Konvenju
kon-VEN-yoo
Dr. Michael LaferlaNotary · Notary, Notarial Council of MaltaThe Maltese term for the Promise of Sale — a binding preliminary agreement drafted by a notary that commits the buyer and seller to completing a property transaction on agreed terms. The Konvenju is registered with the Inland Revenue Department within 21 days of signing, at which point it becomes legally binding under Maltese law.
The word Konvenju comes from the Italian convenzione — convention or agreement. In Maltese property practice, the Konvenju is the document that opens the formal phase of a property transaction, sitting between the verbal agreement on price and the final deed of sale.
A properly executed Konvenju captures three things: the agreed price, the terms of the sale, and any conditions attached (such as "subject to bank loan approval"). It must be in writing, signed before a notary, and registered with the Commissioner of Inland Revenue. Once registered, it creates binding legal obligations under Article 1357 of the Civil Code, Chapter 16 of the Laws of Malta — the seller commits to selling, the buyer commits to buying, on the agreed terms within the agreed timeframe.
The validity period of the Konvenju is typically 6 to 8 months, extendable by agreement of both parties. During this time, the notary conducts the legal due diligence on the property (title searches, permit checks, encumbrance verification) and the buyer arranges any financing required.
A 10% deposit is typically paid at the signing of the Konvenju, generally held by the notary in their client account until the final deed completes.
Sources
- Dr. Michael Laferla — Yitaku Asks video (Q3)
- Civil Code of Malta, Chapter 16 — Article 1357
- Notarial Profession and Notarial Archives Act, Chapter 55 of the Laws of Malta
- Inland Revenue Department of Malta — registration requirements
