Penthouse
The penthouse sits at the top – literally and figuratively. Occupying the uppermost floor of a building, penthouses offer panoramic views, expansive terraces, and premium finishes that set them apart as Malta's most desirable apartment type.
Key Characteristics
Top Floor Location
Occupies the uppermost floor of a building, often the entire level or a significant portion of it.
Panoramic Views
Unobstructed views in multiple directions – sea views, harbour views, or city skylines depending on location.
Expansive Terraces
Large outdoor spaces for entertaining, dining, or relaxing – often wrapping around multiple sides of the property.
Premium Finishes
Higher specification than standard apartments: better materials, fixtures, and often bespoke design elements.
Types of Penthouses
Standard Penthouse
Single-level top-floor apartment with terrace access. The most common penthouse configuration in Malta.
Duplex Penthouse
Two-level penthouse connected by internal staircase. Often has living areas on one floor, bedrooms on another.
Triplex Penthouse
Three-level penthouse, rare and ultra-premium. Maximum space and complete separation of living zones.
Sky Villa
Marketing term for the most exclusive penthouses – essentially a villa in the sky with private pool and extensive terraces.
Penthouse Maisonette
Top-floor maisonette with private roof terrace. Combines maisonette features (own entrance) with penthouse views.
Premium Features
Roof Terrace
Private outdoor space on the roof, often large enough for lounging, dining, and entertaining with 360° views.
Higher Ceilings
Penthouses often have higher ceilings than standard apartments, creating a sense of space and grandeur.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Maximise natural light and views with expansive glazing, often with sliding doors to terraces.
Private Pool
Premium penthouses may include private plunge pools or infinity pools on the terrace.
Smart Home Systems
Modern penthouses often feature integrated home automation for lighting, climate, security, and entertainment.
Premium Appliances
High-end kitchen appliances, luxury bathroom fittings, and quality finishes throughout.
Multiple Terraces
Outdoor access from multiple rooms – master bedroom terrace, living room terrace, kitchen terrace.
Dedicated Parking
Often includes multiple parking spaces, sometimes with direct lift access to the apartment.
Penthouse vs Standard Apartment
| Feature | Penthouse | Standard Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Location in building | Top floor | Any floor |
| Views | Panoramic, unobstructed | Limited by surrounding buildings |
| Outdoor space | Large terraces, roof access | Balcony |
| Ceilings | Often higher | Standard height |
| Finishes | Premium, high-end | Standard |
| Privacy | High – no one above | Neighbours above and below |
| Price premium | 30-50% higher per sqm | Standard pricing |
Where to Find Penthouses
Sliema
Seafront penthouses with Mediterranean views. High concentration of luxury developments.
St Julian's
Vibrant area with penthouses in Portomaso, Paceville, and along the coast.
Tigné Point
Premium development on the Sliema peninsula with some of Malta's finest penthouses.
Portomaso
Exclusive marina development with high-end penthouses overlooking the yacht marina.
Valletta
Historic capital with converted penthouses offering harbour and city views.
Ta' Xbiex
Quieter waterfront area with penthouses overlooking Marsamxett Harbour.
Understanding Penthouses in Malta
The penthouse occupies a special place in Malta's property market. In a small, densely populated island where outdoor space is precious and sea views command significant premiums, the penthouse offers both – making it the most sought-after apartment type.
Why Penthouses Command Premiums
Malta's appeal is its Mediterranean setting – the sea, the sun, the outdoor lifestyle. A penthouse maximises all of these: unobstructed views that lower apartments can't match, terraces large enough for real outdoor living, and natural light from multiple directions. Add in no upstairs neighbours and premium finishes, and the 30-50% price premium becomes understandable.
Duplex and Triplex Configurations
Many Malta penthouses are duplex (two floors) or even triplex (three floors). These configurations offer more space and natural separation: entertaining areas on one level, sleeping quarters on another, perhaps a home office or gym on a third. The internal staircase adds architectural interest and a sense of living in a house rather than an apartment.
The Terrace: Malta's Outdoor Room
In Malta's climate, a penthouse terrace becomes an extension of the living space – an outdoor room usable most of the year. Well-designed penthouses have terraces accessible from multiple rooms: step out from the living room for morning coffee, from the master bedroom for evening relaxation. The best have space for outdoor kitchens, dining areas, lounging, and even private pools.
Premium Developments
Malta's most exclusive penthouses are found in premium developments like Tigné Point, Portomaso, Fort Cambridge, and newer high-rise projects in Sliema and St Julian's. These offer not just the penthouse itself, but building amenities: concierge services, pools, gyms, and underground parking with lift access. The total package justifies the premium pricing.
Considerations
Penthouses have some practical considerations. Summer heat can be more intense on top floors – quality insulation and air conditioning are essential. Large terraces require maintenance: furniture, plants, and the space itself need attention. And while views are the appeal, some penthouses suffer from wind exposure – check conditions before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a penthouse?
The top-floor apartment in a building, typically with panoramic views, large terraces, higher ceilings, and premium finishes. Often occupies the entire upper level.
What is a duplex penthouse?
A two-floor penthouse connected by internal staircase. Living areas typically on one floor, bedrooms on another. Offers more space and separation than single-level penthouses.
Penthouse vs apartment?
Penthouses are on the top floor with better views, larger terraces, higher ceilings, and premium finishes. Standard apartments are on lower floors with more limited outdoor space.
Where are Malta's best penthouses?
Sliema, St Julian's, Tigné Point, and Portomaso have the highest concentration of premium penthouses. Valletta offers unique options in converted historic buildings.
Do penthouses have pools?
Premium penthouses often include private plunge pools or infinity pools on the terrace. More common in newer luxury developments, not standard in all penthouses.
Are penthouses more expensive?
Yes, typically 30-50% more per square metre than standard apartments in the same building. The premium reflects views, terrace space, exclusivity, and specifications.
Explore More Property Types
Discover all the property types available in Malta, from traditional maisonettes to spacious villas.