What are rents like in Valletta right now? (2026)

Valletta is Malta's tiny, historic capital where limited residential stock and strong professional demand create some of the island's highest rents per square meter.

In this article, we break down current rental prices in Valletta by apartment type, neighborhood, and tenant profile.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market 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 Valletta.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Valletta. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Valletta as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Valletta falls around €1,075 (roughly $1,130 USD).

Most studios rent between €900 and €1,250 per month ($945 to $1,310 USD), depending on location and condition.

The main factors causing studio rents to vary include whether the unit is newly refurbished, how easy it is to access (lift versus steep stairs), and whether there's outdoor space like a balcony.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Valletta sits around €1,375 ($1,445 USD).

Most 1-bedrooms rent between €1,150 and €1,600 per month ($1,210 to $1,680 USD), with condition and furnishing driving most variation.

The cheapest 1-bedroom rents appear in walk-ups on steep streets or near noisy nightlife, while priciest units cluster around Upper Barrakka, City Gate, and harbour-view locations.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Valletta lands around €1,900 ($2,000 USD).

Most 2-bedrooms rent between €1,550 and €2,250 per month ($1,630 to $2,365 USD), with premium units featuring terraces or harbour views at the top.

The most affordable 2-bedroom rents appear in older unrenovated buildings, while the most expensive concentrate around Republic Street, Strait Street, and seafront edges.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta.

What's the average rent per square meter in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Valletta runs around €24 monthly ($25 USD), or about €288 annually.

Across different micro-areas, rent per square meter ranges from €20 to €28 monthly ($21 to $29 USD), with harbour-view and refurbished properties at the higher end.

Compared to other Maltese locations, Valletta's rent per square meter matches Sliema and St Julian's but runs 30% to 50% higher than towns like Birkirkara or Mosta.

Properties pushing rent above average include heritage conversions with designer finishes, apartments with terraces, and units with lift access.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Valletta in 2026?

As of early 2026, rents in Valletta have increased an estimated 4% to 6% compared to January 2025, at the upper end of Malta's national trend.

The main factors driving increases include continued demand from finance, iGaming, and government professionals, combined with very limited new supply in the heritage-protected center.

This year's growth is slightly lower than the 6.8% national increase in early 2024, suggesting some moderation as affordability pressures push tenants toward Floriana and the Three Cities.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Valletta in 2026?

As of early 2026, we project rent growth in Valletta between 3% and 6% for the full year, with the capital likely at the upper half due to tight supply.

Key factors supporting growth include Malta's strong GDP forecast of around 4% for 2026, ongoing job creation, and persistent migration-driven demand.

Within Valletta, the City Gate and Upper Barrakka zones are expected to see the strongest growth given accessibility and proximity to offices.

Risks that could push growth below projections include affordability constraints forcing tenants to cheaper nearby areas, or refurbishment completions adding supply.

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 Valletta as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three highest-rent micro-areas in Valletta are Upper Barrakka and City Gate, the harbour-view seafront edges, and the Republic Street and Strait Street vicinity, where 1-bedrooms typically command €1,400 to €1,600 ($1,470 to $1,680 USD).

These areas share easy access to transport, proximity to offices, and high-standard refurbished properties with lift access where possible.

Typical tenants in these premium locations include senior professionals, well-paid expats seeking turnkey apartments, and lifestyle renters prioritizing walkability.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Valletta.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Valletta right now?

The top three neighborhoods for young professionals in Valletta are City Gate and Triton Fountain for transport links, Strait Street for nightlife and restaurants, and zones near ferry terminals for cross-harbour commuting.

Young professionals typically pay €1,150 to €1,500 per month ($1,210 to $1,575 USD) for a furnished 1-bedroom in good condition.

Features attracting young professionals include walkable cafes, fast bus and ferry connections, and the vibrant city-living atmosphere of restored heritage streets.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta.

Where do families prefer to rent in Valletta right now?

The top three areas for families are quieter residential pockets away from late-night zones, edges closer to Floriana, and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) offering more space with Grand Harbour proximity.

Families renting 2 to 3 bedrooms typically pay €1,600 to €2,400 per month ($1,680 to $2,520 USD), with Valletta proper at the higher end.

