Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Malta Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Valletta's property market is included in our pack
Thinking about running an Airbnb in Valletta in 2026? You're looking at one of Europe's most compact UNESCO capitals, where short-term rentals are legal but require proper licensing.
In this guide, we break down the real numbers: average nightly rates hover around €170 to €180, occupancy sits between 60% and 70%, and monthly revenues typically range from €2,600 to €3,100 for well-run listings.
We update this article regularly to keep all figures and regulations current for prospective Airbnb hosts in Valletta.
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 Valletta.
Insights
- One-bedroom apartments dominate Valletta's Airbnb market at 71% of all listings, making this the sweet spot for investors targeting couples and solo travelers visiting Malta's capital.
- Harbor-view properties in Valletta can command nightly rates of €190 to €260, which is roughly 40% higher than similar units in quieter residential pockets like Mandraggio.
- The gap between top and average hosts in Valletta is significant: top performers achieve 70% to 80% occupancy while average hosts sit at 50% to 60%, a difference of around €500 per month in revenue.
- Valletta is explicitly named in Malta's 2025 tourism pressure pilot program, signaling that regulatory tightening is more likely here than in other Maltese towns.
- Nearly all Valletta Airbnb listings (99%) offer WiFi and 94% have air conditioning, meaning these amenities are now baseline expectations rather than competitive advantages.
- August is Valletta's peak revenue month while January is the lowest, with monthly earnings swinging from around €1,800 in winter to €5,200 during summer peaks.
- The most crowded price bracket in Valletta is €140 to €200 per night, so new hosts targeting €210 to €280 with harbor views face less direct competition.
- Self-managed Airbnb hosts in Valletta typically keep €1,400 to €2,300 monthly in net profit, while those using professional management see this drop to €700 to €1,700.
- Minimum stays of 2 to 4 nights are the norm in Valletta, with about 38% of listings requiring at least 2 nights and another 22% offering 30-plus night options for mid-term renters.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Valletta in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term tourist renting is allowed in Valletta, but it operates as a regulated and licensed activity under Malta's tourism framework.
The main legal framework governing Airbnb rentals in Valletta is Malta's Tourism Act (Cap. 409), which requires all tourist accommodation to be licensed through the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).
The single most important requirement is that you must obtain a Holiday Furnished Premises licence before listing your property on any booking platform.
Operating without a valid MTA licence can result in fines and enforcement action, though specific penalty amounts vary depending on the violation and are determined by the regulator.
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 Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no official maximum nights-per-year cap published in Malta's licensing framework for Valletta Airbnb rentals, and minimum stays are set by individual hosts rather than mandated by law.
These rules do not currently differ by property type or residency status, meaning the same licensing requirements apply whether you own an apartment, maisonette, or townhouse in Valletta.
In practice, most Valletta hosts set minimum stays of 2 to 4 nights, with market data showing about 38% requiring 2 nights, 23% requiring 3 nights, and around 22% offering longer 30-plus night options.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Valletta right now?
There is no residency requirement to operate an Airbnb in Valletta, meaning you do not need to live in the property or even in Malta to host guests.
Yes, owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Valletta through the Holiday Furnished Premises licence, which is specifically designed for properties that are not the owner's ordinary residence.
The same MTA licensing process applies to both primary and secondary residences, so there are no additional permits needed specifically for non-primary homes.
The main distinction in Malta's system is between the Holiday Furnished Premises licence (for investment properties) and the Host Family licence (for renting rooms in your primary home), but both require proper registration with the Malta Tourism Authority.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Valletta right now?
Yes, you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Valletta, and property managers with multiple units are already active in the market.
There is no published maximum number of properties that one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Valletta, though each property must be individually licensed.
Each unit requires its own Holiday Furnished Premises licence from the Malta Tourism Authority, so scaling up means completing the licensing process for every property you add.
However, Valletta is explicitly named in Malta's 2025 tourism pressure pilot program, which means hosts with multiple properties may face increased regulatory scrutiny as the government monitors tourism impacts in the capital.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, you need a Holiday Furnished Premises licence from the Malta Tourism Authority to legally operate an Airbnb in Valletta.
The licensing process involves submitting an application through the MTA with supporting documentation, and the authority publishes service standards for processing complete applications within reasonable timeframes.
Required documents typically include proof of property ownership or a rental agreement with the owner's consent, along with details about the property's layout and amenities.
