Процедура покупки недвижимости на Мальте в 2025 году

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Malta has long established itself as one of the best places to buy real estate among foreign investors. Thanks to a stable economy, convenient geographical location, and a favorable tax regime, purchasing property here becomes a profitable decision for both living and investment purposes. However, the process of buying property in Malta has certain peculiarities that need to be taken into account. How to choose a property, what taxes need to be paid, and what documents will be required? Let’s consider each step in detail.

What kind of property can foreigners purchase?

Foreign buyers can purchase property in Malta for foreigners in specific areas, which differ in terms of ownership:

SDA (Special Designated Areas) – areas where there are no restrictions on property purchases for foreign citizens;
Ordinary areas – require obtaining an AIP permit, which allows ownership of only one property in the country.

The choice of properties includes apartments, villas, townhouses, commercial real estate, and investment projects. It is worth noting that properties in SDA may be significantly more expensive, but they provide foreign buyers with more rights and flexibility in property management.

Key stages of purchasing property

The process of buying property consists of several consecutive steps that need to be followed for successful property ownership registration.

1. Choosing a property and signing a preliminary agreement

After selecting a suitable property, the parties sign a preliminary agreement (Promise of Sale), which specifies the property’s price, payment terms, and transaction conditions. Usually, the buyer pays a deposit of 10%. The agreement acts as a guarantee of the transaction and obliges both parties to comply with all conditions; otherwise, a financial penalty may follow.

2. Legal verification of the property

Before signing the final contract, it is necessary to confirm the legality of the transaction. The notary verifies the property documents, the presence of debts, or possible legal restrictions on the property. It is important to carefully check not only the property itself but also its compliance with building regulations and permits, especially if the building is old or located in a historic part of the city.

3. Obtaining an AIP permit

If the property is not in SDA, an AIP permit is required. The process may take several weeks. To apply, copies of the buyer’s documents and information about the property to be acquired are needed. The permit is issued on an individual basis and cannot be transferred to third parties.

4. Signing the final sales contract

After completing the checks, the final deed of sale is signed, certified by a notary. At this point, the final payment is made. It is important to note that in some cases, the buyer must pay the remaining amount immediately, while in others, flexible payment schemes are possible if the property is purchased in installments from the developer.

5. Registration of the transaction and taxation

To complete the property purchase procedure in Malta, the property is registered, and the buyer pays a stamp duty. All financial obligations cease, and the owner receives an official document confirming property rights. This document will also be required in case of resale or when applying for a mortgage secured by the property.

Taxes and additional expenses

Purchasing property in Malta involves a number of mandatory payments. These include:

Stamp duty – 5% of the property sale value;
Notarial services – typically 1% to 2% of the transaction amount;
Registration fee – a fixed fee depending on the type of property.

Additionally, there may be costs for property insurance, realtor services, and payment of utility debts if the property is purchased on the secondary market.

How to avoid mistakes when buying?

For a successful property purchase procedure in Malta, it is necessary to learn about the common mistakes made by investors in advance. It is important to consider several key points:

Thoroughly review the contract – make sure all transaction points are transparent;
Engage professionals – a notary and a lawyer will help avoid legal issues;
Check the developer’s reputation – especially important for properties on the primary market;
Calculate the budget – in addition to the property cost, consider property taxes and associated payments.

Additionally, it is important to check utility payments, building maintenance conditions, and possible future expenses.

Real estate market development prospects

The real estate market in Malta continues to demonstrate stable growth. The main reasons are:

High interest in property acquisition from foreigners;
Infrastructure development and increased investment attractiveness of the region;
Price stability even in conditions of global economic uncertainty;
Rental demand – active tourist flow supports high rental yields.

Additionally, Malta remains an important financial hub, making property purchase in the country particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors.

Conclusions

The process of buying property in Malta requires careful consideration, but when all steps are followed, the process goes smoothly. It is important to study the legal aspects in advance, obtain necessary permits, and involve specialists to assist in the transaction.

Regardless of the purpose of acquisition – whether for personal residence or property investment, buying here remains one of the most profitable decisions. Buying property in Malta is not only an opportunity to enjoy life in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe but also a reliable capital investment with high returns. Long-term market development prospects confirm that Maltese real estate will remain an attractive asset for investors in the coming years.

Advantages of Maltese citizenship: reasons to move to the country

In the modern world, the concept of freedom of movement and global access to quality services is directly linked to the possibility of obtaining a second passport. The advantages of Maltese citizenship become particularly relevant in 2025 against the backdrop of unstable geopolitics and increasing demand for a secure life in the European Union.

Due to its strategic location, economic stability, and well-thought-out immigration policy, Malta attracts both investors and families aspiring to a better future.

