The cost of property ownership in Malta can quickly skyrocket. In addition to paying the purchase price, additional costs include deposit fees, stamp duty charges, and notary and lawyer charges. The Interesting Info about real estate in Malta.
Malta offers something for every taste – from contemporary new-build apartments to traditional village houses – but before starting your search, secure an affordable means to send money internationally.
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Do I Need a Permit?
Non-EU nationals can purchase property in Malta if it falls within a Special Designated Area (SDA) or Lifestyle Developments. SDAs allow EU and non-EU nationals to enjoy all the same buying rights as Maltese nationals without needing an AIP permit.
Investors purchase property in Malta for various reasons. Some use it as a liquid asset investment, others spend vacations here, and some even seek permanent residency by investing in residential real estate. Residential properties generally appreciate by 3-6% every year. Before purchasing older houses like traditional Maltese stone villas found in villages or rural locations – especially older homes like traditional Maltese stone villas – it is wise to conduct a detailed survey as these can have hidden issues that could prove costly in the long run.
Hiring a professional negotiator when purchasing property in Malta is wise. They will assist with finding homes not yet publicly listed, negotiate with sellers to secure an acceptable final price and contract terms, and spot issues that might not be apparent to an untrained eye – saving both time and money in the long run.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
As with purchasing a property anywhere in the world, purchasing real estate as a foreigner requires numerous considerations, including taxes, regulations, and permits. Furthermore, Malta-specific factors should also be taken into account by prospective buyers.
As soon as you arrive in Malta, you should seek legal assistance with real estate law from start to finish. A specialist real estate attorney will assist with due diligence, conducting searches, and helping obtain mortgage financing. Furthermore, notary publics will likely be needed during the purchase process.
Many buyers encounter difficulties when buying property in Malta, especially when purchasing off-the-plan properties or negotiating prices. Therefore, it is crucial to appoint a translator and lawyer instead of depending on an estate agent’s recommendation; this ensures your interests are fully protected.
Before signing a contract, visiting the property in person is wise. In particular, when dealing with old structures like traditional Maltese stone houses in rural and village settings, be wary of potential hidden faults that may not always be visible online. Also, ask the owner how much utility bills will cost.
Do I Need an Off-the-Plan Property?
Malta provides buyers with an abundance of properties for sale. Buyers can select from luxurious new-build apartments, historic houses with character, terraced houses, villas, and converted palazzos – whatever best meets their lifestyle needs! Some prefer densely built-up areas like Sliema and St Julian’s, while others prefer village settings in Zebbug and Rabat or Gozo for their property purchase.
Foreigners looking to purchase property in Malta should start by finding a reliable estate agent and practicing property law attorney before visiting the property and signing any contracts; photographs seen online often don’t reflect what’s there!
Foreign buyers purchasing real estate are subject to multiple taxes when making their purchase, such as the property purchase tax of five percent of the purchase price and an annual ground rent tax ranging between EUR40-250; there may also be rental income taxes of up to thirty-five percent on rental income from properties owned and let out as rentals.
Once a potential international buyer has found their property, buying real estate in Malta should be relatively straightforward. Their estate agent will negotiate contract details on their behalf before signing a promise of sale agreement called a Konvenju at a notary’s office.
How Do I Buy a Property in Malta?
Foreigners looking to purchase property in Malta will find the process straightforward. Start your search online through Maltese real estate listings, then plan a trip to inspect and view properties firsthand. Hire a notary public to conduct investigations and legal procedures as needed, and consider hiring an attorney with expertise in Maltese property law as part of your legal team.
Malta offers new-build apartments, townhouses, villas, charming houses of character, magnificent converted palazzos, traditional terraced homes, and traditional terraced dwellings for sale. Most densely developed areas typically offer more apartments for sale.
To purchase property in Malta as a non-EU citizen, an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit will be necessary; however, if purchasing within an SDA development (Special Designated Area), no such license will be required – making them ideal for investors looking for multiple units at once!
Before purchasing property, it’s advisable to hire a licensed engineer for an in-depth inspection to identify any structural problems that could prove costly down the line. Furthermore, having access to safe and low-cost international money transfer methods for deposit, stamp duty, and solicitor fees is crucial, as banks often charge exorbitant transfer fees that quickly add up.
Read Also: How To Evaluate A Real Estate Agent’s Integrity