Licensing fees are set by the MTA and vary depending on the property category, so you should budget for both initial application costs and periodic renewals.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are no published neighborhood bans or restricted zones specifically prohibiting Airbnb rentals within Valletta's boundaries.
However, Valletta was explicitly named alongside Swieqi in a September 2025 government pilot program aimed at managing tourism pressure, which signals that restrictions could be introduced in the future.
The government's focus on Valletta relates to concerns about noise, waste management, and the impact of high tourist density on residential quality of life in this compact UNESCO World Heritage capital.
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 Valletta in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for Airbnb listings in Valletta is approximately €170 to €180 (around $185 to $193 USD), while the median sits slightly lower at roughly €155 to €170 due to premium properties pulling the average upward.
The typical nightly price range covering about 80% of Valletta listings falls between €120 and €220 (roughly $130 to $240 USD), with outliers on both ends for budget rooms and luxury heritage homes.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Valletta is harbor views, as properties overlooking the Grand Harbour or Marsamxett Harbour can command premiums of 30% to 50% over comparable units without water views.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly prices in Valletta can vary by €60 to €100 (roughly $65 to $110 USD) between premium harbor-edge locations like Upper Barrakka and more affordable residential pockets like Mandraggio.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Valletta are the Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka area (€190 to €260, or $205 to $280 USD), the core Republic Street and Merchant Street zone (€165 to €220, or $180 to $240 USD), and properties near Valletta Waterfront with Pinto Wharf access (€170 to €230, or $185 to $250 USD).
The more affordable areas include Mandraggio (€125 to €175, or $135 to $190 USD), quieter streets around St Ursula Street (€145 to €195, or $155 to $210 USD), and Old Theatre Street (€145 to €195, or $155 to $210 USD), though guests still choose these areas for their authentic local atmosphere and better value.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Valletta ranges from 60% to 70% for well-managed properties.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Valletta listings spans from 50% for average or undifferentiated units up to 80% for top-performing properties with excellent reviews, professional photos, and prime micro-locations.
Valletta's occupancy rates are strong compared to many Mediterranean destinations, benefiting from Malta's year-round tourism appeal and the capital's UNESCO status as a compact cultural hub.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Valletta is guest reviews, as short city-break travelers rely heavily on ratings when choosing among hundreds of similar listings in this small geographic area.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Valletta is approximately €2,600 to €3,100 (around $2,600 to $3,100 USD at near-parity exchange rates).
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Valletta listings falls between €1,800 and €4,000 (approximately $1,800 to $4,000 USD), depending on property quality, location, and how actively the host manages pricing.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Valletta with harbor views, excellent reviews, and professional management can achieve €4,500 to €6,000 monthly during peak season. Over a full year, that translates to roughly €45,000 to €55,000 in gross annual revenue for the best properties.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Valletta.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, Valletta Airbnb hosts can expect monthly revenue to swing from around €1,800 to €2,600 (approximately $1,800 to $2,600 USD) during low season up to €3,800 to €5,200 (roughly $3,800 to $5,200 USD) during high season.
Low season in Valletta runs from January through February, while high season peaks from July through September, with shoulder months in spring (March to June) and autumn (October to November) falling in between at €2,600 to €3,800 monthly.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for a self-managed Airbnb in Valletta range from €650 to €1,250 (approximately $650 to $1,250 USD), while professionally managed properties typically cost €1,150 to €2,100 monthly.
The largest single expense category for Valletta Airbnb hosts is cleaning and turnover costs, typically running €180 to €450 monthly depending on booking frequency, followed by utilities including electricity and air conditioning at €120 to €280 per month.
Most Valletta hosts should expect to spend between 25% and 40% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the higher end applying to professionally managed properties where management fees add 15% to 20% of revenue.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Valletta.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Airbnb in Valletta ranges from €1,400 to €2,300 (approximately $1,400 to $2,300 USD), which translates to roughly €47 to €77 profit per available night.
For professionally managed properties, monthly net profit typically falls between €700 and €1,700 (roughly $700 to $1,700 USD), or about €23 to €57 per available night after management fees.
Most Valletta Airbnb hosts achieve net profit margins between 45% and 65% of gross revenue for self-managed units, dropping to 25% to 45% when using professional management services.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Valletta listing is around 35% to 45%, meaning hosts need roughly 10 to 14 booked nights per month just to cover their operating expenses before making any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta, 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 Valletta as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are approximately 600 to 900 active short-term rental listings in Valletta, with AirDNA counting around 897 total available listings across platforms and AirROI tracking roughly 601 active Airbnb-specific listings.
