Cost of Renting vs Buying in Malta: 2025 Update
- Yitaku Creative Team
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Should you rent or buy a home in Malta? It’s one of the most common questions for locals, expats, and investors alike. With property prices and rental demand constantly shifting, the answer depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Here’s a 2025 breakdown of the costs of renting vs buying in Malta, so you can make the right decision for your circumstances.

Renting in Malta (2025 Snapshot)
1-bedroom apartment in Gżira or Sliema: €900–€1,400/month
2-bedroom in Mosta or Naxxar: €850–€1,300/month
3-bedroom family home in Mellieħa: €1,400–€2,000/month
Pros of Renting
Lower upfront costs (1–2 months’ rent as deposit).
Flexibility — easy to move for work or lifestyle.
No responsibility for major maintenance.
Cons of Renting
Rent doesn’t build equity.
Subject to annual rent increases.
Less stability compared to owning.
Buying in Malta (2025 Snapshot)
1-bedroom apartment in Gżira/Sliema: €230,000–€300,000+
2-bedroom apartment in Mosta/Naxxar: €280,000–€380,000
3-bedroom maisonette in Mellieħa: €350,000–€450,000+
Pros of Buying
Builds long-term equity.
Security and stability.
Government incentives (stamp duty exemption for first €200,000 for first-time buyers).
Cons of Buying
High upfront deposit (10% of property price).
Notary fees, searches, and stamp duty add 5–7% in costs.
Less flexibility compared to renting.
👉 Use Yitaku’s Home Loan Calculator to estimate your repayments.
Renting vs Buying: Monthly Cost Comparison
Property Type | Renting (avg/month) | Buying (loan repayment est./month) |
1-bed in Gżira | €1,000 | ~€950–€1,100 |
2-bed in Mosta | €950 | ~€1,050–€1,200 |
3-bed in Mellieħa | €1,600 | ~€1,300–€1,500 |
In 2025, monthly loan repayments often match or even beat rent, however the upfront costs for buying remain much higher.

Which Option Is Right for You?
This decision is highly personal. It depends on:
Financial situation:Â Do you have the deposit and stable income?
Lifestyle:Â Do you value flexibility or long-term stability?
Plans:Â Are you staying in Malta for a few years or settling permanently?
👉 Read our Renting vs Buying Guide for a deeper comparison.
How Yitaku Helps You Decide
Yitaku supports both renters and buyers:
Rental listings – updated daily from owners, agents, and developers.
Property Alerts – never miss a new rental or sale.
Home Loan Calculator – plan your finances before buying.
My Coupons – save on home setup whether renting or buying.
👉 Download Yitaku to start your property journey.
FAQ – Renting vs Buying in Malta
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Malta in 2025?
In the short term, renting is cheaper. Long-term, buying often saves money and builds equity.
How much deposit do I need to buy in Malta?
Typically 10% of the property price plus 1% provisional stamp duty. Also take into consideration other costs such as bank fees, notary fees and architect fee, which may push your upfront contribution closer to 18% of the property price.
Are home loans affordable compared to rent in Malta?
In many cases, monthly repayments are similar to rent, especially outside prime areas.
Can foreigners rent or buy in Malta?
Yes. Both are possible, though buying may require an AIP permit for non-EU citizens.

Both renting and buying in Malta have their advantages. Renting offers flexibility, while buying builds long-term equity and security.
With Yitaku, you don’t need to choose immediately — you can browse both rentals and sales, set alerts, and use our tools to compare your options.