Special Designated Areas (SDA’s) is a status granted to qualifying developments of apartments and penthouses, that allow both EU and non-EU nationals to purchase property in Malta with the same acquisition rights as Maltese citizens and without the need to obtain an AIP permit (Acquisition of Immovable Property). Therefore, there are no limits on the number of properties a buyer can purchase and once acquired the owner can also lease or rent the property without restrictions (any rental income is taxed at 15%). As a result, these developments are extremely popular with international investors as well as the Maltese..