The number of Valletta Airbnb listings has grown steadily over recent years, following Malta's broader tourism expansion, though growth may moderate as the government's tourism pressure pilot program signals closer regulatory attention to the capital's accommodation density.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Valletta are Republic Street, Merchant Street, Strait Street, and the harbor-view edges near Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka.
These areas became saturated because they sit at the intersection of foot traffic, landmarks, and nightlife, meaning guests can walk to everything while hosts benefit from the "location, location, location" premium that allows higher nightly rates despite the competition.
Relatively undersaturated areas offering better opportunities for new hosts include Mandraggio (which has a more local, residential feel), the quieter streets around St Ursula Street and Old Theatre Street, and properties that focus on mid-term stays of 30 or more nights rather than competing in the crowded short-stay segment.
What local events spike demand in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Valletta include Notte Bianca (the city-wide night arts festival), summer festival programming through the Valletta Cultural Agency, and Malta's traditional fireworks season festivities.
During major events like Notte Bianca, Valletta hosts typically see booking demand increase by 30% to 50%, with nightly rates rising 20% to 40% above normal weekend pricing for well-positioned properties.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and block high-demand dates at least 4 to 8 weeks before major Valletta events, using the official cultural calendars from VisitMalta and Valletta Cultural Agency to plan their pricing strategy.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Valletta achieve occupancy rates of 70% to 80%, significantly outperforming the market average.
Average hosts in Valletta typically see occupancy rates of 50% to 60%, meaning top performers book an extra 10 to 15 nights per month, which translates to roughly €400 to €700 more in monthly revenue.
New hosts in Valletta can typically reach top-performer occupancy levels within 6 to 12 months if they invest in professional photography, respond quickly to inquiries, price competitively during their first months to build reviews, and maintain a listing that honestly describes any access challenges like stairs.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Valletta right now?
In Valletta's Airbnb market, almost every listing now offers WiFi (99% of properties), air conditioning (94%), a kitchen (89%), and a TV (85%), making these features baseline expectations rather than competitive advantages.
Air conditioning is particularly important in Valletta because summer temperatures combined with thick stone walls can make unventilated heritage buildings uncomfortable, so guests now assume A/C is standard.
To stand out from competitors, Valletta hosts need to focus on features beyond the basics, such as outdoor space like a balcony or terrace, harbor views, excellent soundproofing, or clear communication about building access and stairs.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Valletta right now?
The most crowded price bracket in Valletta is €140 to €200 per night (approximately $150 to $215 USD), which is dominated by one-bedroom entire homes that make up 71% of all listings.
White space opportunities exist at the premium end between €210 and €280 per night ($225 to $300 USD) for properties with genuine harbor views and outdoor space, as well as in the 30-plus night mid-term rental segment serving remote workers and relocations.
To successfully compete in underserved price segments, new Valletta hosts should focus on combining heritage character with modern comfort, meaning traditional features like stone details and wooden balconies paired with reliable A/C, strong water pressure, quality bedding, and honest disclosure about any noise or access considerations.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Valletta right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Valletta as of 2026?
As of early 2026, one-bedroom properties get the most bookings in Valletta, dominating the market with 71% of all listings.
The booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Valletta shows one-bedroom units at 71%, two-bedroom properties at 23%, and three-bedroom or larger homes at just 5% of the market.
One-bedroom units perform best in Valletta because the city attracts primarily couples and solo travelers on short cultural breaks of 2 to 4 nights, and these guests prefer compact, well-located apartments over larger spaces they don't need.
What property type performs best in Valletta in 2026?
As of early 2026, well-renovated one to two bedroom apartments and maisonettes are the best-performing property types for Airbnb in Valletta, offering the strongest balance of consistent occupancy, manageable operating costs, and steady revenue.
Apartments and maisonettes typically achieve occupancy rates of 65% to 75% in Valletta, while heritage townhouses and small palazzos can see slightly lower occupancy (55% to 65%) but command higher nightly rates that can offset fewer bookings.
Apartments outperform in Valletta because they're easier to maintain in the humid Mediterranean climate, guests can access them without navigating multiple flights of stairs, and turnover costs stay predictable, whereas heritage homes require more intensive upkeep and guest communication about access challenges.
What location traits boost bookings in Valletta right now?
