Apartment
The apartment is Malta's most common property type – a self-contained unit within a larger building. Practical, accessible, and available in every locality, apartments suit everyone from students to retirees, offering low-maintenance living with shared building amenities.
Key Characteristics
Shared Building
Self-contained unit within a larger building, sharing common entrance, stairwell, and sometimes lift with other residents.
Single Level
All living space on one floor – no internal stairs. Accessible and practical for all ages and mobility levels.
Low Maintenance
Building maintenance handled by condominium. No roof, facade, or common area responsibilities for individual owners.
Security
Shared entrance provides a layer of security. Many modern buildings include intercom systems and secure parking.
Apartment Sizes
Studio
0 bedSingle open-plan room combining living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. Bathroom separate. Compact and affordable.
One Bedroom
1 bedSeparate bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom. The most common apartment configuration in Malta.
Two Bedroom
2 bedsTwo bedrooms plus living areas. Popular with couples, small families, and those wanting a home office.
Three Bedroom
3 bedsThree bedrooms, often with two bathrooms. Suitable for families or those wanting extra space.
Four+ Bedroom
4+ bedsLarge apartments, often in premium developments. Multiple bathrooms, sometimes with staff quarters.
Common Features
Balcony
Most Malta apartments include at least one balcony – essential outdoor space in a dense urban environment.
Open Plan Living
Modern apartments often combine kitchen, dining, and living into one open space, maximising the sense of room.
Lift Access
Buildings of 4+ floors typically have lifts. Essential for upper floors and moving furniture.
Intercom System
Video or audio intercom connecting to the building entrance for security and convenience.
Communal Roof
Many buildings have shared roof access for hanging laundry – a Maltese tradition.
Underground Parking
Newer developments include basement parking, either allocated or available for purchase.
Air Conditioning
Pre-installed AC units are standard in most modern apartments. Essential for Malta summers.
Storage Room
Some apartments include a separate storage room (box room) in the basement or common areas.
Apartment vs Maisonette
| Feature | Apartment | Maisonette |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Shared building entrance | Private street entrance |
| Floors | Single level | 2-4 levels (internal stairs) |
| Common areas | Lobby, corridors, lift | None – direct access |
| Outdoor space | Balcony | Often yard/terrace/roof |
| Accessibility | Good (if lift available) | Stairs required |
| Best for | Singles, couples, low maintenance | Families, privacy seekers |
Where Apartments Are Common
Sliema
High concentration of apartments from budget to luxury. Seafront and town centre options.
St Julian's
Mix of older apartments and modern high-rises. Popular with young professionals.
Gzira
More affordable alternative to Sliema with excellent waterfront apartments.
Msida
Near the University with many apartments popular with students and families.
Valletta
Converted historic buildings and new developments in the capital.
Birkirkara
Malta's largest town with diverse apartment stock at various price points.
Understanding Apartments in Malta
The apartment (also called a flat) is Malta's most prevalent property type. In a small, densely populated island, building upward rather than outward makes apartments the practical choice for most residents. From studio flats to spacious three-bedroom units, apartments cater to virtually every living situation.
The Shared Building Model
Unlike maisonettes with their private street entrances, apartments share a common building entrance. You'll pass through a lobby, climb stairs or take a lift, and walk along a corridor to reach your front door. This shared infrastructure means maintenance costs are distributed among all residents through condominium fees.
Single-Level Living
Apartments are single-level – all living space on one floor with no internal stairs. This makes them accessible for people of all ages and mobility levels, and practical for daily life. No running up and down stairs, no forgetting things on another floor.
The Balcony: Essential Outdoor Space
In Malta's climate, the balcony is more than a nice-to-have – it's essential outdoor space. Most apartments include at least one balcony for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or simply airing out the home. Seafront apartments often have larger terraces that become true outdoor living rooms.
Modern vs Older Buildings
Malta's apartment stock varies significantly by age. Modern developments (post-2000) typically offer lifts, underground parking, better insulation, and contemporary finishes. Older buildings may lack lifts and parking but often have larger rooms, higher ceilings, and more character – plus lower prices.
Who Lives in Apartments?
Apartments suit a wide range of residents: young professionals wanting urban locations, couples without children, retirees seeking low-maintenance living, and investors looking for rental income. Families can also live comfortably in larger apartments, though many prefer the extra space of maisonettes or houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apartment?
A self-contained unit within a larger building, sharing common entrance, stairwell, and sometimes lift with other residents. Single-level living with no internal stairs.
Apartment vs maisonette?
Apartments share a common building entrance and are single-level. Maisonettes have private street entrances and span 2-4 floors with internal stairs.
What sizes are available?
From studios (25-45 sqm) to large 4+ bedroom units (150+ sqm). One-bedroom (45-70 sqm) and two-bedroom (70-100 sqm) are most common.
Do apartments have balconies?
Most Malta apartments include at least one balcony – considered essential outdoor space. Seafront apartments often have larger terraces.
Is parking included?
Newer developments typically include underground parking. Older buildings often rely on street parking – check before committing.
Good for families?
Two and three-bedroom apartments work for families, especially with lifts and nearby amenities. Families wanting more space often prefer maisonettes.
Explore More Property Types
Discover all the property types available in Malta, from traditional maisonettes to luxury penthouses.