How long is a Konvenju valid for in Malta?
Dr. Michael LaferlaNotary · Notary, Notarial Council of MaltaThere is no fixed statutory term for a Konvenju — the parties agree it. In practice it usually runs 6 to 8 months, leaning to the longer end when a bank loan is involved, because financing takes time. If the parties agree no period at all, the law implies a default of three months from when the sale could be carried out.
The term is agreed, not fixed
As Dr. Laferla puts it, "there's no hard and fast rule as to the term given to a promise of sale." The validity period is set by agreement between buyer and seller and written into the Konvenju. There is no statutory maximum — the parties are free to choose. Where they agree no period at all, Article 1357(2) of the Civil Code implies a default of three months from the day the sale could be carried out.
The usual range is 6 to 8 months
In general practice, Dr. Laferla gives a term of between 6 and 8 months — long enough to complete the steps between the promise of sale and the final deed.
Why the loan changes things
The single biggest factor is whether there is a bank loan. As he notes, "it makes a big difference because… the process of the bank needs to take its time" — a financed purchase needs the longer end of the range to allow for the loan application, valuation and sanction. A cash purchase can move faster.
What the period is for
The term gives the notary time to carry out title searches and due diligence, and the buyer time to arrange financing. If it isn't enough, the parties can agree to extend it; if it lapses, the Konvenju falls away.
Sources
- Dr. Michael Laferla — Yitaku Asks video (no fixed term; 6–8 months; the loan as the key factor)
- Civil Code of Malta, Chapter 16 — Article 1357(2) (agreed term; three-month default where none is agreed)
- Maltese notarial practice — typical 6–8 month Konvenju term
