Finding an apartment in Malta can be frustrating. The market is competitive, prices have risen dramatically, and scams targeting newcomers are common. This guide will help you navigate the rental market like a local—from the best websites and Facebook groups to typical prices, red flags to watch for, and negotiation strategies that actually work.
đź“‹ Key Takeaways
- Best websites: Malta Park, Facebook groups, agency websites
- Typical prices: €800-1,500/month for 1-bedroom in central areas
- Red flags: Payment before viewing, too-good-to-be-true prices, pressure tactics
- Negotiation: Possible, especially for longer leases or quick move-in
- Timing: Start searching 2-4 weeks before needed; market moves fast
Where to Search for Apartments
Malta Park (maltapark.com)
Malta Park is the island's equivalent of Craigslist—a classifieds site where both landlords and agents post listings. It's the most comprehensive source for rentals, though quality varies wildly.
How to Use Malta Park Effectively:
- Filter by "Property for Rent" → "Apartments/Flats"
- Set price range and location filters
- Sort by "Most Recent" to see fresh listings
- Check multiple times daily—good apartments go fast
- Ignore listings without photos or with stock photos
Pros:
- Largest selection of listings
- Mix of private landlords and agents
- Free to browse
Cons:
- Many outdated listings
- Quality varies significantly
- Some scams (see red flags section)
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are surprisingly effective for apartment hunting in Malta. Many landlords post directly, and you can get real-time feedback from the community about listings or landlords.
Best Facebook Groups:
- Rent in Malta / Rentals in Malta - Largest group, very active
- Malta Expats - General expat group with regular housing posts
- Apartments/Flats for Rent in Malta - Dedicated rental group
- Malta Housing Network - Mix of roommates and full apartments
- Expats in Malta - Good for long-term rentals
Tips for Facebook Searching:
- Use the search function within groups for specific areas
- Post what you're looking for—landlords browse these groups too
- Check poster's profile for legitimacy
- Ask the group about specific landlords or properties
Real Estate Agencies
For a more curated experience, real estate agencies can save time and provide some protection against scams. The tradeoff is agency fees (typically 50% of one month's rent).
Reputable Agencies:
- Quicklets (quicklets.com.mt) - Large selection, professional
- Perry Estate Agents - Established agency, good service
- Steve Portelli Real Estate - Local agency, personal touch
- Dhalia Real Estate - Large network
- Frank Salt Real Estate - Premium properties
Other Options
- Property Malta (propertymalta.com) - Aggregates agency listings
- Airbnb/Booking - For short-term while you search (expensive long-term)
- Word of mouth - Tell everyone you're looking; Malta is small
- Walk around - Some buildings have "To Let" signs not posted online
Typical Prices by Area
Rental prices in Malta have increased significantly in recent years. Here's what to expect as of early 2026:
| Area | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema (central) | €900-1,100 | €1,200-1,500 | €1,500-2,000 |
| Sliema (back streets) | €750-900 | €1,000-1,200 | €1,300-1,600 |
| St. Julian's | €800-1,000 | €1,100-1,400 | €1,400-1,800 |
| Paceville area | €700-900 | €900-1,200 | €1,200-1,500 |
| Valletta | €800-1,000 | €1,000-1,400 | €1,300-1,800 |
| Gzira | €700-850 | €900-1,200 | €1,200-1,500 |
| Msida | €600-750 | €800-1,000 | €1,000-1,300 |
| Gozo | €500-700 | €700-900 | €900-1,200 |
Note: Prices vary significantly based on furnishing quality, building age, floor level, sea views, and parking. A "1-bedroom" can range from a cramped conversion to a spacious modern apartment. Always view in person.
What's Usually Included
- Typically included: Basic furniture, kitchen appliances (stove, fridge), sometimes washing machine
- Sometimes included: WiFi, water
- Usually NOT included: Electricity, gas, internet (if not included), TV license
Additional Costs to Budget
- Security deposit: Usually 1 month's rent (sometimes 2)
- Agency fee: 50% of one month's rent (if using an agent)
- Electricity: €50-150/month depending on AC usage
- Water: €10-30/month (sometimes included)
- Internet: €30-45/month for fiber
- Contract registration: €80 (mandatory—see below)
Scams to Avoid
Unfortunately, rental scams targeting newcomers are common in Malta. Here's how to protect yourself:
Red Flags:
1. Payment Before Viewing
The scam: "I'm abroad, but you can send a deposit and my friend will give you the keys."
