Shared Flats in Malta: My Survival Guide for Young International Professionals

Shared Accommodation Malta: What Types of Flatshares Are There?

Before you dive into the search, you need to understand what flatshare models even exist in Malta. After two years and countless viewings, I’ve realized there are five main categories, all of which vary greatly in price, comfort, and madness.

The Classic Expat Flatshare: 3-4 Bedrooms, Shared Spaces

This is the standard for us international professionals. You rent a single room in a three or four-bedroom apartment and share the kitchen, living room, and one or two bathrooms with other expats. Rent runs between €450-€650 per month, depending on location and quality. The big plus: Your roommates get your situation, speak English, and keep similar work hours.

What you have to watch for: Internet quality is crucial. I’ve lived in flats where the wifi crashed the moment everyone opened their laptops. Ask about upload speed—download isn’t everything—when you do the viewing.

Student-Professional Mix: Chaos Meets Structure

These flatshares are cheaper (€350-€500) but also less predictable. You’ll live with Erasmus students who throw parties mid-week while you’ve got a big meeting the next morning. This works if you’re extroverted and don’t mind noise.

My tip: Get the house rules before moving in. If there aren’t any, run. Seriously.

Luxury Shared Apartments: The Premium Approach

New builds with pool, gym, and concierge service—designed for high-earning expats. Room prices range from €700-€1,200. You’ll mainly find these in Ta Xbiex, Sliema, and the newer parts of Gzira. Top service, but you’re paying London prices on a Malta salary.

Perfect if you work in gaming, finance, or IT and can afford the comfort. The community is professional, but sometimes a bit sterile.

House Shares: The Authentic Malta Experience

Traditional Maltese townhouses, often shared with Maltese families or locals. Room prices start at €300, but you’ll have to adjust to the culture. Lunch break is sacred, evenings are for loud TV, and the neighbors will know your relationship status within a week.

Ideal if you want to learn Maltese quickly and immerse yourself in local culture. Less ideal if you’re introverted or need flexible working hours.

Co-Living Spaces: The Modern Trend

All-inclusive concepts featuring furnished rooms, communal kitchens, and organized events. Prices between €600-€900 including utilities, wifi and sometimes cleaning. It’s still a small market in Malta, but growing.

The biggest advantage: You can move out quickly and never worry about buying furniture. Drawback: Not much privacy, often very international—so that authentic Malta feel is missing.

The Best Areas for Flatshares in Malta

Location, location, location—it really matters on a 27-km island, where a bad address means you’ll spend an hour a day on the bus. After several moves, and watching friends regret their choices, here’s my honest assessment of Malta’s flatshare hotspots.

Sliema: The Expat Magnet (with a Downside)

Sliema is the obvious first destination for international professionals. Restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, good bus links—it’s all there. Room prices run from €500-€750, depending on sea view and proximity to Tower Road.

But here’s the catch: Everyone wants to live in Sliema. Competition for rooms is brutal, prices rise yearly, and in summer it becomes a tourist madhouse. Imagine you want to chill out after work, but suddenly cruise ship passengers flood your local bar.

My verdict: Perfect for your first 3–6 months, but overpriced and overcrowded in the long run.

Gzira: The Smart Compromise

Gzira borders Sliema but is cheaper (€400-€600) and less touristy. Everything is ten minutes’ walk or bus, but you pay €100-€150 less. More relaxed neighbourhood, but you still have all the amenities.

The stretch between Qui-Si-Sana and the yacht marina is especially good for flatshares. Lots of new builds, diverse international community, but still a Maltese vibe.

Ta Xbiex: The Business Crowd’s Spot

This is where the finance and gaming people live. Room prices are €600-€900, but you get modern flats and direct access to the business districts. If you work at Betsson, Tipico, or a bank, you avoid the daily stress of bus commutes.

Culturally it’s a bit sterile—lots of offices, little local flair. Good for networking, not so much for authentic Maltese experiences.

St. Julian’s: Party or Productivity?

