Property & Real Estate Law · Malta
Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Malta
Buying, selling, inheriting or leasing property in Malta involves a distinct civil-law and notarial process. Our free matching service introduces you to a lawyer who handles your exact property matter, from the promise of sale to the final deed.
- Lawyers familiar with konvenju, notarial deeds and registration
- Advice on limitation periods, forced heirship and matrimonial property
- Free matching with no upfront cost or obligation
No cost. No obligation. Just a short introduction to a specialised lawyer.
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Why specialised help matters
Property law in Malta is a distinct field
Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Malta operate in a legal system that combines the continental civil-law tradition with English procedural influence. The Civil Code, first enacted in 1868 and rooted in the French Code Napoléon, governs substance, while notarial practice determines how ownership actually passes. Whether you are buying a home in Sliema, negotiating a lease in St. Paul’s Bay, or untangling an inherited property in Victoria, the steps you take today can affect your rights decades later. Our free matching service connects you with a lawyer who handles that exact issue, from the promise of sale (konvenju) to the final deed, and who can explain how limitation periods, the reserved portion or the community of acquests may apply. You will not receive generic advice; you will speak with someone who understands Maltese property law and the local courts.
Malta property law in practice
How property law works in Malta
Property and real estate issues in Malta sit at the crossroads of continental civil-law and English common-law traditions. From the initial promise of sale (konvenju) to the final notarial deed and registration, every step is governed by the Civil Code, specific limitation periods and notarial practice. Our network includes lawyers who understand both the civil-law substance and the procedural realities of Maltese courts.
A mixed civil law / common law foundation
Maltese property law sits within a hybrid system: the Civil Code of 1868 follows the French Code Napoléon, while procedural and commercial law bear English common-law influence. The system is codified yet adversarial, and there is no formal doctrine of binding precedent. For property transactions, this dual tradition influences how contracts, evidence and court remedies are understood.
The notarial deed and promise of sale (konvenju)
In Malta, a separate profession of Notary Public authenticates and drafts public deeds. The transfer or encumbrance of immovable property is formalised through a notarial process culminating in a public deed executed before a notary. Ownership passes only upon execution and registration of that deed. The preliminary contract of sale (konvenju) is normally drawn up by a notary.
Registration, acquisitive prescription and limitation periods
A real, personal or mixed action is generally time-barred after 30 years under the Civil Code. Acquisitive prescription of immovable property in good faith runs for 10 years. Rent arrears for urban or rural property are subject to a 5-year limitation period. A lawyer can clarify which period applies to your particular property dispute.
Forced heirship and the reserved portion
Maltese succession law restricts testamentary freedom through the ‘reserved portion’ in Articles 615-616 of the Civil Code. Descendants and the surviving spouse have statutory entitlements in the estate, including immovable property. A property lawyer can explain how reserved portions affect gifts, sales and inheritance planning involving Maltese real estate.
Community of acquests and matrimonial property
Under Article 1316 of the Civil Code, a marriage celebrated in Malta produces the community of acquests unless spouses opt by public deed for another regime such as separation of estates or CORSA. Property acquired through the spouses’ work or industry during the marriage forms part of the community, which can affect the sale or financing of a family home.
Advocates, legal procurators and court costs
Malta has a single unified legal profession: the terms ‘lawyer’ and ‘advocate’ are interchangeable, with no barrister/solicitor division. Advocates have rights of audience before all courts, while legal procurators handle procedural acts. Fees are governed by statutory tariffs in the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, and contingency-fee arrangements are prohibited.
Key time limits — Property & Real Estate Law
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rent arrears (urban or rural property) | 5 years | Applies to unpaid rent for both urban and rural property. |
| Acquisitive prescription of immovable property (good faith) | 10 years | Enables acquisition of immovable property in good faith after the prescribed period. |
The data on this page derives from official Maltese sources, the European e-Justice Portal and the Laws of Malta, as accessed on 1 February 2026.
Common property issues
Where a Maltese property lawyer can step in
These are the situations where professional support often makes the difference.
Unsure whether a konvenju binds you
You may have signed a preliminary agreement without fully understanding the time limits, deposits or remedies if the other party withdraws. A lawyer can review your position before you commit further.
Inherited property with forced heirship claims
A death in the family can trigger reserved-portion rights for descendants or a surviving spouse, complicating a sale. A lawyer can identify who must consent and how to structure the transfer.
Cross-border buyers and the notarial process
If you are buying from abroad, the notarial deed and registration steps may differ from your home jurisdiction. A lawyer can coordinate with the notary and ensure your interests are protected.
What you get
The advantage of working with a matched lawyer
Our service is built around one goal: clarity for your property matter in Malta.
Local knowledge of Maltese law
You receive guidance rooted in the Civil Code, the Notary Public profession and Maltese court practice, without generic advice. The lawyer you are matched with understands local deadlines and registration formalities.
Single point of contact
Instead of contacting multiple firms, you tell us your property issue once. We match you with a lawyer who handles that specific matter, from konvenju drafting to inheritance or lease disputes.
Transparent matching at no cost
Our service costs you nothing. We simply identify a suitable lawyer from our network and introduce you. Any fees are agreed directly with the lawyer and follow statutory tariffs where applicable.
Faster clarity on your position
A short conversation about your property question can save weeks of uncertainty. The lawyer will outline which limitation periods, notarial steps or reserved-portion rules apply to your situation.
Cross-border support
Also covered by our network
Our matching service also covers neighbouring European jurisdictions for cross-border property and succession matters.
Questions answered
Property & Real Estate Law in Malta – FAQs
What do Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Malta actually do?
They handle sales and acquisitions, promise-of-sale agreements (konvenju), notarial deeds, leases, co-ownership, inheritance and matrimonial property matters. Because Malta has a notarial system, lawyers often work alongside notaries to prepare contracts, review title and advise on the reserved portion or community of acquests.
How is a property transfer formalised in Malta?
A transfer of immovable property is completed through a public deed executed before a notary and then registered. Ownership passes only upon execution and registration of that deed. The preliminary contract, or konvenju, is normally also drawn up by a notary and can include time limits and deposit conditions.
What limitation periods apply to property disputes in Malta?
The general limitation for real, personal and mixed actions is 30 years. Rent arrears for urban or rural property are subject to a 5-year period, and acquisitive prescription of immovable property in good faith runs for 10 years. A lawyer can confirm which period governs your specific claim.
Can I freely leave my Maltese property in a will?
Not entirely. Maltese law reserves a portion of the estate for descendants and the surviving spouse under Articles 615-616 of the Civil Code. Children are entitled to one-third or one-half depending on their number, and the surviving spouse has a reserved share, which may affect testamentary freedom over real estate.
Does marriage affect property ownership in Malta?
Yes. Unless spouses choose a different regime by public deed, a marriage celebrated in Malta creates the community of acquests. Property acquired through the spouses’ work or industry during the marriage, and the fruits of separate property, form part of that community, which can affect sales and mortgages.
How much does a property lawyer cost in Malta?
Advocates’ fees are governed by statutory tariffs in the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, and contingency-fee arrangements are prohibited. The matching service on this page is free; you will receive a clear indication of the likely legal fees from the lawyer before you commit.
Get matched with a property lawyer
Ready to clarify your property position in Malta?
Tell us briefly what you are dealing with — a konvenju, an inheritance, a lease or a purchase — and we will introduce you to a lawyer who handles that specific matter. The matching service is free and without obligation.