5 Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Malta

Buying property in Malta or Gozo, like a farmhouse or apartment for sale, is a great investment. Malta has an attractive destination filled with an attractive lifestyle, beautiful beaches and historic architecture making it an ideal destination for holidaymakers. With such an extensive choice of property types available for sale or rent, buying a property for sale in Malta or Gozo as a local or as a foreign investor is a great investment. Not convinced? Here are five benefits of buying real estate in Malta. 

1. Malta’s real estate market 

If you can name a couple countries in Europe where their real estate market has been hardly affected by the Global Financial Crisis, Malta is definitely one of them – and perhaps the only one. Sound banking ethics and age-old tradition of the Maltese general public (98%) believing in investing in brick and mortar has been a major contributing factor and reasons why the Malta real estate market avoided the ill-fated real estate crash that hit Europe by storm a few years ago. 

While other country’s real estate markets are still recovering, the Maltese real estate market corrected its pricing during that period by 5% to 10% (depending on the geographical area) and today it is one of the only European countries experiencing a consistent capital growth.

2. Availability of Properties

The good news is that whether you are looking to rent or purchase estate in Malta or Gozo, the market has a vast selection of properties available that will suit anybody’s needs as well as their budget. The average price of a highly finished two- or three-bedroom apartment in Malta is approximately €220,000. Depending on the location and type of property (depends on how much the locality is in fashion) this will differ. One may search our Malta real estate website to view the vast selection of property listings and compare prices accordingly.

3. Special tax status 

One of the major advantages is the fact that a buyer may enjoy when buying real estate to live on the islands is that he/she may apply for a special tax status of 15%. This special tax status can be enjoyed by both EU and Non-EU residents and is calculated on the income received in Malta, where there is a minimum threshold of €15,000 in remittance. We would always recommend that you speak to an Authorised Registered Mandatory regarding the legalities and criteria so that you may become knowledgeably informed about the schemes available for you.

4. Weather and food 

Malta’s typical Mediterranean weather consists of hot and dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters that are very attractive to those that live in generally cold climates.

5. Hospitality 

It is good to know that Malta has a very high standard of hotels. When buying a home in Malta these hotels can accommodate your friends that will want to come and visit you. Furthermore, it’s important to mention that the Maltese people are very hospitable and the English language is fluently spoken.

Other benefits of buying property in Malta

The following are other advantages of acquiring a home on the Maltese islands:

• Resale of property is allowed Repatriation of full resale price, including profits after taxes, without complications, 
• Mortgages are available for property purchased by non-residents or non-Maltese citizens residing on the islands. Once permission is granted by the Central Bank of Malta, you can borrow as much as you wish from the local banks within the established commercial conditions. 
• You can rent out your property to third parties.
• Guaranteed Return on Investment (ROI) that has been shown;
• No wealth or ownership tax;
• Simple final withholding tax of 5% to 8% on sale (no additional capital gains tax);
• Stamp Duty of 5%;
• Rental income is taxed at a flat rate of 15%; and
• Transfers of immovable property are exempt from VAT.

Read more about why buy real estate in Malta.