Attractive features include lower noise levels, easier parking, proximity to schools, and larger apartment footprints rare in central Valletta.

Top schools nearby include St Edward's College and San Anton School, plus local state schools and Cottonera-area facilities.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Valletta in 2026?

As of early 2026, the fastest-renting transit-adjacent areas in Valletta are City Gate and the main bus corridor, Valletta Waterfront and ferry-linked edges, and streets near cultural institutions.

Properties in these areas typically stay listed 15 to 25 days, about 30% faster than less accessible units.

The rent premium for properties within 5 minutes of major transit runs about €100 to €200 per month ($105 to $210 USD) compared to similar units further away.

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Valletta right now?

The top three expat neighborhoods in Valletta are the central grid near cafes and coworking venues, harbour-view pockets along fortification edges, and refurbished apartments near City Gate.

Expats typically pay €1,300 to €1,800 per month ($1,365 to $1,890 USD) for a furnished 1-bedroom with good finishes.

Attractive features include move-in-ready furnished units, reliable AC and internet, walkable restaurants, and proximity to ferry and bus connections.

The most represented nationalities include British professionals, Italian and EU workers in professional services, and remote workers from across Europe.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Valletta.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Valletta right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Valletta?

The top three tenant profiles dominating Valletta's rental market are young professionals in finance and professional services, international workers and expats seeking turnkey apartments, and lifestyle renters prioritizing culture over space.

Young professionals represent roughly 40% of demand, expats about 35%, and lifestyle renters the remaining 25%.

Young professionals seek furnished 1-bedrooms of 45 to 60 square meters, expats prefer move-in-ready units with high-quality finishes, and lifestyle renters accept smaller heritage conversions prioritizing character.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Valletta.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Valletta?

In Valletta, approximately 70% of tenants prefer furnished apartments while 30% seek unfurnished, driven by expats and professionals wanting quick move-ins.

The typical premium for furnished apartments runs €100 to €200 per month ($105 to $210 USD), representing a 10% to 15% increase over unfurnished rent.

Tenant profiles preferring furnished rentals include expats on work contracts, relocating young professionals, and short-to-medium term renters valuing convenience.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Valletta?

The top five rent-boosting amenities in Valletta are air conditioning in every room, good soundproofing, outdoor space like a balcony, lift access, and washer-dryer with dishwasher.

Typical premiums are €50 to €100 monthly for full AC, €30 to €80 for soundproofing, €80 to €150 for outdoor space, €60 to €120 for lift access, and €40 to €80 for premium appliances.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Valletta?

The top five ROI renovations in Valletta are AC and ventilation upgrades, soundproofing improvements, kitchen and bathroom refreshes, layout fixes for heritage spaces, and dehumidification systems.

Typical costs and rent increases: €2,000 to €5,000 for AC yielding €50 to €100 extra monthly, €3,000 to €8,000 for soundproofing yielding €30 to €80, €5,000 to €15,000 for kitchen/bath yielding €80 to €150, €8,000 to €20,000 for layout fixes yielding €100 to €200, and €1,500 to €3,000 for dehumidification yielding €20 to €50.

Poor ROI renovations to avoid include over-customized luxury finishes, expensive structural changes not improving usable space, and cosmetic upgrades without addressing damp or noise.

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 Valletta as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Valletta's vacancy rate for long-let properties sits around 2% to 4%, lower than Malta's national average due to chronic undersupply.

Across micro-areas, vacancy ranges from under 2% near City Gate and the harbour to roughly 5% in less accessible walk-ups with damp or noise issues.

The current rate is similar to historical norms, as heritage protection limits new construction while professional demand remains strong.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rental in Valletta stays listed approximately 25 to 30 days, with well-priced furnished units renting faster.

Days on market ranges from 15 to 20 for turnkey furnished 1-bedrooms near City Gate to 40 to 50 for unfurnished walk-ups with access challenges.

Current days-on-market is similar to one year ago, with no dramatic change as demand stays steady and supply remains tight.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Valletta?

Peak demand months in Valletta are late summer through early autumn (August to October) and a secondary peak in January and February, driven by job relocations and new contracts.

