The Property Buying Process In Malta

Homes in Malta for sale
We understand that buying a property is often the single largest financial purchase we make in our lives not to mention an emotional milestone. If you are thinking about buying property in Malta, our experienced and highly trained team at Perry Estate Agents are expertly placed to guide you through the whole process and assist you with your property requirements.
Listed below is our simple ‘5 Step Guide To The Buying Process in Malta’ which will help you understand the various legal stages of purchasing a property in the Maltese Islands.
Our ‘5 Step Guide To The Buying Process In Malta
Budget & Requirements
The first thing to do is identify what you require and how much can afford to spend. Do you want a sea view in a modern Apartment or are you after a House of Character in a quiet village? It’s best to be very clear about your requirements from the start. If you need a mortgage then now is the time to speak to your bank or mortgage advisor. Once you have a mortgage offer you are then in a strong buying position.
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Viewings
The buying market is very competitive in Malta so Perry Estate Agents advises an early viewing to secure that ideal home. Our staff will do everything possible to ensure you see a property within the quickest time frame, we’ll even chauffeur you there and accompany you throughout. Perry Real Estate Agents like to be on hand during viewings to answer any questions and to negotiate any difficult areas. If you’re too busy in the week then we’re open Saturday mornings too, so we can arrange viewings no matter what your schedule is!
Make an offer & ‘Preliminary Agreement’
Once you’ve decided on a property and your offer has been accepted the next stage is the signing of a ‘Preliminary Agreement’ between the buyer and the seller. This agreement is often referred to as the ‘Konvenju’ in Maltese or ‘Promise of Sale’, and binds both parties to the transaction based on a set of mutually agreed terms and conditions. The Preliminary Agreement is usually valid for three months and after the signing (but before entering into a final deed of sale), a Notary would be engaged by the buyer to carry out the necessary searches into the property to confirm everything is in order before proceeding. It is at this stage that 1% of the 5% total stamp duty fee is payable to the Inland Revenue and a 10% deposit is paid by the buyer. The remaining 4% of the stamp duty will be paid with the publication of the final deed.
Also, note that the 1% of stamp duty will be refunded if the final deal fails to materialize and that the deposit agreed on during the signing of the Preliminary Agreement will be handed over to the seller if the buyer does not sign the final deed without a valid reason at law. The following terms must be agreed before the Preliminary Agreement is signed: Price, Ground Rent, Features included in the price, Payment terms, Works to be undertaken by the owner, Terms of Preliminary Agreement / Promise of Sale. Note: In Malta, the agreements and contracts are always written in English.
Final Contract of Sale (Final Deed)
Once all the conditions of the Preliminary Sale agreement are complete and all duties fulfilled, all parties get together to sign the final deed. It is the responsibility of the Notary to draft the final deed and prepare it for signature. The normal procedure is as follows:
- The final deed is often signed at our office or at the bank if a mortgage is required by the buyer.
- The final contract is read out and if both parties agree to the terms and conditions the contract will be signed.
- Time to pay the balance (the purchase price less any deposits paid on account) to the seller.
- Both parties must now confirm that they have settled all expenses in relation to the purchase and property.
- The keys of the property are then exchanged.
- The contract will now be registered at the Public Registry by the Notary.

Additional Fees
Notary Fees
A Notary is a public official who acts for the government and is usually appointed by the buyer. It’s their job to check the property is unencumbered and that there are no problems relating to Banks or individuals.
Notary fees are normally about 1.5% to 2.5% of the property price and are normally paid in two stages, 33% on signing the preliminary agreement and the remaining 67% with the publication of the final deed of sale. Notary fees are calculated according to the Notarial Council Guidelines under www.notariesofmalta.org
Ground Rent
Where there is ground rent relating to a property, the buyer will have to pay a recognition fee, (which is 1 years ground rent) (known as the ‘laudemium’) to the ground rent owner, plus the ground rent for the property itself so in total there will be two ground rent payments in the first year.
Property Registration Fees
Following completion of the final deed of sale, the notary registers the transfer with the Land Registry where applicable. Land Registry fees vary according to the type and value of the registration. Additional charges may apply for Land Registry plans, searches, certificates and other official documentation. Your notary will advise you of the applicable registration and disbursement costs for your particular purchase.


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