Nationals of non-EU countries have to apply for a government permit to buy property in Malta, and are only allowed to purchase one property, unless it is in one of the specially designated areas for expatriate residence. These areas include the Portomaso Marina development in the fishing village of St. Julian's, which includes luxury apartments and a yacht marina, and the apartment complex on the waterfront at Vittoriosa. No permit is required to buy property in a specially designated area.

Foreign nationals are only allowed to rent out specific types of properties in Malta: those in the specially designated areas, villas with private pools, and furnished houses or flats which the tourist authority classifies as 'first class'.

There are many estate agents in Malta, and buyers can choose from a wide range of properties, from modern apartments with sea or harbour views, to farmhouses or traditional village properties with their own internal courtyards. The Valletta and Sliema areas are the most popular among house buyers, while the quieter Mellieha and St. Paul's Bay areas are also favoured by retired expatriates.