What are the main costs of buying property in Malta?
Dr. Michael LaferlaNotary · Notary, Notarial Council of MaltaBeyond the price, the main costs of buying property in Malta are: stamp duty of 5% (with a first-time-buyer relief on the first €200,000), notary fees of customarily around 1% plus searches and registration, and a 10% deposit at the Promise of Sale (which counts towards the price). If you engage an architect to check the property, budget their fee too; estate-agent commission is usually paid by the seller.
The main costs at a glance
Stamp duty — 5% of the price or value, paid 1% at the Konvenju and 4% at the deed; reduced for first-time buyers.
Notary fees — customarily around 1%, plus the searches and registration of the deed.
Deposit — 10% at the Konvenju, which forms part of the price rather than an extra cost.
- Architect's fee — if you engage a perit to check structure and permits (recommended).
- Estate-agent commission — in Malta this is usually paid by the seller, not the buyer.
Your notary calculates the exact duty, and any first-time-buyer relief that applies, on your purchase.