FAQ – Real Estate in Malta (with Yitaku)
Finding property in Malta can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers, expats, or anyone new to the process. To make things simpler, we’ve put together this FAQ answering the most common questions about real estate in Malta — and how Yitaku, Malta’s all-in-one property app, helps along the way.
Getting Started with Yitaku
Q: What’s the fastest way to find property in Malta with Yitaku?
With thousands of listings updated daily, Yitaku gives you instant access to properties across Malta and Gozo. You can filter by area, price, and property type, then set up alerts so you never miss a new listing. One can find both residential and commercial properties for sale and to rent. 👉 Download the app here.
Q: Can I see listings from owners, estate agents, and developers in one place on Yitaku?
Yes. Yitaku is unique in Malta because it brings together properties from private owners, licensed estate agents, and developers — all in one platform.
Q: How do Property Alerts work on Yitaku?
Simply set your criteria (budget, location, property type), and Yitaku will notify you as soon as matching properties are added. 👉 Explore Malta's Town and Villages to make an informed decision.
Financing & Costs
Q: What upfront costs should I expect when buying property in Malta?
Expect a 10% deposit, notary fees, searches, stamp duty, and bank charges. The total upfront cost usually adds up to 18-20% of the total value of the property. Yitaku’s Home Loan Calculator helps you plan monthly repayments.
Q: Do I need life or building insurance to get a mortgage in Malta?
Yes. Banks require life insurance and building insurance before approving a mortgage. Yitaku helps you request quotes easily.
Buying and selling Property in Malta
Q: How to find investment properties in Malta?
Yitaku lists thousands of homes across Malta and Gozo, including high-yield rental hotspots and luxury investments. 👉 Our Neighbourhood Guides help you compare areas.
Q: How to buy a house in Malta using an app?
With Yitaku, you can:
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Browse updated listings
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Activate property alerts
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Chat with sellers or agents directly
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Use our Loan Calculator to plan repayments
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Finalise through your notary
Q: How to sell a house without agent fees in Malta?
Yitaku lets property owners list directly — no commission, no middlemen. Simply upload your property details, add photos, and connect directly with buyers. 👉 List Your Property.
Q: Can I sell my property on Yitaku without paying commission?
​Yes. Yitaku is free for property seekers and allows owners to sell directly without paying commission.
Q: What is the Promise of Sale (Konvenju) and how long does it last?
The Konvenju is a legally binding Promise of Sale agreement signed in front of a notary. It usually lasts between 6 - 9 months, but can be extended if both parties agree.
Q: How much deposit is typically paid at Konvenju?
​Buyers in Malta usually pay a 10% deposit plus 1% provisional stamp duty when signing the Konvenju. 👉 Check out our Ultimate first-time buyer guide for more detailed information.
Q: What checks does a notary perform before the final deed?
The notary conducts title searches, checks planning permits, and ensures the property is free of debts, hypothecs, or disputes before proceeding to the final deed.
Foreign Buyers & AIP Permits
Q: Can foreigners buy property in Malta?
Yes, but non-residents may need an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit unless buying in a Special Designated Area (SDA). Check out our Complete 2025 Expat Guide.
Q: How long does the AIP process take?
Typically 6–8 weeks if all documents are correct.
Q: Can foreigners rent out property bought with an AIP permit?
Only if it’s in a Special Designated Area. Otherwise, AIP properties must usually be for the buyer’s personal use.
Rental and Commercial properties in Malta
Q: Where can I find rental apartments in Malta?
Yitaku features rental listings updated daily, from budget apartments to luxury penthouses. You can also set alerts so you never miss a rental. 👉 Browse Rentals in Malta.
Q: Do all rental contracts in Malta need to be registered?
Yes. All private residential leases must be registered with the Housing Authority within 10 days of signing.
Q: What’s the minimum term for a long private residential lease in Malta?
A long private lease must last at least one year. Shorter rentals (e.g., 6 months) fall under short-term rules.​
Q: Where can I rent commercial spaces in Malta and Valletta?
Yitaku lists commercial rentals across Malta, including Valletta offices and retail spaces. Use the search filters in the app to select “Commercial” and “Valletta.” 👉 Commercial Properties in Valletta.
Q: Which app is best for rentals in Malta?
Yitaku, with a comprehensive database of updated listings added daily, plus rental alerts to notify you instantly. 👉 Download app
Government Schemes & Taxes
Q: What help is available for first-time buyers in Malta?
First-time buyers don’t pay stamp duty on the first €200,000 of their purchase. Other schemes cover green renovations, Gozo purchases, and tax credits. Checkout our blog on Incentives for first time buyers in Malta
Q: Are there refunds for second-time buyers in Malta?
Yes. If you sell your first home and buy another, you may qualify for reduced stamp duty and refund schemes. Checkout our blog on Incentives for second time buyers in Malta
After Purchase & Moving
Q: How do I set up utilities in Malta?
You’ll need to update your ARMS account (electricity and water), change your ID card address, and register your residence.
Q: What about furnishing and moving costs?
With Yitaku’s My Coupons, you can save on furniture, appliances, and services from top Maltese retailers. 👉 Check out the amazing deals available on Yitaku
About Yitaku
Q: How often are Yitaku’s property listings updated?
