What Is the Process for Buying a Home in Malta?

Buying real estate is a big step in one’s life. It is a move that should be made with caution and through awareness of one’s rights and duties in such a transaction. By reading this guide we have pointed out five steps that a buyer goes through to purchase the property for sale in Malta and Gozo according to his needs and wants.  

1. Requirements of the buyer 

The very first step in the purchasing procedure involves the buyer to have a clear notion of the type of requirements for his/her ideal property in Malta or Gozo. It is important to note that when deciding on your ideal home to buy, you plan ahead for future circumstances like starting a new family, retiring and many more. Hence, these will impact the type of property you may want and its size. Other important requirements to consider consist of the following: 

• Is it necessary to have an inside or outdoor entertainment area?
• Will it be a modern or traditional property, if not a character property?
• The location. Is it necessary to be in a specific area, such as for job or children’s schools?
• Does the property require space for a children’s playroom or a hobby room?
• What method will be used to fund the purchase? Are there any banks involved?

Of course, addressing all of the above questions may not be possible, especially if you are a first-time buyer with no prior experience or any understanding of the Malta real estate market. 

2. Selecting your property

Following the first step of figuring out your requirements for buying the best property for sale in Malta or Gozo according to your needs and wants, the second step in the purchasing process consists of meeting with a Malta property agent. When meeting with an estate agent for the first meeting, the agent will ask a series of questions to the buyer and these will involve his requirements and ability to purchase any home in Malta on the real estate market. 

3. The promise of sale

Once the immovable property has been chosen and the buyer is able to afford its price, as well as any specific conditions have been discussed and agreed upon with the estate agent, an appointment to sign the ‘Preliminary Agreement’ will be scheduled. 

The preliminary agreement or promise of sale (konvenju) is simply an agreement between the buyer and the seller to complete the deal and buy the property by a certain date. The term for the konvenju to surpass (time between the signing of the Preliminary Agreement and the signing of the final deed) unless otherwise agreed, is typical to be three months. 

Promise of sale conditions

However, in order for the promise of sale to be completed and for the buyer to purchase the Malta property, it is subjected to the following conditions: 

• The agreed selling price,
• Ground rent, if applicable, temporary or perpetual,
• Any works to be completed by the seller, if any, (normally attached in list form)
• Any items (movable) included in the selling price, if any, (normally attached in list form),
• Any other particular terms as requested and agreed upon from either party, eg: subject to a bank loan, subject to permits; and 
• Conditions of payment (at times scheduled with works) as requested by the vendor.

Notary public

This konvenju is prepared by a notary public, who is usually chosen by the client purchaser, who is the person who is buying the property for sale in Malta. All of the aforementioned items will be drawn out and added as a minimum or as needed to constitute an integral component of this vital document.

Notary public completion 

The notary public has 21 days to register the konvenju once it has been completed and signed by all parties involved, during which time he must pay 1% stamp duty to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue. This price is to be paid by the purchaser at the time of signing this konvenju as part of a total sum owed by the purchaser in all situations when acquiring immovable types of property, as specified below.

4. Achieving Full Ownership

Once all the above has been completed by all parties concerned, a date is arranged for the actual signing of the Final Deed, hence, buying your future home. 

The Notary Public is also in charge of preparing this document, as well as keeping track of and ensuring that the duration of the konvenju does not expire. It’s worth noting at this point that the expiration date of the term of konvenju determines the final date by which both parties must meet to sign the final deed, but this document can be signed at any time during the term of konvenju as long as both parties are satisfied that everything is in order.

Signing the final deed

The Notary Public will advise the purchaser and vendor as well as the RE/MAX Office/Associate of the day on which to meet to sign the Final Deed:

• In the case where a bank loan is involved the parties will be asked to meet at the bank’s legal office, otherwise this document will be signed either at one of RE/MAX Offices or at the office of the Notary Public.
• Contract is read out and as long as all parties are satisfied that all is in order it is signed.
• Balance due (total selling price less previously paid deposit) on selling price is paid to seller.
• Purchaser settles the remaining balance due to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue by way of Stamp Duty (rate as described below) as well as the notary’s fees.
• Both parties settle their respective expenses that may arise throughout the process. 

RE/MAX Malta purchasing process

At RE/MAX Malta, our associates are well equipped to guide the client, whether a first-time buyer or a second-time buyer or a property investor, through this entire buying process. The purchasing process is backed by the experience of the respective office managers as well as a host of related professional advisors helping to simplify the process of buying real estate for sale in Malta.

Our property agents are always ready to listen and respond to the various concerns that typically accompany such an undertaking. Read more about the final walk-through of the purchasing procedure and learn about the extra expenses that may arise during the process of buying real estate in Malta or any type of property for sale in Gozo.