Families, students, pets, flat-sharing and choosing the right home.
Yes. Malta is safe, English is an official language, and there are state, church and international schools. Families mostly rent in Swieqi, San Ġwann and Mosta for schools and space, or in Marsaskala and Mellieħa for the seaside at lower rents. Choose the area around school and work first: commutes decide how family life feels.
Yes, but plan for it: ground-floor flats, maisonettes and homes with a yard or private entrance are most likely to accept pets, especially in Swieqi, inland towns, Marsaskala, Mellieħa and St Paul's Bay. Declare the pet upfront, offer a pet CV and a refundable extra deposit, and make sure the pet is written into the lease.
An apartment is a flat in a block; a penthouse is the top-floor apartment, usually with a large terrace; and a maisonette is a home with its own front door at street level, often with a yard. A townhouse is a whole house on its own plot, and a duplex spreads one apartment over two floors.
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | A flat in a block, sharing the entrance and common areas | The most common long let; check the lift, common-area fees and parking |
| Penthouse | The top-floor apartment, usually with a large terrace | Light and views; can be hot in summer |
| Maisonette | A home with its own street-level entrance, often with a yard | Quieter shared walls, more pet-friendly; ground-floor units can be damp |
| Townhouse / house of character | A whole house, often older, on its own plot | Space and charm; valued individually |
| Duplex | One apartment spread over two floors | More space for families |
Renting is usually better if you are staying under three to five years, want flexibility, or are still learning which area suits you; buying makes sense once you know you'll stay and can cover a deposit, stamp duty and notary costs. Many people rent first, then buy in the town they've come to know.