Special Designated Areas (SDAs) in Malta and Gozo: A 2025 Guide for Buyers and Investors

Special Designated Areas (SDAs) remain one of the most essential property categories for international buyers in Malta and Gozo. In practical terms, an SDA is a government-designated development where foreign buyers can purchase property with the same acquisition rights as Maltese citizens. This means there are no AIP restrictions in these zones, making them a key part of Malta’s premium and investment-driven property market.

For many people exploring property in Malta, the legal side can feel the most challenging. SDAs simplify this dramatically. Instead of navigating the usual permit route, buyers in SDAs can focus on the same things any local buyer would consider: location, lifestyle, quality, and long-term value.

What is an SDA in Malta, and how does it affect AIP rules?

Under Malta’s Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) framework, non-residents are generally allowed to purchase only one immovable property unless that property is situated in a Designated Special Area. The government’s official AIP guidance is clear that SDAs are zones with no restrictions on acquisition.

The AIP rules also matter for rental plans. The official FAQ states that property acquired under an AIP permit must be used for residential purposes and cannot be rented out. This restriction does not apply in SDAs, which is one reason they remain appealing for investors seeking flexibility.

In simple terms, if your goal includes owning more than one unit, renting immediately, or building a portfolio across Malta and Gozo, an SDA property may offer a more straightforward path than buying outside these zones.

Why SDAs still stand out in 2025

The SDA market is not just about permits. These developments are typically planned as lifestyle communities. Many feature communal pools, landscaped spaces, on-site services, underground parking, and easy access to retail or hospitality. Both market guides and RE/MAX Malta’s own resources describe SDAs as high-quality, amenity-led environments that appeal to locals, expatriates, and international buyers alike.

This is why SDAs continue to hold a clear position within Malta’s upmarket segment. Buyers are often paying for convenience, consistent standards, and long-term management, not just square metres.

Established SDAs across Malta

Malta’s core SDA landscape includes several names that repeatedly define the islands’ premium property conversation. According to RE/MAX Malta’s official SDA guide, key developments include Portomaso and Pender Gardens in St Julian’s, Tigné Point and Tigné Point Q1 in Sliema, Fort Cambridge, Smart City, Tas-Sellum in Mellieħa, Madliena Village, Ta’ Monita, The Hillock, Victoria Gardens, Tal-General, Forum Residences, and Ħal-Sagħtrija. These areas give buyers a wide range of options across coastal, urban, and quieter residential settings.

Each of these has a slightly different character. Some are city-focused and walkable, suited to buyers who want nightlife, dining, and proximity to business hubs. Others are more resort-like or residential in feel, appealing to families, second-home owners, and buyers seeking a calmer daily rhythm without sacrificing quality.

Gozo SDAs and the lifestyle-investment balance

Gozo offers an SDA experience shaped by space, scenery, and a slower pace. Our list highlights Fort Chambray, Kempinski Gozo, and Vista Point among the island’s recognised SDA options. These developments are beautiful for buyers who want the legal flexibility of an SDA combined with Gozo’s distinct lifestyle appeal.

Fort Chambray is often positioned as a village-style community in a historic setting, while Kempinski residences align more closely with a serviced-luxury model. This creates two distinct yet equally compelling routes for buyers balancing personal use and rental potential.

The most critical 2025 updates

The SDA list continued to grow in 2025. As a result, this topic remains highly relevant for international buyers and investors.

First, Scirocco Heights Residences was formally added through Legal Notice 111 of 2025. It was published in the Government Gazette No. 21,460 on 27 June 2025. This order designates the development as a Special Designated Area and adds it to the First Schedule of the Act.

Next, Trident Park, Mrieħel was designated through Legal Notice 138 of 2025. It appeared in the Government Gazette No. 21,468 on 15 July 2025. Like the earlier notice, it confirms SDA status and updates the First Schedule accordingly.

Overall, these two notices suggest that the SDA framework is still evolving in line with modern, high-quality developments. This is an inference based on the 2025 additions and their formal inclusion in the Act’s scheduled zones.

What buyers should consider before choosing an SDA

Even with the legal advantages, an SDA purchase remains a major lifestyle and financial decision. For that reason, it helps to look beyond the finish and the view. Service charges can add up over time. Management standards also matter. So does the upkeep of shared spaces. In addition, parking access and long-term site plans can affect daily comfort and future resale value.

These factors are normal in managed communities. However, they often get overlooked during viewings. If you check them early, you can avoid surprises later. As a result, you can judge the real value of the home, not just the first impression.

It also helps to treat each SDA as its own micro-market. A seafront development in Sliema or St Julian’s will not behave the same way as a northern resort-style community. Likewise, Gozo SDAs often attract a different type of buyer. Therefore, the best choice depends on your goals. If you align the property with your plans, you are more likely to make a firm, long-term decision.

Closing Thoughts

For anyone searching “Special Designated Areas in Malta 2025,” the message is simple. SDAs remain one of the most flexible routes into property in Malta and Gozo for international buyers. They also offer a strong lifestyle appeal. At the same time, they reduce key barriers linked to foreign ownership.

In addition, the official new designations confirmed in June and July 2025 show that this segment is still evolving. As a result, buyers now have more options beyond the traditional coastal hotspots. This is especially relevant for those who want modern, well-located developments with a managed-community feel.

At RE/MAX Malta, we help you compare these choices with clarity. We focus on location fit, community standards, and realistic rental potential. We also look at long-term value. Ultimately, the proper guidance can help you choose an SDA that genuinely fits your plans in Malta or Gozo.