Buyers Expenses - Perry Estate Agents

Property buying expenses in Malta

Stamp Duty on Property Purchases in Malta

Below are the additional costs that any buyer will have to pay when purchasing a property in Malta, as well as the agreed price with the seller:

Stamp duty on the purchase of immovable property in Malta is normally payable by the purchaser at a standard rate of 5% of the applicable value of the property. When a 'Promise of Sale' agreement (Konvenju) is signed, the purchaser generally pays provisional stamp duty equivalent to 20% of the final duty due, normally amounting to 1% of the applicable value. The remaining balance is payable upon signing the final deed of sale.

Residential properties purchased on the island of Gozo currently benefit from a reduced stamp duty rate of 2%, subject to the applicable conditions.

Stamp Duty Exemptions & Schemes:

First-Time Buyers

Eligible first-time buyers purchasing their first residence may benefit from an exemption from stamp duty on the first €200,000 of the property’s value, representing a potential saving of up to €10,000. The exemption is subject to specific eligibility requirements.

Urban Conservation Areas (UCA)

Qualifying property situated within an Urban Conservation Area may benefit from an exemption from stamp duty on the first €750,000 of the property’s value. Subject to the applicable conditions, the vendor may also benefit from an exemption from the applicable final withholding tax on the first €750,000.

Second-Time Buyers

Eligible purchasers who sell their existing residential property and acquire a replacement residence may qualify for a refund of stamp duty paid on the first €86,000 of the replacement property’s value. Persons with qualifying disabilities may benefit from a refund on the first €150,000, subject to the relevant conditions. The scheme currently applies to qualifying acquisitions made up to 31 December 2026.

Property Restoration Grants & Incentives in Malta

There are several Government restoration and refurbishment schemes currently available in Malta, and some are particularly relevant to buyers of houses of character, townhouses and properties in Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs). Click here for more information

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

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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