A recent comprehensive study conducted by the Central Bank of Malta examines and dissects the rental property market across the Maltese Islands, revealing intriguing trends and patterns. This research considered nearly 9,000 rental advertisements on Facebook’s marketplace, providing a nuanced understanding of the current state of rental properties.

The first half of 2023 has witnessed a robust upward pressure on rents, a phenomenon attributed to the surging demand for rental properties.

Close to half of all advertisements on Facebook’s marketplace fall within the €1,000-€1,500 per month range, reflecting the prevailing mid-range pricing in the market.

Breaking down the data further, 16% of listings fall in the €751-€1,000 range, while only around 3% are advertised at €750 or less.

At the higher end of the spectrum, 8% of advertisements showcase properties commanding a monthly rent exceeding €2,500. These are predominantly located in sought-after areas such as Sliema, St Julian’s, and Swieqi.

Apartments dominate the listings for Malta’s rental properties on Facebook’s marketplace, constituting 69% of all properties. Penthouses follow at 14%, and maisonettes at 6%.

The majority of advertised properties are three-bedroom (44%) and two-bedroom (37%) dwellings. The concentration of these offerings is notably higher in Malta’s northern harbour region, encompassing popular locales like Sliema, St Julian’s, and Gżira.

Sliema leads the pack of advertised rental properties, with 13% of the listings, followed by St Julian’s (10%), St Paul’s Bay (8%), Swieqi (8%), and Gżira (5%).

A parallel study by the housing authority, published in July, revealed that Sliema claimed the top spot for the most expensive rentals. A two-bedroom apartment in Sliema commanded an average monthly rent of €1,218 in 2022, marking an increase of over 13% from the previous year.

The Central Bank’s study offers a comprehensive snapshot of the rental property landscape in Malta, shedding light on pricing trends, regional disparities, and the evolving dynamics of the market. As demand continues to shape the rental scene, understanding these nuances becomes imperative for both prospective tenants and property investors alike.

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Written by Stephen Pace-Bonello – Head of Operations

Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash