Who checks a property's permits when you buy in Malta?
Dr. Michael LaferlaNotary · Notary, Notarial Council of MaltaIt isn't the notary who checks a property's permits — it's the buyer's own architect. The notary handles title and the searches; confirming that the property is covered by all the necessary planning permits is the architect's role, which is why buyers engage one after signing the Konvenju.
Permits are the architect's domain, not the notary's
Dr. Laferla is explicit: "it is not the notary that checks whether the property is covered with all the necessary permits." That falls to the architect. "It is therefore the role of the architect to confirm whether or not that property is covered with all the necessary permits."
Why the buyer engages their own architect
As Dr. Laferla notes, "it is in the interest of the purchasers to engage their architect to ascertain that that property is covered with all the necessary permits." The architect acts for you, checking the property against the records of the Planning Authority.
Two experts, two jobs
This is the clean division of labour in a Maltese purchase: the notary confirms good title through the searches, while your architect confirms permits and structure. Both checks happen between the Konvenju and the final deed, and a well-drafted Konvenju makes the purchase subject to the architect's report.
Sources
- Dr. Michael Laferla — Yitaku Asks video (not the notary but the architect checks permits)
- Development Planning Act, Chapter 552 — planning permits and the Planning Authority
- Maltese practice — the perit (architect) confirms planning compliance; the notary's role is limited to title
