Restrictions on the acquisition of the immovable property in Malta by foreigners

Abstract

Foreign purchasers coming over to Malta, purchase either unconverted or converted farmhouses, flats in seaside resorts such as Bugibba, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, flats with sea views and villas with swimming-pools in areas such as Mellieha, San Pawl tat-Targa and Madliena. The types of properties which foreigners want to purchase in Malta and Gozo are quite limited and therefore there is a shortage of these types of properties, except perhaps the holiday flats in Bugibba where there is at the moment a surplus on the market for sale. This shortage is the reason why the property prices of these types of properties are going up. However, there are many other types of properties in all areas which appeal mostly to the Maltese home buyer. Prices for these properties are not going up, in fact, they have remained pretty static and, if anything, just go up slightly each year. These properties are terraced houses, villas, maisonettes and flats in the villages and outlying areas of towns such as Naxxar, Mosta, Qormi, Zebbug, Attard, Balzan, Lija and many others. Many of these Maltese purchasers either buy their properties privately, direct from the builders, or through estate agents.