Key facts
- Property transfer tax
- 8% final (most sales)
- Acquired before 2004
- 10%
- Sold within 5 years
- 5% (non-dealers)
- Own home 3+ years
- Exempt (sold within 12 months of leaving)
- Buyer's deposit
- About 10% at konvenju (practice)
- Tax base
- Higher of price or market value
Selling well in Malta comes down to three things: a price the market believes, paperwork that survives a buyer’s due diligence, and presentation that makes a buyer fall in love. Get those right and the legal process — which is well-defined and handled by notaries — follows smoothly.
The sale, step by step
| Stage | What happens | Who leads |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Valuation | Agree an asking price from comparable sales and the property’s strengths | Your agent |
| 2. Preparation | Gather documents, fix defects, stage and photograph the home | You and your agent |
| 3. Marketing | Listing, international exposure, private viewings | Your agent |
| 4. Offer and negotiation | Price, inclusions, conditions and the date of the final deed | Your agent, with you |
| 5. Promise of sale (konvenju) | Signed with the buyer; buyer pays a deposit and provisional duty | Notary |
| 6. Searches and conditions | Title searches, bank loan, any AIP permit | Buyer’s notary, bank |
| 7. Final deed | Price paid, property transfer tax settled, keys handed over | Notary |
1. Pricing it right
The first weeks on the market attract the most attention. An asking price anchored in recent comparable sales — similar size, location, views, parking and condition — draws serious buyers early; an optimistic price tends to sit, and later reductions weaken your negotiating position. Read how property is valued in Malta or request a free valuation.
2. The promise of sale
When you accept an offer, you and the buyer sign a promise of sale (konvenju) before a notary. It fixes the price, the conditions — typically the buyer’s bank loan and, where relevant, an AIP permit — and the deadline for the final deed. The buyer usually pays a deposit of around 10%, which is market practice rather than law, and 1% provisional stamp duty. The notary registers the promise with the tax authorities.
3. The final deed
On the final deed the buyer pays the balance, the notary collects the property transfer tax from the proceeds, and the keys change hands. Mortgages on the property are settled from the price, and the deed is registered.
Property transfer tax
The seller’s tax is a final withholding tax calculated on the transfer value — the higher of the price and the market value:
| Situation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard rate | 8% |
| Property acquired before 1 January 2004 | 10% |
| Sold within 5 years of acquisition (non-dealer, not part of a project) | 5% |
| Your own residence, owned and occupied for 3+ consecutive years, sold within 12 months of vacating | Exempt |
Read the full detail — including inherited property and special cases — in property transfer tax in Malta.
Documents to have ready
- Your title deed and any earlier deeds, and Planning Authority permits for the property and any extensions.
- An Energy Performance Certificate.
- For apartments, the condominium rules and a statement that contributions are paid.
- Utility accounts and recent ARMS bills.
- If you inherited the property, the causa mortis declaration.
Missing permits are the most common cause of delay. Our preparing your home for sale checklist covers the rest.
Selling from abroad
Overseas owners can sell without travelling. A power of attorney lets a trusted person or your lawyer sign for you, and the notary handles the deed and the tax. We manage keys, viewings, negotiation and the handover — and keep you informed at every step, in English, 中文 or Tiếng Việt.
Why sell with RE/MAX LuXe
Our listings reach local buyers and international clients through the RE/MAX network and our own residency and relocation audiences — including buyers looking for MPRP and Global Residence Programme qualifying homes. Book a valuation to start.
