Advice on buying Malta Property

MALTESE ISLANDS
These islands in the Mediterranean are an ideal holiday destination, as well as their natural beauty and the peaceful way of life they are English speaking, with a rich cultural heritage and offering a warm climate, beautiful sea, yet are only a 3 hour flight from the UK
 
PURCHASE
Maltese law states that citizens from the European Member States can under Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta obtain the permit required to purchase a secondary property in Malta
When you have chosen your property, you enter into a written agreement/contract (convenium) binding the seller to sell to the purchaser the property at the agreed price and within an agreed timescale. Usually a 10 deposit is paid by the purchaser at this time, and a copy of the convenium is attached to the AIP application form which is obtained from Capitol Transfer Duty Department of the Inland Revenue. Along with the completed form you have to enclose 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your passport showing all the details (As with all purchases abroad you should seek legal representation to assist you with your property purchase). In the meantime the Notary Public chosen by yourself will carry out searches to confirm title deed validity    The AIP section are obliged to issue the permit within 35 days provided that the application form has been completed correctly. And your purchase can go ahead.
The fee for this permit is Lm 100
A copy of the notarial deed (title deed) must be sent to the AIP section after its publication which normally takes about 3 months.
 
Maltese Law states that a non resident cannot purchase a flat/apartment property under the value of Lm34158 and Lm56930 for any other type of property. And that the property can only be used for residential purposes.
Should you be purchasing a property in Malta for investment purposes please note that the only properties legally permitted to be rented out to third parties are villas with a pool or top quality apartments.
MORTGAGES
The main banks in Malta are the HSBC, Lombard and the Bank of Valletta and mortgages of 90 are available to non residents to assist with property purchase. A larger deposit can affect the final interest rate charged by the bank.
EXPENSES
A Transfer tax of 5 is payable on the declared value of the property purchased.
Legal fees anticipated between 1-1.5