Reality: Legitimate landlords don't ask for money before you've seen the property and signed a contract. Never, ever pay anything before viewing in person.
2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices
The scam: Beautiful Sliema seafront 2-bedroom for €800/month.
Reality: If a price seems 30%+ below market rate, it's almost certainly a scam or the listing is outdated/fake. Scammers copy photos from real listings and post at attractive prices.
3. Urgency and Pressure
The scam: "I have 5 people coming to view today, you need to decide now!"
Reality: While Malta's market is competitive, legitimate landlords don't force instant decisions. Take time to review contracts and verify everything.
4. Foreign Payment Methods
The scam: Requests for Western Union, cryptocurrency, or foreign bank transfers.
Reality: Legitimate landlords accept local bank transfers or, at worst, cash with receipts.
5. No Contract Offered
The scam: "We don't need a contract, let's keep it informal."
Reality: Malta law requires rental contracts to be registered. No contract = no legal protection = run away.
How to Verify Listings:
- Reverse image search the photos on Google
- Check if the same property appears at different prices
- Verify the landlord's identity (ask for ID at viewing)
- Check property ownership through a lawyer if making significant commitment
- Ask in Facebook groups if anyone knows the landlord/property
The Viewing Process
Before the Viewing:
- Prepare a list of questions (see below)
- Research the area and typical prices
- Check Google Maps for nearby amenities
- Note the building address for later reference
During the Viewing:
Check These Things:
- Water pressure: Turn on taps and shower
- Appliances: Test everything—stove, fridge, AC, washing machine
- Windows: Do they open, close, and seal properly?
- Internet: Ask about provider and speed; test if possible
- Natural light: Visit during daytime if possible
- Storage: Closet space, kitchen cabinets
- Noise: Traffic, neighbors, bars nearby?
- Mold/damp: Check corners, bathroom ceiling, behind furniture
- Electrical outlets: Enough for your needs?
Questions to Ask:
- What's included in the rent? (WiFi, water, cleaning?)
- What's the minimum lease term?
- How much notice is needed to leave?
- Who handles maintenance issues?
- Is the contract registered with Housing Authority?
- What's the deposit, and under what conditions is it returned?
- Are there any building rules? (Guests, laundry, noise?)
- Who pays for repairs?
Negotiation Tips
Yes, you can negotiate rent in Malta. Here's how:
Leverage Points:
- Longer lease: Offering 12+ months often gets 5-10% discount
- Quick move-in: If the apartment is vacant, landlords want it filled
- Upfront payment: Offering multiple months upfront can reduce rate
- Good tenant profile: Stable income, references, professional appearance
- Off-season: October-March has less competition
What to Negotiate:
- Monthly rent: €50-100 off is often achievable
- Included utilities: Ask for WiFi or water to be included
- Furnishing: Request specific items (desk, better mattress, etc.)
- Deposit: Negotiate down from 2 months to 1 month
- Agency fee: Sometimes negotiable, especially if you found listing yourself
How to Negotiate:
- Express genuine interest first
- Mention specific concerns (older building, no parking, etc.)
- Propose a reasonable counter-offer
- Be willing to compromise on terms (longer lease, etc.)
- Get everything agreed in writing before signing
The Rental Contract
Contract Registration
Since 2020, all rental contracts in Malta must be registered with the Housing Authority. This is law, and it protects both landlords and tenants. Registration costs €80 (usually paid by the tenant) and provides:
- Legal recognition of the tenancy
- Access to dispute resolution
- Protection against arbitrary eviction
- Proof of address for visa/banking purposes
⚠️ Important: If a landlord refuses to register the contract, this is illegal and you should walk away. An unregistered contract offers you no legal protection and may cause problems with your visa application or bank account opening.
Key Contract Terms to Check:
- Rent amount and payment date: Usually 1st of the month
- Deposit amount: And conditions for return
- Lease duration: Minimum and maximum term
- Notice period: How much notice to leave (usually 1-3 months)
- What's included: Furniture, appliances, utilities
- Maintenance responsibilities: Who pays for what repairs
- Subletting: Usually prohibited
- Rent increases: When and how much rent can increase