The location traits that most boost Airbnb bookings in Valletta are harbor views or a private balcony, walkable access to Republic Street and City Gate, and properties with relatively flat or easy luggage access.
Harbor views can increase nightly rates by 30% to 50% and improve booking conversion, while properties near City Gate benefit from transport convenience for guests arriving by bus or ferry from the airport.
Hosts should also consider noise carefully, as properties near Strait Street offer nightlife convenience but may receive complaints from light sleepers, so honest disclosure and appropriate pricing for livelier locations helps maintain strong reviews.
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 Valletta, 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) | It's the official regulator that issues tourism licences under Malta's tourism laws. | We used it to confirm that short-term tourist accommodation is a licensed activity in Malta. We also used it to anchor the compliance steps in official guidance. |
| Servizz.gov.mt | This is Malta's official government services portal reflecting current licensing requirements. | We used it to confirm that "holiday furnished premises" covers typical residential homes like apartments, maisonettes, and townhouses. We used it to frame what property types can legally be licensed. |
| BusinessFirst Malta | BusinessFirst is the government's one-stop shop for business licensing information. | We used it for the legal definition of "holiday premises" as not being the owner's ordinary residence. We used it to explain the primary home versus secondary home distinction. |
| MTA Licence Application Page | It's an official MTA page tied directly to the licence hosts actually need. | We used it to support that there's a formal application process for Valletta Airbnb hosts. We also used it to show the licensing is grounded in Cap. 409 and related legal notices. |
| MTA Licensing Support | It's the regulator publishing service standards for licence processing. | We used it to set realistic expectations on application processing times. We used it to explain why getting compliant first is practical advice. |
| Malta Tourism Ministry Eco-Contribution Guidelines | It's official guidance under Malta's eco-contribution framework for licensed accommodation. | We used it to understand guest-paid charges that affect competitiveness. We included eco-contribution handling in the expense checklist. |
| Central Bank of Malta Quarterly Review | It's Malta's central bank, a top-tier source for macroeconomic and financial indicators. | We used it as a cross-check for housing and financial context. We used it to ground the early 2026 investment discussion in official economic reporting. |
| NSO Malta (National Statistics Office) | This is Malta's official statistics agency publishing the national house price index and tourism data. | We used it to summarize recent home-price movements going into early 2026. We used tourism arrival data to support that demand is strong for rented accommodation. |
| NSO Malta Inbound Tourism Statistics | It's official tourism demand measurement including arrivals, nights, and spending. | We used it to support that tourism demand is strong and rented accommodation is a major share of guest nights. We used it to show Valletta STRs are demand-led. |
| Eurostat EU Tourism Statistics | Eurostat is the EU's official statistical authority with internationally comparable data. | We used it to cross-check that Malta's tourism nights were rising versus European peers. We used it to support the demand tailwinds without relying on industry marketing. |
| AirDNA Valletta Market Data | AirDNA is a widely used short-term rental data provider with transparent market-level metrics. | We used it for city-specific estimates including ADR, occupancy, annual revenue, listings count, minimum stay distribution, and amenity penetration. We used it as our primary quantitative base. |
| AirROI Valletta Market Analysis | AirROI publishes structured STR metrics with stated date windows and market coverage. | We used it as a second independent benchmark for ADR, occupancy, and median annual revenue. We used it to triangulate our earnings estimates for early 2026. |
| Airbnb Help Center (Host Fees) | It's Airbnb's own policy documentation, the most direct source for platform fees. | We used it to include platform fees in the expense model so net profit is realistic. We used it to explain why headline revenue differs from actual payout. |
| Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) | It's the official Valletta cultural body, reliable for events actually happening in the city. | We used it to identify programming that creates demand spikes in Valletta. We used it to tailor seasonality and event strategy specifically to Valletta. |
| VisitMalta (Notte Bianca) | VisitMalta is the national destination platform and dependable directory for major events. | We used it to cite concrete Valletta events that reliably spike weekend demand. We used it to turn event knowledge into a practical pricing calendar for hosts. |
| Government of Malta Press Release (Tourism Pilot) | It's an official government press release, the best signal of near-term regulatory direction. | We used it to flag that Valletta is explicitly on the government's radar for tourism pressure measures. We used it to frame regulatory risk as likely tightening. |
| ARMS Malta (Utility Tariffs) | ARMS is the official utility billing authority in Malta with regulated tariff information. | We used it to estimate utility costs including electricity and water for Valletta Airbnb hosts. We used it to build realistic operating expense ranges. |
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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