Accommodation in Malta

Types of accommodation in Malta

There are various kinds of accommodation in Malta, including apartments, villas, townhouses and maisonettes. Maisonettes are similar to apartments, but have a private entrance rather than the shared entrances typical of apartment blocks.

Maltese townhouses vary and tend to be either fairly old or newer builds. Older stone townhouses usually have numerous floors and have traditional features such as patterned tiles, wooden floors and stone arches. The new townhouses have a more contemporary style.

The "house of character" is a distinctly Maltese building common in rural areas and small villages. These typically have thick, unpainted stone walls, a central courtyard and sometimes even a well. Three- and four-bedroom houses are the norm, with some dating back to the 17th century. Supply is limited, although there are newer houses that replicate this traditional style with a modern twist.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Accommodation in Malta comes in a variety of forms, including furnished and unfurnished options. As far as what's included, this can vary quite widely so be sure to clarify this before making a final decision. 

Furnished accommodation will have a higher rental cost compared to unfurnished, but saves you the cost of either buying new furniture or shipping in furniture you already own.

Short lets

If you're in search of a new home in Malta, short lets are an ideal middle ground while you house hunt. They're more affordable than hotels and are better suited to longer stays ranging from weeks to a few months. 

Most have WiFi, allowing you to work remotely if needed, and are equipped with everything you might need for day-to-day living, right down to bedsheets and cutlery. This gives you time to view properties in person and get to know the various areas before settling on where in Malta you'd like to live.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Short Lets Malta

Finding accommodation in Malta

Real estate agents can be helpful for expats who are unfamiliar with the local market. Aside from taking their clients through the process of renting or buying property and presenting homes matching clients' specifications, some agents assist with setting up utility accounts such as electricity and internet access. 

The downside is that real estate agents charge a fee for these services, usually equivalent to a percentage of the rental price. If the extra cost fits into your budget, though, this is the most convenient way of finding a new home in Malta.

Online property portals and community groups on social media are other popular ways of finding accommodation in Malta. Some real estate agencies also host listings on their websites. 

Useful links

• RE/MAX
• Frank Salt
• Quick Lets

Renting accommodation in Malta

Even though plenty of Malta's rental accommodation is short term and aimed at tourists, there's still plenty of choice when it comes to renting residential property. The best time of the year to begin the house hunt is autumn and winter, as lower-priced accommodation is abundant in the off season.

Making an application

When applying for a rental home, you'll need to submit a number of important documents, including proof of identity and proof of income. You may also be subject to a credit check or asked to submit contact details for references. This can be tricky for new arrivals without a credit and rental history in Malta. In this case, negotiating to instead pay a higher deposit or monthly rental can be an alternative.

Leases

After finding and securing a property, the tenant and the landlord sign a tenancy agreement. The lease specifies the duration of the contract, the notice period and how bills will be separated and paid. Long-term leases are usually between six and 12 months, with an option to renew at the end of the rental period.

Deposits

Deposits are typically equivalent to one or two months of rent and are refundable at the end of the lease, with any damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear subtracted.

Terminating the lease

When signing the lease, it's advisable to check for a break clause that allows you to end the lease early if necessary. The clause should stipulate the length of notice required to break the lease and any other requirements.

Utilities in Malta

Utility bills such as electricity and internet are often not included in long-term rentals in Malta. Payment for utilities may take the form of a fixed monthly price paid in addition to rent but more commonly, tenants pay utilities providers directly based on usage. To do so, you'll need to register with each utility provider.

Electricity and water

Electricity is supplied by Enemalta, and the Water Services Corporation (WSC) supplies water. Both of these entities are managed by the government.

Water and electricity are billed together, with bills sent out once every two months. There's also the option to manage payment online through an online portal known as ARMS.

Note that Enemalta charges higher rates for non-residential electricity use, so it's vital to ensure that you are registered as a residential electricity user. Landlords don't always mention this to tenants and it can result in power bills being unnecessarily high.

Gas

Gas is not widely used in Maltese homes, but where used it is usually in the form of cylinders. Once empty, these are refilled by service providers for a fee.

Bins and recycling

Wasteserv Malta manages waste removal in Malta at no cost to residents. Refuse bags are simply placed outside the home for collection on the specified day. Black bags are for general rubbish, while green or grey bags are used for recycling.

Useful links

• Enemalta
• WSC
• ARMS
• Wasteserv Malta