Commercial Property in Malta

What types of commercial property can I rent or buy in Malta?

Offices make up most of what we list: serviced offices, suites in business centres, office floors and whole office buildings. Shops, catering units, warehouses, industrial space and schools come up less often and are frequently let or sold without being advertised, so tell us what you need and we will search for it.

How much does commercial property rent for in Malta?

For offices, the median asking rent across the offices advertised on MaltaOffices.com was €250 per m² a year in October 2026, and half asked between €199 and €317. Of the areas we report, St Julian’s was the highest (median €350) and Msida (€183) and Birkirkara (€195) the lowest. Seafront floors usually ask more than their area median. Service charges and any VAT come on top.

These are asking rents for the offices we list, not every office in Malta. Tables by area and size, with the method, are in the Malta Office Rent Index. Shops, warehouses and industrial space are priced differently; ask us for comparables.

Is VAT charged on commercial rent in Malta?

It depends on who owns the property and on the tenant. VAT at 18% applies when the landlord is a company (a legal entity rather than a private individual) and the tenant is registered for VAT under Article 10 and uses the property for its business. Where the owner is a natural person, or the tenant is not registered under Article 10, no VAT is charged on the rent. We confirm the VAT position for each property on enquiry. Take advice from your accountant before you sign.

How long is a typical commercial lease in Malta?

For a mid-size office, a common structure is five years: two years di fermo (fixed for both sides) followed by three years di rispetto (optional for the tenant). The landlord usually asks for a deposit of about three months’ rent (see garanzija).

Can foreigners buy or lease commercial property in Malta?

Foreign companies and individuals lease offices in Malta all the time. Buying is different: EU nationals generally need no permit for property required for their business, while non-EU buyers need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit, granted for business property only in limited cases, unless the property is in a Specially Designated Area. Companies follow separate rules, so take legal advice for your situation.

What does it cost to buy commercial property in Malta?

The main cost is stamp duty of 5% of the price or market value, whichever is higher, paid by the buyer: 1% on the promise of sale (konvenju) and the balance on the final deed. Add notary fees, searches, any bank charges and, if you want one, an architect’s survey. Confirm the exact amounts with your notary before you sign.

How long does it take to buy commercial property?

Usually between six weeks and six months from the konvenju to the final deed, depending on searches, financing and any conditions in the agreement. The buyer normally pays a 10% deposit on the konvenju. Read Konvenju vs Final Deed.

Where are the main commercial areas in Malta?

Office demand is concentrated around the harbour towns (Sliema, St Julian’s, Gżira, Ta’ Xbiex and Msida) and in the central cluster of Mrieħel and Birkirkara. Industrial and warehouse space is mostly in Malta’s industrial estates.

More answers on leases, costs and sizing are in the commercial property FAQ.

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Lease, VAT, planning and purchase questions depend on your circumstances; take advice from a lawyer, notary or accountant before you sign. Last updated October 2026.

Written by Etienne Licari, commercial real estate advisor licensed by the Property Market Agency (licence PB-00144-23), working in Malta’s commercial property market since 2010.