Malta First-Time Buyer Scheme 2026
Save thousands on your first home with Malta's stamp duty exemption, the Property Acquisition Grant and UCA incentives — now including second-time buyers and a higher grant for persons with disability.
What's New — August 2026
- • €20,000 grant (€2,000 a year) for first-time buyers holding a valid EU Disability Card who buy after 1 January 2026.
- • Second-time buyers who own no other home can claim the grant for a sole primary residence bought after 1 January 2026.
- • Announced (not yet in the published terms): homes donated after 2022 and completed with a bank loan would get €1,000 a year for ten years — confirm with the Housing Authority.
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stamp duty exemption | No duty on the first €200,000; 5% on the rest. Made permanent in Budget 2026. |
| Property Acquisition Grant | €10,000 (€1,000 × 10 years) with a bank loan; €20,000 with an EU Disability Card |
| Couple, one partner owned before | €5,000 grant (€10,000 with a Disability Card) |
| Second-time buyers | Up to €10,000 grant, minus any grant already received. No €200,000 duty exemption. |
| UCA / vacant 20+ years | Duty exemption on the first €750,000, plus a €15,000 (Malta) or €30,000 (Gozo) grant for first-time buyers |
| Deposit Assistance Scheme | Help with the 10% deposit on homes up to €250,000 |
Savings Example
€300,000 home bought with a bank loan
- • Standard stamp duty (5% × €300,000): €15,000
- • First-time buyer duty (5% × €100,000): €5,000 — saving €10,000
- • Property Acquisition Grant: +€10,000 over ten years (€20,000 with a Disability Card)
- • Total benefit: €20,000
How the Grant Is Paid
- The property must be bought with a bank home loan and used only as your ordinary residence.
- Apply by 31 July of the year after the deed (e.g. by 31 July 2027 for a 2026 deed). Each late year forfeits that year's payment.
- The Housing Authority pays once a year, in June, into the account that repays your loan. Couples need a joint account.
- Payments stop if the loan is closed or the property is transferred — you must tell the Housing Authority within two weeks.
- Second-time buyers must attach notary searches showing they own no other residential property.
Eligibility Requirements
- First-time buyer: you have not owned residential property before (as defined in S.L. 364.12)
- Second-time buyer: you owned a home before but own none now, and the contract is dated after 1 January 2026
- Property must be your sole ordinary residence
- Applicants must be over 18 and Maltese or EU citizens
Second-time buyers may still qualify for other duty reliefs on a sole ordinary residence. Check the current rates with your notary or the MTCA before signing.
Malta Calculator Editorial Team
Financial Content Specialists | Malta Tax & Employment Experts
Our team specializes in Maltese tax law, social security contributions, and employment regulations. All content is reviewed against official sources from the Malta Tax and Customs Administration and the Department of Social Security.
Official Sources
- Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) - First-Time Buyers
- Housing Authority - First-Time Buyer Scheme
- Housing Authority - Property Acquisition Grant Scheme terms (2026)
Data verified as of 20 October 2026. Rates and thresholds are subject to change based on Malta government budget announcements.
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we just bought our first property using this scheme!! saved us over €5,000 on stamp duty. the process was straightforward once we had all the documents ready
Important to note that this only applies to your FIRST property ever. If you owned something before (even abroad I think?) you might not qualify. Double check with your notary.
still saving up for the deposit but this gives me hope 😊 the reduced stamp duty really helps. does anyone know if there's also a grant for first time buyers or just the stamp duty reduction?
there used to be a €10k grant but im not sure if its still available in 2026. check the housing authority website or ask your bank when you apply for a mortgage!
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