I have now rented apartments in three different places here in Malta – starting off in St Julian’s, moving to Swieqi, and now on the Northern part of the island in St Paul’s. So it’s probably about time I wrote something about the renting process, as the array of options can be a little overwhelming.
Here goes…
Where?: Most foreigners working in Malta will be doing so in or around Sliema. For that reason, Sliema-St Julian’s are the most attractive locations, and thus the most expensive. You will save some money by basing yourself in Swieqi or Gzira, although you are sacrificing something in terms of your immediate surroundings being less attractive. If you can handle the commute, you will get a lot more bang for your buck just about anywhere else in the country. Like I say, we have moved to St Paul’s and have no complaints and a much nicer apartment than the same money would get us in Sliema.
When?: Landlords don’t have many problems finding short-term renters during the summer months, but are more likely to do a deal in the barren winter months.
How Much?: Sliema/St Julian’s – €500 per month for a decent 1 bed flat. If you’re lucky. St Pauls – €500 will probably get you a 2 bed and will definitely get you a lot more space. Regarding payment, the way it works over here is that you will pay one month’s rent in advance, a deposit equal to that month’s rent, plus a commission to the agent of half your monthly rent. So if you get a place for €500 per month, you will have to pay €500 + €500 + €250 = €1,250 in advance.
Who?: Here are a couple of examples of Long Let apartments available for rent at time of writing, from various agents. Long Let generally means minimum 6 months, and possibly a year. I looked for the cheapest 2 bed apartments I could find, just to give you an idea of what’s out there. (I even included one for Xlendi in Gozo – just for fun – even though that is not gonna be practical for the average person coming over here to live/work.)
Examples above are from (starting top and going clockwise) Remax, Perry, Dhalia, Remax again, BelAir and Simon Mamo.
Other estate agents are available, and easy to find.
Note that the vast majority of apartments for rent in Malta will come fully-furnished.
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Just found your blog and I love all of the information in it! My husband and I are considering moving to Malta. Though I’ve been searching for awhile now, I can’t find many sites that have job postings for engineers. Can you recommend any employment agencies there that I could contact? I really appreciate it.
Here is a list of agencies for you: http://www.howtomalta.com/2013/04/employment-agencies-in-malta-or-how-not.html
It is a hit and miss process, so I can only point you in the right direction and wish you success.
I too am loving all the information on the blog! I just signed a contract for a position in Marsa and start next month so am looking into where to live on the island. The more I look the more confused I get! I think it’s because I am in between wanting a nice quiet place but also one that is near to the sea and in walking distance to an area that has things to do in the day (markets etc) and night (some kind of alternative live music)! I think my requirements need to be rethought 🙂
Is there anything happening in Valetta at night?
Glad to hear you are getting some useful bits and pieces. Not sure if you will be able to match all of your living requirements though. Quiet and near the sea?: somewhere in the south. Things to do in the day?: Sliema/St Paul’s/Valletta; Alternative Live Music?: Sliema/St Julian’s (if you’re lucky)
Valletta is not exactly a raging nightspot, I reckon you would get mightily tired of the same four or five places after a few months.
Great reading this information, thanks!!! Did not know where to start if I am honest,is it a case of just booking a flight and flying to malta if you are travelling from Britain ???
Josephine corrie
From anywhere in the EU – including Britain – you can just jump on a plane and get over here. If you decide to stay long-term then you can sort stuff like ID cards and police permits as you go.
Brilliant site, well appreciated.
I’m a British national living in Thailand with a Thai wife. We were looking at returning to the UK via Ireland using the Surinder Singh EEA route. However, by chance, Malta has caught my eye.
I’m working as a TEFL teach in Thailand and would be interested in continuing this line of work in Malta. I’m aware that as Malta has a large English-speaking population, this kind of work would be thin on the ground. If this is the case, would here be many openings for a hardworking guy who isn’t fussy and happy to do some casual unskilled work for a few months?
Also, would my wife be able to apply for her EEA visa while on Shengen or will she have to leave the country? Any advice on this would be massively appreciated. Thanks.
Hello. What about the accommodation for the first weeks. Did you stay in hotels or rent an apartment?
Any cheap places where you would recommend to stay until you find a job and/or apartment?
Thank you.
Hi Casper,
We booked the cheapest half-way decent hotel we could find for about 10 days (if memory serves). Chances are you want to be based near to Sliema if you are looking for work, so I can only recommend that you take a look at hotel options there or St Julians or Gzira.