Factors driving these patterns include professional services hiring cycles, academic calendar spillover, and quarterly hiring starts.

The lowest demand months are late November through mid-December and parts of July, when relocations slow around holidays.

What will my monthly costs be in Valletta as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Malta does not impose recurring annual property taxes, so landlords focus on rental income tax rather than property value-based levies.

Instead of property taxes, landlords should budget for building insurance (€200 to €500 annually, $210 to $525 USD), common-area charges, and maintenance reserves for heritage upkeep.

The absence of annual property taxes means landlords focus tax planning on rental income, handled through final withholding tax or standard income tax.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Valletta, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Valletta right now?

Landlords in Valletta most commonly pay building common-area charges and occasionally internet when targeting premium expat tenants.

Typical monthly costs are €20 to €60 ($21 to $63 USD) for common-area charges and €30 to €50 ($32 to $53 USD) for internet if included.

The common practice is for tenants to pay electricity, water, and internet directly, with landlords responsible only for building charges and any utilities explicitly included in the lease.

How is rental income taxed in Valletta as of 2026?

As of early 2026, landlords in Malta can pay a final withholding tax of 15% on gross rental income through the TA24 system, the most popular option for its simplicity.

Main deductions under standard income tax include maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and furniture depreciation, though most small landlords prefer the 15% withholding tax.

A common tax mistake specific to Valletta landlords is failing to register rental contracts with the Housing Authority and rent registration portal, creating compliance issues.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Valletta.

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 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 Housing Authority - Registered Rental Contracts 2024 H1	It's the regulator's own dataset based on registered lease contracts, not advertised asking prices.	We used it as our primary source for rent levels and year-over-year growth. We also used its growth data to anchor our 2026 estimates.
Malta Housing Authority - Rent Report 2023	It's a comprehensive annual study from Malta's rental market regulator built on the rent register.	We used it to explain tenant profiles and contract structures. We also used it to keep 2026 numbers consistent with registered rent behavior.
Malta Housing Authority - Tenant and Landlord Experiences	It's a regulator publication summarizing tenant and landlord behavior using official data.	We used it for tenant preferences on furnished versus unfurnished and rent-boosting features. We also used it to ground our tenant profile analysis.
Government of Malta - Accommodation Services Hub	It's an official government portal linking to the rental system and housing regulator.	We used it to confirm the official lease registration process. We also used it to align our article with Malta's formal rental regulations.
Malta Rent Registration Portal	It's the official online entry point for rent registration in Malta.	We used it to reinforce that registered data is comprehensive. We also used it to explain registered versus advertised rents.
ECB Data Portal - Actual Rentals	It's the European Central Bank's portal publishing harmonized Eurostat rental inflation data.	We used it to cross-check rent inflation trends with international metrics. We also used it to verify our growth outlook doesn't contradict broader patterns.
European Commission - Economic Forecast for Malta	It's the EU's official macroeconomic forecast used by policymakers across Europe.	We used it to explain why demand pressure remains strong based on GDP and consumption forecasts. We also used it to justify our rent growth outlook.
IMF - 2025 Article IV Concluding Statement for Malta	It's the IMF's latest on-the-ground macroeconomic assessment, updated December 2025.	We used it to anchor the "why demand is strong" story with jobs and migration pressures. We also used it to keep our narrative consistent with macro reality.
Central Bank of Malta - Economic Projections	It's Malta's central bank, the most credible local source for macro and labor market outlook.	We used it for wage trends and labor market implications for rents. We also used it to frame 2026 rent growth as positive but not runaway.
Government of Malta Servizz - Tax on Rental Income (TA24)	It's the official government service page for rental income tax payment in Malta.	We used it to explain the final withholding tax system. We also used it to keep monthly costs accurate for non-professional readers.
Malta Housing Authority - Main Portal	It's the official regulator website and source of rent register publications.	We used it as the canonical reference for all Housing Authority data. We also used it so readers can verify our cited sources.
Government of Malta - Accommodation Ministry Site	It's an official government website overseeing housing-related public bodies.	We used it to validate that rental regulation is government-led. We also used it to avoid relying on informal guides.