Properties are updated daily from multiple sources, ensuring the freshest listings across Malta and Gozo.
Q: Is Yitaku free to use?
Yes. Property seekers can browse for free. Property owners, estate agents and developers can list properties directly.
Q: How to use Yitaku to find a home in Malta?
Download the app, set your preferences, activate alerts, and chat directly with owners or agents. 👉 Step-by-Step Guide to Yitaku.
Q: What features does Yitaku offer for property buyers in Malta?
Yitaku includes property alerts, direct chat, loan calculators, insurance requests, and My Coupons for discounts. 👉 See All Features.
Q: How is my data protected with Yitaku?
Yitaku complies with GDPR and EU privacy standards, keeping your information safe. You can check our T&C and Privacy policy.
Property Search & Features
Q: Where can I find property alerts for new listings in Malta?
On Yitaku, you can set up free property alerts to get notified the moment a listing that matches your budget, area, and property type goes live. 👉 Learn more about Property Alerts.
Q: How does property matchmaking work in Malta apps?
Yitaku uses smart filters and alerts to match buyers and renters with properties instantly. Unlike other apps, it pulls listings from owners, estate agents, and developers so you see the full market in one place. 👉 Read our Property Alerts Guide.
Q: Where to find property listings with direct buyer-seller chat in Malta?
Yitaku offers direct chat with property owners, estate agents, and developers — helping you save time and even discover no-commission deals. 👉 How to Use Yitaku Guide.
Q: Where to find no-commission property listings in Malta?
On Yitaku, owners can list their properties without commission fees. This means you can connect directly with sellers and avoid unnecessary costs. 👉 Sell Without Commission.
Tools & Savings
Q: Where can I get discounts for home-related services in Malta?
Yitaku’s My Coupons feature offers exclusive discounts on furniture, appliances, moving services, and home improvement from top Maltese retailers. 👉 Discover My Coupons.
Q: Where to find home loan calculators for Malta properties?
Yitaku’s built-in Advanced Home Loan Calculator helps you estimate monthly repayments based on your budget and loan terms comparing the 5 major banks in Malta. 👉 Try the Calculator.
Q: Best apps for managing property leads in Malta?
For estate agents and developers, Yitaku provides lead management tools and direct buyer-seller chat, making it easier to follow up on inquiries and close deals. 👉 Check out the advantages of using Yitaku
Choosing the Right Area
Q: What are the best areas to buy property in Malta?
It depends on your lifestyle:
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Sliema & St Julian’s – seafront, expat hubs
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Mellieħa – family-friendly, spacious homes
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Valletta – heritage & investment
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Mosta & Naxxar – central, affordable
Q: Apps to find homes for sale in the Central Malta region?
Yitaku makes it easy to search by region — from Mosta and Naxxar to Birkirkara. You can filter for “Central Malta” and set alerts for properties in those areas. 👉 Browse Central Malta Homes.
Malta Property FAQ (Glossary Section)
Q: What is a Konvenju in Malta?
The Konvenju (promise of sale) is a preliminary agreement signed before the final property contract. It’s usually valid for 3 months, and the buyer pays a 10% deposit plus 1% provisional stamp duty. 👉 Learn more about buying property in Malta.
Q: How much is stamp duty in Malta?
The standard rate is 5% of the property price. First-time buyers pay no duty on the first €200,000, while second-time buyers can claim refunds up to €86,000. 👉 See our Buyer Incentives Guide.
Q: What is the First-Time Buyer Scheme in Malta?
It’s an incentive that exempts first-time buyers from paying stamp duty on the first €200,000 of their purchase. 👉 Read our First-Time Buyer Blog
Q: What is an AIP permit in Malta?
Non-EU citizens need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit to buy property outside Special Designated Areas (SDAs). The application fee is around €233. 👉 See our AIP Permit FAQ.
Q: What is the Second-Time Buyer Scheme in Malta?
Homeowners buying their second property can get a refund of stamp duty on the first €86,000 of their purchase (increased to €150,000 in some cases). 👉 Read our Buyer Incentives Blog.
Q: What are Special Designated Areas (SDAs) in Malta?
SDAs are developments where foreigners can buy without restrictions. Examples include Portomaso, Tigné Point, and Fort Chambray. 👉 Investment Properties Blog.
Q: What is ground rent (cens) in Malta?
Ground rent is a small yearly fee paid to the landowner if the property is not sold freehold. Buyers can redeem it to convert into freehold.
Q: What’s the difference between freehold and leasehold in Malta?
Freehold means you own the property and land forever. Leasehold means ownership for a fixed term (often 99–125 years).
Q: What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in Malta?
It’s a legal certificate showing how energy-efficient a property is. An EPC is required when selling or renting.
Q: What does a notary do in Malta?
​A notary drafts property contracts, performs legal searches, and registers the sale with the authorities.
Q: What is ARMS in Malta?
ARMS Ltd is the official provider of electricity and water in Malta. Tenants and homeowners must register with ARMS to access residential tariffs. 👉 See our Moving to Malta Checklist.
Q: What is Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Malta property sales?
Sellers usually pay 8% CGT on the property’s transfer value, though exemptions apply for primary residences.