The Malta property market: the most sought-after areas and the less popular ones

Recent figures for the Maltese property market, the most sought-after and most accessible areas, and what a foreign buyer needs to check.

The Remoters editorial team

Published on

18 April 2024

Updated on

6 October 2026

Positive client review with photo, 5-star rating, BFM TV, Le Parisien and France 2 logos on a blue background.

The property market in Malta continues to trend upwards. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), home prices rose by 6.9% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, noticeably faster than in the euro area (+4.0% according to Eurostat). Apartments are driving the market (+7.4%), while maisonettes are rising more slowly (+4.3%).

Not every part of the island is equal, however. Demand is concentrated around the two harbours, with Sliema, St Julian's, Gzira and Valletta in the lead, while Msida, Birkirkara and the island of Gozo remain more accessible. For a foreign buyer, another question matters as much as the neighbourhood: is the property in an area where non-residents can buy freely?

This article covers the recent market figures, the most sought-after areas and the less popular ones, and the rules to check before signing a promise of sale.

What the recent figures say

The Central Bank of Malta tracks the market every quarter. In its review published in August 2026, it highlights several signals:

Steadily rising prices: the NSO house price index, based on actual transactions, was already up 6.7% year on year in the first quarter of 2026.
Rising sales: 3,383 final deeds were recorded in the first quarter of 2026, 7.6% more than a year earlier. Around 90% of these purchases were made by individuals.
Rising promises of sale: 3,862 promises were signed over the quarter, 11.7% more than a year earlier, with an increase in every district.
Prices judged below their equilibrium level: the Central Bank's misalignment indicator puts prices below the level consistent with fundamentals, but the gap is narrowing.

The Central Bank attributes this demand to tourism, the arrival of foreign workers and public support for first-time buyers.

Two hands exchanging keys, with icons and text about support, reviews and human availability.

The most sought-after areas

According to the Central Bank, the year-on-year rise in sales in the first quarter of 2026 comes mainly from the Northern Harbour and Southern Harbour districts. This is also where promises of sale have risen the most.

Sliema and St Julian's

On the north-east coast, these are the most expensive and liveliest areas on the island: seafront, shops, restaurants, and in St Julian's a strong presence of tech and online gaming companies. Rental demand there is strong, which also attracts buyers who plan to let. In return, supply is dense and noise can be a real issue depending on the street.

Gzira

Next to Sliema, Gzira is a little cheaper, with views over the marina and good transport links. It is often the compromise chosen by those who want to stay near Sliema without paying its prices.

Valletta

The capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers apartments with character, often renovated, and views over the Grand Harbour. With older properties, pay particular attention to the condition of the structure and renovation works.

Swieqi and Pembroke

More residential and quieter, close to St Julian's, these areas appeal to families and professionals who want to be near employment hubs without the nightlife.

More accessible areas

Msida and Birkirkara

In the centre of the island, Msida is close to the University of Malta and well served by transport; Birkirkara is a central, well-connected town. Both offer a better balance of price and amenities than the north-east coast, with steady rental demand.

Gozo

The neighbouring island has noticeably lower prices and rents, in a quieter setting. In return, the ferry crossing adds to journeys to Malta, and the rental market there is narrower if you plan to let the property.

Together we will find your home

Person in a hat pulling an orange suitcase while travelling.

Get help!

Buying as a foreigner: what to check

Malta has regulated the purchase of property by non-residents since a 1974 law. There are, however, "special designated areas", zones where these restrictions do not apply. The government has been able to create them since 2003; in July 2025, Trident Park was the 26th project added to the list. The first designated areas were Fort Chambray, Portomaso, the Cottonera project and the MIDI project, which includes Manoel Island. In practice:

In a designated area, a non-resident can buy without the usual restrictions.
Elsewhere, have your situation checked (nationality, length of residence in Malta) before any offer: depending on your profile, authorisation may be required.

The steps of buying in Malta

Decide on the area and budget, taking into account acquisition costs and any financing, to be costed by a notary and your bank.
View and have the property inspected: condition of the structure, building permit, works planned in the building.
Sign the promise of sale before a notary: this is the step tracked by the promise statistics published every quarter.
Sign the final deed once the checks are done and financing has been obtained.

What if you plan to rent the property out?

The Central Bank measures a rise in advertised rents of between 4.9% and 5.3% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, a more moderate pace than the double-digit rises of 2023 and early 2024. As a guide, a studio rents for between €750 and €1,200 per month, a one-bedroom for between €1,000 and €2,000, and a two-bedroom for between €1,200 and €2,500. Homes are almost always let furnished, and any long-term lease must be registered with the Housing Authority within 10 days of its start.

If you are preparing a purchase from abroad, Remoters puts you in touch with a home finder based in Malta, who searches for you, views properties, helps you put the application together and reviews the documents before signing. The first conversation and the quote are free.