Malta closing costs calculator
See the full cost breakdown for buying a property in Malta, including stamp duty, notary fees, searches, and the AIP permit if applicable.
The headline purchase price of a Malta property is not the amount you will actually pay. On top of the agreed price, buyers face several mandatory costs: stamp duty (the largest item), notary fees, legal searches and registrations, and the AIP permit fee if you are a non-EU buyer purchasing outside a Special Designated Area.
For a standard 350,000 EUR purchase by an EU buyer, closing costs add approximately 23,000 to 25,000 EUR (6.5 to 7% of the purchase price). First-time buyers save significantly on stamp duty through the exemption on the first 200,000 EUR. The agency commission in Malta is conventionally paid by the seller, not the buyer, so it does not appear in your closing costs.
This calculator gives you the complete breakdown so you can budget accurately before making an offer. Enter your purchase price, buyer status, and whether the property is in a Special Designated Area to see your personalized cost table.
Total all-in cost
€373,750
Closing costs: €23,750 on top of purchase price
- Purchase price
- €350,000
- Stamp duty
- €17,500
- Notary fees (1 to 1.5%)
- €5,250
- Legal searches and registrations
- €1,000
- Agency commission
- Paid by seller
Estimates based on standard rates and averages. Actual costs depend on the specific notary, property complexity, and any additional reliefs or exemptions that may apply. Always confirm with your notary before exchanging contracts.
How Malta closing costs break down
Every property purchase in Malta incurs several mandatory costs beyond the headline price. Here is what each item covers and who sets the rate.
- Stamp duty: 5% of purchase price (standard rate). First-time buyers are exempt on the first 200,000 EUR. Reduced rates for UCA (2.5%) and Gozo (2%) properties.
- Notary fees: 1 to 1.5% of the purchase price. The notary handles the konvenju (promise of sale), property searches, and the final deed of sale. Fees are negotiable but fall within this range.
- Legal searches: 500 to 1,500 EUR covering Planning Authority searches, Land Registry searches, and registration of the deed. Costs vary with property complexity.
- AIP permit: 233 EUR one-off fee for non-EU buyers purchasing outside an SDA. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. No fee applies inside SDAs or for EU/EEA citizens.
Closing costs FAQs
What is the total cost of buying a property in Malta?
For a standard 350,000 EUR purchase: approximately 17,500 EUR stamp duty + 4,375 EUR notary + 1,000 EUR searches = 22,875 EUR in closing costs, bringing your all-in cost to approximately 372,875 EUR (6.5% above purchase price). First-time buyers on the same property save approximately 10,000 EUR on stamp duty.
How much do first-time buyers save on closing costs?
First-time buyers are exempt from stamp duty on the first 200,000 EUR of the purchase price. On a 350,000 EUR property, this saves 10,000 EUR (5% of 200,000). The remaining 150,000 EUR is taxed at the standard 5% rate, resulting in 7,500 EUR stamp duty instead of 17,500 EUR.
Can I negotiate notary fees in Malta?
Yes, notary fees are not fixed by law and are negotiable within the 1 to 1.5% range. For high-value properties, the percentage often drops toward 1%. The notary's scope includes drafting the konvenju, conducting all property and planning searches, liaising with the bank on mortgage conditions, and drafting and signing the final deed.
Does the buyer pay agency commission in Malta?
No. In Malta, the agency commission (typically 3.5 to 5% plus VAT) is conventionally paid by the seller. The buyer does not pay any agency fee. This is the standard market practice and is usually stated in the mandate agreement between the agent and the seller.
When is the AIP permit fee required?
The AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit fee of 233 EUR is required only for non-EU/EEA citizens purchasing property outside a Special Designated Area (SDA). EU/EEA citizens never need an AIP permit. Inside SDAs (Tigne Point, Portomaso, Fort Cambridge, Pendergardens, Manoel Island, SmartCity, etc.), no nationality restriction or permit applies.
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