Obtaining Maltese Citizenship through Investment

One of the most popular ways to migrate to the island remains obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment. Through a state program approved by the European Union, foreigners gain access to a high standard of living in Europe in exchange for investments. The minimum investment amount is €600,000 with a requirement of five years of residency or €750,000 for an accelerated procedure.

The program involves investments in real estate as well as a charitable contribution to the National Development Fund. Applicants must undergo a rigorous reliability check. Malta’s investment program stands out for its high transparency and the guarantee of obtaining a passport when all requirements are met.

European Integration as a Key Motive

By acquiring Maltese citizenship, an investor automatically becomes a citizen of the European Union. This opens up access to a range of opportunities: Schengen, visa-free entry to more than 180 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, as well as freedom of movement, work, and study in any EU country.

The advantages of Maltese citizenship are particularly significant for those building an international career or planning to educate their children in leading European universities. The opportunity for legal employment in Germany, France, Austria, or the Netherlands without visa restrictions makes the passport a tool for strategic life planning.

Advantages of Maltese Citizenship: Extended Rights and Freedoms

One of the arguments in favor of obtaining a second passport is the broad social and economic rights. The country has laws aimed at protecting private property, facilitating business opening, and offering favorable taxation for new residents. Below are the key economic and social benefits:

access to one of the most stable economies in the Eurozone;
the ability to conduct business without restrictions in EU countries;
a system of preferential taxation for investors;
participation in the healthcare program;
inclusion in the pension system and social insurance.

Thus, the advantages of Maltese citizenship allow not only geographical relocation but also significantly improve the financial and legal conditions of existence.

Education and Healthcare: Significant Benefits Provided by Maltese Citizenship

The country’s state schools and universities operate in English, which is convenient for foreigners. Private educational institutions accredited under the British system are also available. The advantages of Maltese citizenship include the opportunity to educate children for free in the best state schools and to enroll in EU universities on equal terms with other EU citizens.

The healthcare system in the country is one of the most efficient in Southern Europe. Passport holders have access to quality medical services, including dentistry, oncology care, and prevention. Additionally, citizenship provides insurance coverage throughout the EU, significantly expanding the range of available healthcare.

Why is Family One of the Arguments in Favor of Relocation?

The program for obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment extends not only to the applicant but also to their family. This means that the spouse, children up to 29 years old, and dependent parents also receive a passport. This decision is particularly valuable for those planning to integrate their family into European society—from education and healthcare to inheritance rights. The main reasons families choose Malta include:

safety and political stability;
access to the EU healthcare and education system;
high quality of life;
favorable climate and ecology;
tax optimization of family capital;
asset protection in the legal field of the EU;
guarantees of property rights and personal freedom.

Thus, the advantages of Maltese citizenship become a tool for strategically protecting the interests of family and business.

Stability and Economic Future

In the conditions of global instability, Malta offers an attractive combination of political neutrality, economic growth, and a transparent financial system. The island has reliable international partnerships, including membership in the Schengen Area, the European Union, and the UN.

For many affluent citizens and investors, obtaining Maltese citizenship is a long-term strategy to exit unstable regions and provide children with a stable European future. The country’s development forecasts, favorable investment environment, and minimal geopolitical risks make Maltese citizenship a particularly valuable resource.

Is It Worth Obtaining Maltese Citizenship?

Against the backdrop of tightening migration rules and economic crises in many countries, the advantages of Maltese citizenship come to the forefront. The program for obtaining a passport through investment not only ensures freedom of movement but also protects assets, expands business horizons, and guarantees a decent future for oneself and one’s family.

Among European countries, Malta stands out for favorable naturalization conditions, a lenient tax system, and ample opportunities for relocation!

August 19, 2025

Основные мифы об инвестициях в недвижимость

The real estate market is traditionally considered a “safe haven” for capital. However, alongside this, a solid layer of misconceptions has formed, hindering investors from making rational decisions. Myths about real estate investments have taken root in the minds of novice players, distorting their perception of risks, profitability, and the very mechanism of working with properties.

Passive income — a common myth about real estate investments

A prevalent myth among many investors is that real estate provides stable passive income without effort. Such a scenario can only work in the case of an ideal combination of circumstances, which are practically non-existent in practice. Managing a rental property requires regular attention: monitoring payments, solving household problems, maintaining the technical condition, and communicating with tenants.

For properties rented out on a daily basis (for example, through “Yandex.Travel” or Sutochno.ru), the volume of tasks increases significantly. With an occupancy rate of 70–80% and an average rate of 4,000 ₽ per night in St. Petersburg, a property can generate around 90,000 ₽ per month but will require 15–20 hours of work monthly: communication, cleaning, updating listings, and monitoring competition. Passive income in this segment is only possible when using a property management company, which reduces the margin by 15–30%. The investor pays for delegation, losing a portion of the profit but gaining in time.

