Property templates and checklistsMalta

Reviewed October 28, 2026. Not legal advice. Have a notary or lawyer check your case before you sign.

Buying

1
Agree the price
Agree the price, usually through an estate agent. The agent must hold a licence under the Property Market Agency Act (Cap. 644).
2
Sign the promise of sale (konvenju)
A notary or an agent often drafts this private writing. It lasts the agreed period, or 3 months from when the sale can take place if none is agreed.
3
Pay the deposit and provisional duty
The deposit is commonly 10% of the price. The provisional duty is 20% of the final stamp duty: 1% of the higher of price and market value at the standard rate.
4
Notify the promise within 21 days
A notary or advocate notifies the promise to the Commissioner for Tax and Customs within 21 days. Without this notice, the promise is not valid.
5
Run the searches and get the loan
During the promise, often 3 to 6 months, the notary does the Public Registry and Land Registry searches, and the buyer gets the loan.
6
Get an AIP permit if needed
A non-resident buyer may need a permit (AIP) under Cap. 246, unless the property is in a special designated area.
7
Sign the final deed
Both parties sign the final deed before a notary. A sale without a public deed is null. The notary pays the duty within 15 working days and registers the deed.

Private Residential Leases Act: Cap. 604, for a primary residence. In force since 1 January 2020, amended by Act XX of 2024 from 1 September 2024.
Written terms: Property, use, term, renewal, rent and how to pay it, deposit, and an inventory signed by all parties.
Registration: The landlord registers the lease with the Housing Authority within 30 days of the start, or it is null.
Lease term: Long lease: at least 1 year. Short lease: at most 6 months, only for listed non-resident workers, students and others.
Initial rent and deposit: No legal cap.
Rent increase: Once a year, only if the contract says so. At most the Property Price Index change, and never more than 5%.
Landlord's notice: 3 months before the term ends, by registered letter. Otherwise the lease renews for 1 year.
Tenant's notice: After a minimum stay of 6, 9 or 12 months, 1, 2 or 3 months' notice by registered letter.