Key facts
- What it is
- A terraced house on two or three floors
- Pluses
- No common parts, own roof, often a yard
- Watch for
- Damp, roof waterproofing, permits for roof rooms
- Where
- Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta, village cores
A Maltese townhouse is a terraced house on two or three floors, with its own front door, its own roof and usually a back yard or roof terrace. There is normally no condominium to share costs with — and no one else to agree with.
Why buyers choose townhouses
- Independence — no shared stairs, lift or common parts.
- Character — many have traditional Maltese balconies, high ceilings and original features.
- Outdoor space — a yard and the roof.
What to check
- Damp — older townhouses often suffer rising damp; ask your architect.
- Roof and airspace — who owns the roof and airspace, and whether roof rooms are covered by permits. See airspace and roof rights.
- Party walls and neighbours — any shared structures or rights of light and access.
- Conservation status — in an Urban Conservation Area, works are controlled, but UCA incentives may apply.
Where to look
Townhouses are found in Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta, the Three Cities and the cores of most villages. See townhouses for sale in Malta.
Budget about 7%–8% on top of the price for stamp duty, notary and searches — see the costs of buying.
Questions & answers
What is the difference between a townhouse and a house of character in Malta?
A townhouse is any terraced house on several floors; a house of character is an older property with original features such as stone arches, beams and courtyards. Many townhouses are also houses of character.
Do townhouses in Malta have condominium fees?
Usually not — a townhouse is normally a single property with no shared parts, unless it shares a façade or other elements with neighbours under an agreement.
Can foreigners buy a townhouse in Malta?
Yes. EU citizens buying their main residence, or who have lived in Malta for five years, need no permit. Non-EU buyers, and EU citizens buying a second home, normally need an AIP permit unless the property is in a Special Designated Area. See our AIP permit guide.
Mark Micallef
Franchise Owner & Managing Director, RE/MAX Luxe Malta. Over 25 years in Maltese real estate; licence PC-00442-22. Reviewed by our advisory team.
This guide is general information, checked against official and professional sources on 9 October 2026. Rates, thresholds and programme rules change — often with the annual Budget — and individual circumstances differ. It is not legal, tax or immigration advice; please confirm the position with your notary, lawyer or tax advisor before acting.
