP FAQ | The Maltese tax authority's official source for foreigner purchase rules. | We used it to state exact AIP minimum values, permit fees, and the one-property restriction that affects non-resident buyers. |
| KPMG-MDA Construction and Property Report 2025 | Major audit firm publishing data-driven Malta property market analysis. | We used it for market-level pricing anchors including median and average apartment prices, avoiding random portal browsing in favor of systematic estimates. |
| European Central Bank EUR/USD Rate | The euro area's central bank and reference source for exchange rates. | We used the January 2026 reference point to convert USD budgets into EUR for accurate Malta market comparisons. |
| PwC Malta Property Tax Overview | Major tax advisory firm with Malta-specific duty summaries aligned with law. | We used it to cross-check stamp duty rates and triangulate closing cost estimates alongside MTCA guidance. |
| Perry Real Estate Buyer Expenses | Established local agency with published fee range guidance. | We used it to estimate notary and legal fee ranges, since exact fees vary by transaction complexity. |
| Malta Land Registration Agency | Government agency responsible for land title registration. | We used it to explain where registration fits in the buying process and why it matters for buyer protection. |
| Central Bank of Malta Interest Rates | Malta's central bank providing official interest rate statistics. | We used it to verify mortgage rate benchmarks and validate that ECB reference rates apply to Malta conversions. |
| RE/MAX Malta SDA Guide | Major real estate network with comprehensive SDA listings and explanations. | We used it to identify and describe Special Designated Areas where foreigners can buy without AIP restrictions. |
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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