Selling a Property in Malta?

Looking to sell your home?

Planning to sell your property and move on to something new? Selling a home is often the step that allows you to make your next move, whether that means upgrading, relocating or releasing equity for future plans.

The important thing is handling the sale in a way that keeps everything moving forward. Pricing the property correctly, reaching the right buyers and managing viewings and negotiations all influence how quickly a sale progresses and the price you achieve.

At Malta Property, we take care of the work involved in selling property in Malta so you can focus on what comes next. From the initial valuation through marketing, enquiries and negotiations, our team manages each stage while working to secure the strongest possible outcome for your sale.

Looking to rent out your property instead?

If you’re a residential or commercial landlord planning to rent out your property, we can help with tenant sourcing, long lets, short lets, and property management services.

Request a Property Valuation

Our Service When Selling Your Home in Malta

At Malta Property, we manage the full sales process on your behalf. From creating professional listings to coordinating viewings and negotiating with buyers, our team works to keep momentum in the market while positioning your property to achieve the strongest possible result.

Professional Listings & Property Advertising

Your property listing is often the first impression a buyer will have. High-quality presentation helps attract attention and encourages serious enquiries from buyers actively searching for property in Malta.

We prepare detailed property listings that highlight the strongest features of your home, supported by professional photography and accurate descriptions. These listings are promoted through our website, buyer network and marketing channels to maximise exposure across Malta and internationally.

Marketing Your Property to Buyers

Reaching the right audience is essential when selling property in Malta. Our team actively promotes your property to buyers who are already registered with us and searching for homes in your area or property category.

By combining targeted marketing with our database of local and overseas buyers, we make sure your property receives consistent visibility while enquiries are handled quickly and professionally.

Viewings & Buyer Enquiries

Managing viewings can be time-consuming, particularly when interest begins to build. Our local real estate agents organise and conduct viewings on your behalf, ensuring potential buyers receive clear information and a professional introduction to the property.

We also manage enquiries, follow up with interested buyers and communicate feedback after viewings. This helps maintain momentum and allows us to identify serious buyers who are ready to proceed with an offer.

Preparing Your Property For Sale

Before listing your home, take a little time to prepare it for the market. First impressions influence how buyers perceive value, and small improvements can make a noticeable difference once viewings begin.

Address Minor Repairs

Buyers tend to notice small issues during a viewing. Loose handles, chipped paint, cracked tiles or faulty lighting can create the impression that further maintenance may be needed.

Taking care of these minor repairs before listing the property helps present the home as well-maintained and ready for its next owner.

Present the Property Clearly

Well-presented spaces make it easier for buyers to understand the layout and imagine how they might use each room. Removing excess furniture, organising storage areas and allowing natural light into rooms can help the property feel more open.

Clean kitchens, bathrooms and living areas also leave a stronger impression during both photography and in-person viewings.

Prepare Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces help shape the potential buyer’s first impression of a property. Entrances, terraces, gardens and balconies should be clean and tidy before photography or viewings take place.

Simple improvements like trimming plants, cleaning outdoor furniture or clearing pathways can make the exterior feel more welcoming.

If you have a driveway, it is a good idea to park elsewhere during viewings so the buyer can park easily.

Gather Property Documentation

It also helps to have key documentation ready before the property goes on the market. Title deeds, building permits, plans and utility information may all be requested during the sale process.

Having these documents prepared early can help avoid delays once a buyer is ready to proceed.

The Legal Process of Selling Property in Malta

Once your property is listed and a buyer shows serious interest, the selling process moves into the formal legal stages. In Malta, real estate is legally defined as immovable property, meaning land or buildings that cannot be moved from their location.

The legal process ensures that property ownership is properly verified and that the immovable property within the sale can be transferred legally to the buyer. This structured selling process is managed by a notary, who confirms ownership, reviews the documentation for the property within the transaction and prepares the contracts required to complete the sale.

Accept an Offer

When a buyer decides to proceed, they will submit an offer through the estate agent. This may lead to some negotiation before both parties agree on a final selling price and basic terms. We can advise you on accepting appropriate offers to get the best sale price.

Promise of Sale Agreement (Konvenju)

The Promise of Sale agreement is a legally binding contract between the buyer and seller. It confirms the agreed price, the deposit and the timeframe within which the final contract must be signed.

The buyer usually pays a deposit at this stage, commonly around 10% of the purchase price. The agreement is registered with the authorities while the notary begins the legal searches required before the final sale.

Due Diligence

Property is central to most relocations. Many Brits moving to Malta choose to rent for 6-12 months first. Long lets typically run for 12 months and may be furnished or unfurnished. Renting gives you time to:

Experience daily life in a particular area
Confirm school or work arrangements
Finalise residency status

Sign the Final Deed of Sale

The final deed of sale is the stage where ownership of the property is officially transferred to the buyer. This meeting usually takes place at the notary’s office once all legal checks and conditions in the Promise of Sale have been satisfied.

During the appointment, the notary reads the final contract to both parties. The buyer pays the remaining balance of the purchase price while the seller signs the documents confirming the transfer of the property. The keys are typically handed over at this stage.