Real estate prices always rise: the illusion of perpetual growth

One of the most dangerous myths about real estate investments is the belief that any property appreciates over time. Statistics indicate the opposite. In Moscow in 2023, over 22% of properties on the secondary market were sold for less than the purchase price in 2019–2020. The reasons include changes in macroeconomic conditions, an increase in the key rate, a decrease in demand, and building depreciation.

Looking at new developments, the dependence on the construction stage can be observed. Buying at the excavation stage is often seen as a guarantee of price appreciation. However, after receiving the keys, the price growth slows down or even reverses. A flat in the “Seligor City” residential complex, purchased in 2021 for 12.4 million ₽, may lose up to 8% in value by mid-2024 due to high competition and the launch of new phases at a discount. Price appreciation is a variable factor depending on location, market conditions, macroeconomics, and the developer’s policies. There is no automatic price increase.

Any apartment is suitable for investment: the myth of real estate universality

One typical myth about real estate investments is the belief that any apartment can generate income if rented out. This mistaken belief leads to the purchase of inefficient properties: either too expensive for tenants or impractical in terms of operation. Real case studies show that studios ranging from 24 to 28 m² with finishes and easy access to the metro provide the best returns.

For example, a studio in the “Mikhailova, 31” residential complex (Moscow), purchased for 7.5 million ₽, generates 48,000 ₽ per month with long-term leasing, resulting in a 6.8% annual return. In comparison, a three-bedroom apartment in the same area priced at 14.2 million ₽ yields only 65,000 ₽ in rent — a 5.5% annual return. Universality does not exist. Each property requires a precise calculation of profitability, assessment of infrastructure, tenant profile, and maintenance costs.

The larger the area, the higher the income: unreliable logic

A common misconception links the area of a property to its income. In reality, the yield coefficient often decreases with an increase in the property’s size. For a one-bedroom apartment in Yekaterinburg (40 m², 5.8 million ₽), the average rental rate is 22,000 ₽. A 25 m² studio for 3.9 million ₽ generates 19,000 ₽. The annual return is 4.5% compared to 5.8%. The reason lies in lower taxes, maintenance, furniture, and the liquidity of smaller formats. Additionally, larger properties are harder to sell or rent out quickly, especially during seasonal demand declines. Smaller formats offer more flexibility and are easier to sell on the secondary market.

New construction is always more profitable than resale: a common investment mistake at the start

Novices often opt for new developments only, believing in their “investment purity.” However, in some cases, the secondary market offers better returns. For instance, apartments in Soviet-era buildings near the “Novokosino” metro station. A resale property for 6.2 million ₽ generates 38,000 ₽ per month, while a new apartment in the “Reut” residential complex for 7.4 million ₽ yields only 35,000 ₽.

Reasons include the lack of waiting time for delivery in the secondary market, the ability to enter the market instantly, and avoiding the marketing markups of developers. Moreover, the secondary market is easier to evaluate in terms of property management company fees, utilities payments, and future major repairs.

Real estate profitability exceeds deposits and bonds: the illusion of profit

Myths about real estate investments are often based on outdated comparisons. As of July 2025, deposits in the top 5 banks offer up to 13.2% annual returns with capitalization. Federal bond yields are at 11.9%. Meanwhile, the average long-term rental yield in new developments in major cities ranges from 5.2% to 6.5%.

The actual profitability is lower when considering:

Depreciation and repairs — around 45,000 ₽ per year.
Vacant months — on average 1.5 months per year.
Property management company commission — 10–25% depending on the format.

Thus, the final yield can decrease to 3.5–4.2% — below inflation. Only with a smart choice of property and active management can one approach the target of 7–8%.

Key Considerations Before Buying

Prior to investing in real estate, a comprehensive assessment of the property is essential, including:

The current rental rate in the area (data from CIAN, DomClick).
The building’s completion timeline and status under the shared construction participation agreement (if it’s a new development).
Potential expenses for repairs, furniture, appliances.
Neighborhood infrastructure: schools, metro, transportation, parks.
Monthly maintenance costs and utility expenses.
Income tax rate (13% personal income tax) and cadastral valuation.
Possibility of re-planning and its legalization.
Rental market demand: trends, competition, seasonality.
Legal clarity of the transaction, encumbrances, arrests.

Conclusion

Myths about real estate investments create a distorted picture, fostering the illusion of easy profitability, ignoring variables, and underestimating risks. Treating the asset as a strategic project is the only way to achieve stable income. Real analysis, calculations, evaluation of neighborhood prospects, ownership format, and property oversight determine success. Only by dispelling myths can a sustainable investment model be formed, independent of market sentiments.

August 17, 2025