Purchasing property in Malta is straight forward with no hidden surprises if done properly; however, different conditions apply to EU citizens and non EU citizens. Once a property is chosen, through the help of the estate agent, a meeting is held between the buyer, the owner, the estate agent involved and a notary or lawyer. During this meeting, a preliminary agreement is read over to make sure the property has all the necessary permits and the inventory is as agreed. Once the agreement is signed by all parties, a 10% deposit of the property is paid to the owner as well as a percentage of the tax on purchase. An agreed time period is set, which is usually between 2 to 3 months where by the notary/lawyer carries out the necessary searches concerning the property. At the end of the agreed time, the final contract is signed where the balance of the purchase price, tax and legal frees are paid. The ownership of the property is then passed onto the buyer. Agency fees are payable by the seller and not the buyer and stamp duty and legal fees are payable by the purchaser.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN MALTA?
Malta attracts tourists from all countries as it is rich in history and culture and benefits from beautiful weather both summer and generally also in winter. The fact that English is our second language has a great advantage to tourism. Many tourists who visit Malta decide to return sometimes with the intention of taking up permanent residence or even as return holiday makers. This has actually boosted the rental property market and a lot of property is purchased as a rental investment. With regards to purchasing property, Malta is considered a tax haven, having no rates, no municipal taxes, no federal taxes and no provincial taxes. Since Malta joined the European Union on the 1st of May 2004, it has made purchasing property in Malta a lot easier and attracts a large number of property investors.
HOW SAFE IS IT TO INVEST IN MALTA?
Investing in property on the Maltese islands is considered very safe. Malta boasts an extremely efficient and reliable banking system offering loans at very good rates. Property on the Maltese islands has steadily increased at an average steady rate of 8% . This due to high demand for good property when compared with finite land. Purchasing the right property on the islands will guarantee a handsome capital gain.
HOW SAFE IS MALTA TO LIVE IN?
Malta is probably the safest country to live in with the crime rate being very low. In general the Maltese are very friendly and hospitable. The public transport system too is very frequent running through the day until 1am in winter and 3am in summer from the capital city Valletta. Malta is a very small island making it very easy to get around and one can capture the beauty of the island in a few days. It is almost impossible to get lost. There are also police stations in every town controlling the few incidents. The weather in the Maltese islands is also ‘safe’ with very few ‘bad storms’.
TO PURCHASE A DECENT PROPERTY IN MALTA, APPROXIMATELY HOW MUCH DOES ONE NEED TO SPEND?
This would definitely depend on the state, type and location of the property however one could acquire a decent 3 bedroom apartment in a nice residential area for around €150,000. A 3 bedroom villa would start at a cost of around €550,000. This said one can actually acquire a three bedroom apartment for even €110,000 and a Villa for €465,000.There are however many opportunities and many good value properties in the market.
WHAT TYPES OF SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN MALTA AND HOW EASY IS IT TO ENROL MY CHILD AT SCHOOL?
Malta boasts a very high standard of education at all levels of schooling. A large majority of the Maltese population is catholic and many schools are church schools that operate free of fees or on a donation basis. There are also government schools which operate free and a number of private schools which charge a fee every 3 months during a scholastic year. All schools are open to foreigners. At the secondary level of schooling there are 4 main colleges which all have a high standard of teaching all offering more or less the same standards and at the tertiary level one can advance to the Mcast which offers more ‘hands on’ courses or else to the University of Malta which runs during the day but also presents evening courses to the working students.
Why Malta
The Maltese archipelago consists of five islands of which the three larger islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino - are inhabited. The Maltese Islands are situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
Mortgages & Loans
Loans to purchase or finish a property may be obtained from all local Banks. HSBC Bank Malta plc., Bank of Valletta plc., and APS Bank Ltd offer attractive Home Loan facilities to suit individual borrowers' needs.
Taxation
For tax purposes an individual is normally regarded as being resident in Malta for particular year if, in that year, his stay in Malta exceeds 183 days.
FAQs
Is it complicated for foreigners to purchase property in Malta? What are the advantages of investing in Malta? How safe is it to invest in Malta?
Bay Steps Mansions,
+356 2134 3047 / 2134 3053
bernards@bre.com.mt