Once the deed is signed, the notary registers the contract with the relevant authorities to complete the transaction. At this point, the sale is final, and the property legally passes to the new owner.

Costs & Taxes When Selling Maltese Property

When selling property in Malta, there are a few costs and property taxes to consider before completing the sale. These are usually deducted from the final proceeds once the deed of sale is signed. Your notary and estate agency will explain the exact amounts based on the details of your transaction.

Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required when selling property in Malta. This certificate provides information on the property’s energy efficiency and must be made available to potential buyers.

An architect or certified assessor can issue the certificate, and it should be arranged before the property is advertised for sale.

Final Withholding Tax

In most cases, sellers in Malta pay a final withholding tax on the transfer value of the property. This is commonly charged at 8% of the sale price, although different rates may apply depending on when the property was acquired or how it has been used.

Your notary will confirm the applicable rate and handle the payment during the final deed of sale.

Capital Gains Tax

In some situations, capital gains tax may apply instead of the final withholding tax. This usually depends on factors like how long the property has been owned and the original purchase value.

Because these rules can vary, the notary handling the sale will review your property history and advise which tax structure applies.

Notary & Estate Agent Fees

The notary manages the legal documentation and registration of the final deed. Notary fees are normally agreed in advance and are paid as part of the completion process.

Estate agent commission is also payable upon successful completion of the property sale. If you list with us, we will make sure you are aware of our commission rates when you first list the property for sale.

Selling Property in Malta as a Foreigner

Foreign owners can sell property in Malta in the same way as Maltese citizens. The legal process remains the same, and the sale is completed through a notary who manages the necessary searches and documentation before the final deed of sale.

If you no longer live in Malta, the process can still move forward without you needing to be present for every step. Many overseas sellers appoint a trusted representative through a power of attorney, allowing documents to be signed locally on their behalf.

Your notary will also confirm any tax obligations linked to the sale, particularly if the property was originally purchased through a residency programme or investment scheme. Working with a local estate agent and notary helps keep the transaction moving smoothly while you manage the process from abroad.

FAQs About Selling Property in Malta

What documents are needed when selling a property in Malta?

When selling a property in Malta, the seller typically needs to provide the title deed, property plans, any planning permits or building permits and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). These documents allow the notary to confirm legal ownership and verify that the property complies with planning regulations. During the due diligence stage of the sale, the notary reviews these documents before preparing the final deed of sale.

Can I sell a house in Malta that is currently rented out?

Yes, you can sell a property in Malta that is currently rented out. However, the existing lease agreement must be respected. If the tenant has a registered lease, the buyer usually acquires the property with the tenant still in place until the lease expires or both parties agree otherwise. This is something that should be clearly explained to potential buyers during the sale process.

Is it possible to sell real estate in Malta that still has a mortgage?

Yes, it is possible to sell a home in Malta that still has a mortgage. When the final deed of sale is signed, the outstanding balance of the mortgage is normally paid off using part of the sale proceeds. The bank provides the notary with the exact amount owed, and this is settled during the completion of the sale before ownership transfers to the buyer.

Do both the buyer and the seller attend the final deed of sale in Malta?

Yes, the final deed of sale in Malta is normally signed in person by both the buyer and the seller at the notary’s office. During this meeting, the notary reads the final contract, and both parties sign the documents to complete the transfer of ownership. If a seller cannot attend, they can appoint someone through a power of attorney to sign the deed on their behalf.

Can I sell a house in Malta that has alterations or extensions?

Yes, you can sell a property in Malta that has alterations or extensions, but the property must comply with permits issued by the Malta Planning Authority. If changes were made without the correct approval, they may need to be sanctioned before the sale can proceed. An architect usually checks the property and its permits during the due diligence stage to confirm compliance.

What happens if I want to sell a property I inherited in Malta?

If you want to proceed with the sale of a property in Malta that you inherited, the first step is confirming that property ownership has been legally transferred to the heirs. A notary manages this process and records the inheritance so the new owners are formally recognised.

Once the property ownership from the seller has been established, the property may be listed, and the normal selling process can begin. The notary will review the inheritance documents and confirm that the correct property transfers have taken place before the property is sold.

Tax may also apply when inherited property is sold. In many cases, capital gains tax is payable depending on when the property was inherited and the value of the property at the time of transfer. Your notary will confirm how tax is charged when the property is sold and calculate the amount payable as part of the transaction.

Why Sell with Malta Property?

Selling a property in Malta is easier when you have the right team guiding the process. From the first valuation to the final deed of sale, our agents manage each stage with a clear focus on securing the best possible outcome for your property.

With over 30 years of experience in the Maltese real estate market, Malta Property understands how to position homes for sale across different locations, property types and buyer markets. Our team combines local knowledge with an active network of buyers across Malta, Gozo and international markets.

We handle the details that keep a sale moving forward, like pricing strategy, marketing exposure, buyer enquiries, viewings and negotiations, while keeping you informed at every step. The goal is simple: attract serious buyers, manage the process efficiently and achieve a strong selling price for your home.

Ready to List Your Property For Sale?

Request a property valuation today and take the first step toward selling your property in Malta.