Key facts
- Authority
- Planning Authority (PA)
- Rule
- New development needs full development permission
- Who checks
- Your architect, before you sign
- Problem works
- Pools, roof rooms, enclosures, extensions
In Malta, development — new buildings, extensions, changes of use and many alterations — requires full development permission from the Planning Authority (PA). For a buyer, the question is simple: does what you are buying match what was approved?
What to check
Your architect (perit) looks up the permits and compares the approved drawings with the property. Typical problems:
- Roof rooms and washrooms larger than approved.
- Enclosed balconies, terraces and verandas.
- Pools and outbuildings.
- Extensions and changes of use — for example a garage converted into a room.
Why it matters
- Banks may be reluctant to lend against irregular works.
- Irregularities can affect resale.
- Enforcement remains possible in some cases.
What to do
- Check before signing the promise of sale, or make it conditional on a satisfactory permit check.
- If there are irregularities, ask whether they could be regularised — see irregular works.
- Reflect the position in the price and contract.
For plots and land, see buying land.
