Following the October 2024 budget speech (read TaxNewsFlash), several property transfer tax exemptions and reduced rates in Malta were extended.
The first-time and second-time buyers’ schemes and the incentive for the transfer of family businesses have been extended for another year, alongside the old and vacant property scheme and urban conservation area property scheme.
Legal Notice 325 of 2024 extends existing schemes under the Duty on Documents and Transfers Act (DDTA), providing exemptions or reduced rates of duty.
- The exemption for first-time buyers of immovable property in Malta now covers transfers made up to December 31, 2025, with documentation due by February 28, 2026.
- The refund of duty on the first €86,000 for second-time buyers, used as a sole residence, is extended to cover acquisitions up to December 31, 2025, with documentation due by February 28, 2026.
- The reduced duty rate for transferring marketable securities and immovable property within a family business is extended to December 31, 2025, with notice required by the same date.
Legal Notice 363 of 2024 amends the Relief from Income Tax and Duty on Documents and Transfers on Certain Property Transfer Rules.
- The exemption on the first €750,000 of transfer value for vacant properties or those in urban conservation areas is extended to December 31, 2025. However, from January 1, 2025, storage properties are excluded from this relief.
- Relief for garages is allowed if transferred with a residential property under specific conditions.
- The tax relief for properties intended for development with traditional Maltese features is also extended to December 31, 2025, with documentation due by January 31, 2026.
Read a January 2025 report prepared by the KPMG member firm in Malta