Zabbar Real Estate: Apartments and Penthouses near the Three Cities

Zabbar is one of Malta's larger traditional towns, centred on the baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, which draws a large procession each year. Surrounding streets are narrow and dense, and the outskirts have newer apartment blocks. Kalkara, Cospicua and Birgu (the Three Cities) are within a short drive, offering waterfront dining and maritime history. The Malta International Airport is about 10 to 15 minutes by car, and public buses link the town to Valletta.

Typical buyers are locals, families working at the airport or the harbour, and some investors who rent to foreign workers. Parking and traffic are the main drawbacks; ask whether a garage is included. Because construction is ongoing across Malta, check planning applications next to a property and ensure your balcony views are not about to be blocked.

Non-EU buyers need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit, and the property must meet a minimum value; EU nationals can buy a single residence without it if they have not lived in Malta for five years. The usual process is a promise of sale agreement (konvenju) with a deposit of about 10%, followed by the final deed with a notary within about three months.

Costs include stamp duty of 5%, notary fees (about 1-1.5%), a contribution to the sellers' agent, and, on sale, an 8% final withholding tax on sale proceeds in most cases. Rental income can be taxed at 15% on a final basis. Our Malta consultation guide and financing page set out the details, and the mortgage calculator helps compare loan options.

Maltese ownership is inexpensive to hold: there is no annual property tax on homes, and utilities are moderate, although water and electricity tariffs rise for high usage. Many apartment blocks have a small common-parts fee, and you should check who maintains the lift and the roof. The main running risk is damp and salt corrosion in older buildings.

If you let the home, rental income is taxable (15% final tax is an option) and short-term lets need a licence from the Malta Tourism Authority. When you sell, a final withholding of 8% of the price applies in most cases, or 5% on property acquired within recent years. Use the valuation tool to check a price and the contact page for introductions.

For the central business and expatriate hubs look at Sliema and St Julian's. Families often compare Birkirkara, Qormi and Mosta, and the sea-facing Marsascala is the nearest bay. The Malta country page has the full list.