At a glance
- €15,000 for a property in Malta, €40,000 in Gozo
- For first-time buyers who will make it their sole, ordinary residence
- Property must be in a UCA, or 20+ years old and vacant 7+ years, or new and built to approved traditional-style criteria
- Current scheme: deeds signed 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2026
- Apply within 6 months of the deed (UCA and vacant properties)
- The property can't be split into more units, or the grant must be repaid
What the grant is
The Ministry for Finance runs a cash grant for first-time buyers of homes that help bring old properties back into use. You get up to €15,000 if the property is in Malta, or up to €40,000 if it's in Gozo. If you buy a share of the property, the grant is pro rata to your share.
Which properties qualify
- A private home inside an Urban Conservation Area (UCA), usually the historic core of a town or village
- A private home built more than 20 years ago that has been vacant for more than 7 years
- A new home developed to approved criteria (traditional Maltese features) under the scheme's guidelines
Not sure if a property is in a UCA? Your perit can check it on the Planning Authority's maps before you sign anything.
Who qualifies
- You must be a Maltese resident and a first-time buyer: this must be the first property you've bought inter vivos (an inherited property doesn't count against you).
- The home must be for your sole and ordinary residence.
- Your notary must have registered the deed with the Malta Tax and Customs Administration, and you declare that you're a first-time buyer.
Deadlines
The current scheme covers deeds signed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2026. For UCA and vacant properties, apply no later than six months after the deed. Miss that and you lose the grant.
Buying in 2027? Budget 2027 announced that all existing property schemes will be renewed for 2027. The terms for 2027 deeds will be confirmed once the government publishes them, so check before relying on the grant.
The no-splitting rule
A property that gets this grant can't be divided into more homes. If you later turn it into separate units, you must pay back the full grant. Keep that in mind if you're thinking of converting a townhouse into apartments.
Other help on the same property
- Stamp duty: transfers of qualifying UCA, older vacant and traditional-style properties have been exempt on the first €750,000, subject to conditions. Your notary will confirm what applies on your deed.
- Restoration and finishing grant: a separate scheme refunds 18% and/or 10% of restoration and finishing costs, up to €54,000 per property, for works carried out from 12 October 2021. You can apply once per property.
- Façade grant: Irrestawra Darek can help with the front of the house when a call is open.
How to apply
- After the deed, make sure your notary has registered it with the tax authorities.
- Fill in the online application on servizz.gov.mt (Grant for First-time Buyers).
- Attach proof that you're a first-time buyer and the declaration the form asks for.
- Apply within six months of the deed date.
How we help
Old Maltese houses are full of surprises: damp, tired roofs, old services. We work with your perit to price the restoration properly before you buy, then manage the works and keep the invoices and photos in order for the restoration grant.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Scheme conditions can change, so read the official conditions on servizz.gov.mt and confirm with your notary before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the first-time buyer UCA grant?
€15,000 for a property in Malta and €40,000 in Gozo, pro rata to the share you buy.
When must I apply for the UCA grant?
Within six months of the deed for UCA and vacant properties. The current scheme covers deeds signed up to 31 December 2026.
