Property Restoration Grants & Incentives in Malta

There are several Government restoration and refurbishment schemes currently available in Malta, and some are particularly relevant to buyers of houses of character, townhouses and properties in Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs).

1. Grant on Restoration & Finishing of Private Residential Properties

The current scheme applies to:

• Residential properties within a Urban Conservation Area (UCA)
• Residential properties more than 20 years old and vacant for more than 7 years
• Certain newly developed residential properties incorporating approved traditional Maltese architectural features

For eligible expenditure incurred between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026, the grant can provide 18% and/or 10% reimbursement, where applicable, on eligible restoration and finishing costs, up to a maximum aggregate grant of €54,000 per property.

Eligible costs can include materials, labour, equipment hire, professional fees and certain planning fees.

There are conditions, including that the applicant must generally be a Maltese resident aged 18 or over and the property must meet the relevant criteria.

2. Irrestawra Darek u l-Villaġġ

This is another very significant current restoration initiative, administered through the Planning Authority and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

In 2026, Government launched a new €30 million national scheme covering properties within UCAs across Malta and Gozo, with the scheme being opened progressively by region. It supports restoration, conservation and maintenance of properties.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Private residential properties
• Businesses
• NGOs
• Traditional buildings
• Properties within UCAs
• Certain scheduled Grade 1 and Grade 2 properties outside UCAs

For example, in June 2026 Government announced €6.5 million for the Eastern Region, plus an additional €1 million allocation for Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled properties outside UCAs.

A further €2 million was allocated for eligible properties in Gozo.

Note: this scheme has been opened region by region, and individual calls can close once allocated funds are exhausted.

3. Housing Authority – Rehabilitation of Vacant Dwellings

There is also a separate Housing Authority scheme aimed at bringing vacant properties back into use.

This was significantly increased in 2026: the maximum grant has been raised to €50,000, and the minimum age of the property was reduced from 30 years to 20 years. The property must have been vacant for more than one year and subsequently be incorporated into the Housing Authority’s inventory under the scheme.

This is more specifically aimed at properties being rehabilitated for rental accommodation rather than a straightforward owner-occupier restoration grant.

4. First-Time Buyer Grant for Older/UCA Properties

Eligible first-time buyers purchasing qualifying properties can receive:

• Up to €15,000 in Malta
• Up to €40,000 in Gozo

The property can be within a UCA, more than 20 years old and vacant for more than seven years, or certain newly developed properties incorporating approved traditional features. The current scheme applies to qualifying purchases up to 31 December 2026.

Contact us to discuss your property requirements: 

Call: (+356) 2131 0800 / 0088

Email: perry@perry.com.mt

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