What costs do you pay when buying property in Malta in 2026?

Stamp duty is commonly planned at about 5% of the property value. Many deals collect roughly 1% when you sign the promise of sale (konvenju) and the remaining 4% at the final notarial deed. Notaries typically charge around 1–3% for research, deed work, and due diligence, though mandates vary. Architect inspections and Energy Performance Certificate logistics add smaller lines.

Outside Special Designated Areas (SDAs), non-EU buyers generally need an AIP permit before the final deed, with a published application fee in the low hundreds of euros and multi-week processing when files are clean. SDA buys such as Portomaso or Tigné Point remove that permit barrier but often carry higher sticker prices: Living in Sliema. Estate agency fees, when charged on the buy side, can reach several percent plus VAT; confirm who pays before you reserve.

Budget bank fees for bringing completion funds into a Maltese IBAN: Open a bank account. Condo or block common charges, ground rent on some titles, and later capital gains or duty rules when you sell sit outside the purchase spreadsheet. First-time buyer or primary-residence incentives can soften stamp duty for qualifying people; foreigners should not assume citizen tables apply without notary confirmation.

Many movers rent first while AIP or title searches run: How to rent a home and Temporary housing. National living-cost context: How expensive is Malta. Buying still does not replace Identità residence: Apply for a residence permit.