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Victoria, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à Malte, prendra en charge votre recherche
Victoria, or one of our other home finders in à Malte, will take care of your search.
In short: Malta is a safe, English-speaking EU island with a competitive long-term rental market. Average monthly rents range from approximately 800 EUR/month (studio, national average) to 1,500 EUR/month or more for a one-bedroom apartment in Sliema or St. Julian's (FreeMalta.com, 2026; Expat Focus, 2025). All leases must be registered with the Malta Housing Authority under the PRL Act. Expect to pay a deposit of one month's rent plus utilities on top of your monthly rent. The most in-demand areas are Sliema, St. Julian's, Valletta, Gżira, and Msida — start your search early and always visit in person before signing.
Malta is a small Mediterranean archipelago with a population of around 500,000, offering a distinctive combination of history, climate, and practicality that attracts thousands of long-term residents each year. The island is home to over 115,000 foreign residents, making it one of Europe's most internationally diverse communities relative to its size.
Key reasons people choose Malta for long-term living include:
Day-to-day life in Malta as a long-term tenant is generally comfortable and well-organised. Here is what to expect in practice:
Malta's long-term rental market is characterised by strong demand driven by a large and growing expatriate community. According to the PwC Real Estate Survey 2024, a shortage of long-let supply — fuelled by the influx of foreign workers — has been a key driver of rental price increases in recent years. Active registered rental contracts with the Malta Housing Authority stood at 64,856 at the end of June 2024, representing a 15% increase compared to a year earlier.
The market is concentrated in a handful of high-demand areas: Sliema, St. Julian's, Valletta, Gżira, and Msida account for a large share of long-term rental activity, particularly among expats and professionals working in iGaming, financial services, and technology sectors. Demand for higher-end, well-furnished apartments has grown notably, reflecting the profile of the international workforce.
After years of double-digit annual rent growth (2021–2024), the market showed signs of stabilisation in 2024–2025, with growth decelerating to approximately 2–3% by mid-2025 (Expat Focus, 2025). A surge in new construction — building permits reportedly up significantly in 2025 — is expected to gradually ease supply constraints. Nevertheless, well-located, quality long-term rentals remain in high demand and are typically let quickly.
Malta's rental market is concentrated in a number of distinct areas, each with its own character, price level, and lifestyle profile:
Malta's long-term rental market has seen significant price growth in recent years. According to a 2024 study by tenants' union Solidarjetà, drawing on official Malta Housing Authority figures, average rents rose by 28.3% between 2022 and 2024 — more than double the growth in average wages over the same period. However, the pace of increase has been decelerating: the Housing Authority reported a growth rate of +6.8% in the first half of 2024, slowing to approximately 2–3% by mid-2025 (Expat Focus, 2025).
For prospective long-term tenants, budgeting carefully is essential. Beyond the monthly rent, you should factor in a security deposit (typically one month's rent), potential agency fees (one month's rent + VAT, shared with the landlord), and ongoing utility costs. Properties in coastal and central business areas command a premium, while inland towns and the island of Gozo offer more affordable alternatives for those willing to commute.
Rental prices in Malta vary considerably depending on the area, property type, and level of furnishing. According to data from the Malta Housing Authority (2024), the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment stood at approximately 990 EUR/month nationally, up from 770 EUR/month in 2022. Three-bedroom apartments averaged around 1,120 EUR/month nationally over the same period.
In premium coastal areas such as Sliema and St. Julian's, average monthly rents for apartments are notably higher. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas typically ranges from 1,100 EUR/month to 1,500 EUR/month, while a two-bedroom apartment in Sliema generally falls between 1,300 EUR/month and 1,600 EUR/month (source: Expat Focus / FreeMalta.com, 2025). In more affordable central areas such as Gżira and Msida, equivalent rents are roughly 20–35% lower than in Sliema.
On top of the monthly rent, tenants in long-term leases are typically responsible for utility costs — water, electricity, and internet — which are billed separately based on consumption. A refundable security deposit equivalent to one month's rent is standard practice, and agency fees (where applicable) amount to one month's rent plus VAT, shared equally between landlord and tenant.
Renting a long-term property in Malta follows a structured process governed by the Private Residential Leases (PRL) Act. Here is a step-by-step overview:
When searching for a long-term rental in Malta, avoiding common pitfalls can save you significant time and money:
Finding a long-term rental in Malta as an expat or international resident can be a complex process — navigating local listing platforms, understanding the Private Residential Leases (PRL) Act, negotiating lease terms, and ensuring your contract is properly registered with the Malta Housing Authority all require local knowledge and experience.
Remoters connects you with vetted local rental search specialists in Malta who can assist you throughout the entire process: from defining your search criteria and shortlisting suitable properties, to accompanying you on viewings, reviewing your lease agreement, and guiding you through the registration and utility setup steps. Whether you are relocating to Sliema, St. Julian's, Valletta, or any other part of the island, Remoters helps you find the right long-term rental with confidence and without the usual stress of searching from abroad.
Buying property in Malta from abroad comes with significant challenges: language barriers, unfamiliarity with local regulations, time zone differences, and the inability to visit properties in person. A property hunter based in Malta acts as your trusted local expert, handling every step of the search on your behalf.
They have an in-depth knowledge of the Maltese real estate market, including which areas offer the best value, which neighborhoods suit your lifestyle, and which properties are genuinely worth your investment. They also have access to off-market listings that are never advertised publicly, giving you a competitive edge.
With a property hunter, you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and benefit from professional negotiation skills that can significantly reduce the purchase price. For international buyers, this local expertise is simply invaluable.
A property hunter in Malta offers a comprehensive range of services tailored specifically for buyers who cannot be present on the ground. Here is what you can typically expect:
This end-to-end support makes the entire buying process seamless, even from thousands of kilometers away.
Yes, Malta does have specific legal restrictions for foreign buyers, and navigating them without local expertise can be complex and time-consuming.
For non-EU citizens: You are generally required to obtain an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit before purchasing real estate in Malta. This permit is issued by the Maltese government and restricts non-EU buyers to purchasing one property for personal use only, unless the property is located in a Special Designated Area (SDA).
For EU citizens: If you have been a resident in Malta for at least five years, you are exempt from the AIP requirement. Otherwise, similar restrictions apply.
Special Designated Areas (SDAs): Properties in SDAs such as Portomaso, Tigne Point, or Cottonera can be purchased by foreigners without an AIP permit and without restrictions on the number of properties owned.
A property hunter in Malta is fully versed in these regulations. They will assess your situation, advise you on the most suitable purchasing route, and coordinate with legal professionals to ensure full compliance. This prevents costly legal errors that could jeopardize your investment.
Remoters is a specialized platform that connects international buyers with vetted, experienced property hunters in Malta. Here is how the process works:
Remoters removes the guesswork from finding a trustworthy local expert. Instead of spending hours searching for a reliable professional in a foreign country, you benefit from a curated network of proven property hunters who understand the unique challenges faced by international buyers in Malta.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
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