Finding Housing in Malta
The Malta Housing Market
In Malta, most apartments and rooms are rented through agents, and it’s common for landlords to list the same property with multiple agencies. The catch? The market isn’t really regulated, so technically anyone can label themselves a real estate agent. Translation: you’ve got to be sharp about who you trust.
Things also move fast. Like, blink-and-it’s-gone fast. A lot of landlords don’t even bother listing places themselves because agents handle everything and demand is high.
That’s why working with someone who actually knows what to look for makes a difference. International interns especially value having someone who understands the process, spots the small red flags, and pays attention to details that your average Maltese agent might miss.
Choosing the Right Agent
Because the market isn’t regulated, choosing the right agent actually matters — a lot. Plenty of people have learned that the hard way. I’ve been working as an agent in Malta for years, so I know exactly what to look out for and what to avoid.
I’ll flag things that are easy to miss if you’re new here — like hidden damp issues (thanks to Malta’s humidity) or sketchy clauses buried in rental contracts. Those are the kinds of details that can make or break your experience.
A lot of agents here are focused on volume — quick deals, next client, repeat. But that approach can leave you dealing with surprises later… like ongoing construction right next door after you’ve already moved in. Not ideal.
I’ve worked with international interns for years and collaborate with schools and student organisations, so I get what you need when you’re relocating. For me, it’s not just about closing a deal — it’s about making sure you actually feel settled. I’ll support you before you arrive and stick around to help once you’re here too.
Where to Live in Malta?
Location Matters More Than You Think
Malta might look tiny on the map, but don’t let that fool you — traffic can be hectic and the hilly terrain doesn’t help. A “short” distance can easily turn into a long commute if you’re staying far from your placement. That’s why most interns choose to live not too far away.
The most in-demand areas are St. Julian’s, Sliema, and nearby spots like Gżira and Msida. They’re popular for a reason — central, well-connected, and full of life — but that also means higher rent compared to other parts of the island.
So it really comes down to your priorities: do you want the convenience of a short commute, or are you okay trading a bit of travel time for more space (or better value) elsewhere?
If you’re not sure what area fits you best, I can help you figure it out based on your placement and lifestyle — just reach out.
View all areas and an indication of rental prices.
When You’ve Found a Place
Once you’ve seen a property you like, act fast. Rooms and apartments let very quickly and someone else could snap it up the same day. Make it clear straight away that you want to rent it.
To reserve a room or apartment, you’ll usually need to pay a holding deposit and sign a contract. Upon arrival in Malta, you’ll typically pay:
- Agent’s fees (amount depends on price and duration)
- First month’s rent
What I Look Out For
I don’t just forward listings — I personally check every property before I recommend it to interns. That means I’m on the ground looking at the real situation, not just the photos.
In Malta, it’s actually pretty common for listings to look better online than they do in real life, so I make sure you’re not getting hit with any surprises when you arrive.
I go through things like: overall condition of the place, any signs of damp or mould, whether the landlord is actually reliable, if the listing photos match reality, what the neighbourhood is really like (including noise levels), and whether the rental contract has any dodgy or unfair terms hidden in the fine print.
So basically, no false advertising, no guesswork. What I show you is what you’re actually walking into when you arrive in Malta.
Electricity bills
Do you pay a fixed amount for water and electricity, or only for what you actually use? I always clarify this upfront so you won’t face any surprises.
Lease term
Apartments are often let on 6-month or 12-month contracts. I make sure you only rent for the period you’ll actually be living there, not longer.
Repairs
In Malta, tenants typically cover small repairs while the landlord handles bigger issues. But some landlords try to dodge all costs. I’ll always go through the fine print with you to make sure everything is fair and clear.
In short, feel free to get in touch any time you have a question — I’ll guide you every step of the way!
Contact
Do you have questions about doing an internship on Malta? Looking for a great place to stay? Or want to share an experience?