St. Julian’s is split: Paceville is the party zone (avoid unless you want to be woken nightly at 3am), but the quieter side near Balluta Bay is great for young professionals. Room prices €450-€700, great restaurant scene, relaxed vibe.

Spinola Bay is especially popular with the 25–35 crowd. You can stroll by the water after work, yet be in Sliema in 15 minutes.

Msida: The Budget-Friendly Under-the-Radar Choice

Msida is cheaper (€350-€500), centrally located, and mixes students, locals, and international professionals. Not as swish as Sliema, but more authentic and affordable.

Major bonus: Fantastic bus connections in all directions. Valletta in 15 minutes, Sliema in ten, and even Gozo is easy to reach. Perfect if you really want to explore Malta.

Areas to Avoid

• Paceville: unless you love constant late-night noise and smashed bottles at your doorstep
• Hamrun/Marsa: Cheap, but poorly connected and limited international community
• Outlying Villages: Romantic for a holiday, impractical for everyday working life

Finding a Flatshare in Malta: Platforms and Proven Strategies

Flatshare hunting in Malta is different from Germany or other EU countries. Forget long formal applications and elaborate ads. Here it’s about speed, likability, and the right connections. After countless failed inquiries and some successful deals, I’ve developed a system that works.

Facebook Groups: The Gold Standard (with Strategy)

Facebook is still THE place to look for flatshare rooms in Malta. But some groups are much better than others:

Pro-tip: Join 2–3 weeks before you need to move. Facebook takes a while to approve your request, and the admins aren’t always fast.

SpareRoom.mt: The Professional Alternative

SpareRoom is Malta’s answer to WG-Gesucht. Fewer listings than Facebook, but higher quality and better search filters. Particularly good for longer-term stays (6+ months). Listings have more detail, and you can filter by professionalism level.

Cost: Free for basic features, €15/month for premium features like advanced search and messaging priority.

Property.com.mt: For the Dedicated Hunter

Mainly whole apartments, but more and more shared rooms. Advantages: Reliable landlords, professional photos, detailed descriptions. Downside: Higher prices and a smaller international community.

The WhatsApp Insider Groups

This is where the real business happens. Established expats have private WhatsApp groups where rooms get snapped up before they’re ever advertised. The secret: networking.

How to get in:

• Go to expat events (Malta Expat Network, International Professionals Malta)
• Visit co-working spaces (Mixer, ROVE, The Concept Stadium)
• Ask colleagues for connections
• Get active in online communities before you’re searching

Timing Is Everything: When and How Often to Post

The best rooms are gone within 24–48 hours. My winning formula:

1. Monday–Wednesday, 6–8 pm: Best time to make first contact
2. Reply time under 2 hours: Wait longer, lose your chance
3. Suggest a viewing immediately: Can I view today or tomorrow?
4. Send your phone number up front: WhatsApp is king

The Perfect First Message

Forget long intros. This works:

Hi! I’m [Name], [Age], working as [Job] at [Company]. Very interested in the room in [Location]. Available to view today/tomorrow? Non-smoker, clean, quiet. WhatsApp: [Number]. Thanks!

Short, to the point, available now. 90% chance you’ll get a reply.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away Immediately

• Advance payment without viewings: 100% scam
• Prices way below market: Too good to be true
• Photos look like stock images: Fake ad
• Landlord only wants to communicate by email: Suspicious
• No address before viewing: Waste of time

Malta Flatshare Costs: What Will I Really Pay?

Let’s be real: Flatshare costs in Malta have nearly doubled over the past three years. What used to be €300 now costs €450. Still, it’s cheaper than Munich or London—but the hidden costs pack a punch.

Room Rent by Type (as of 2024)

Note: These are just room rents. The true costs are in the utilities and hidden fees.

The Hidden Costs: My Shock List

When I got my first room, I thought €500 rent meant €500 a month. Wrong. Here’s what actually got added:

Utilities (€50-€120/month)

• Electricity: €30-€60 (AC makes all the difference)
• Water: €10-€20
• Internet: €10-€25 share
• Gas: €5-€15

One-off Costs (€1,500-€3,000)

• Deposit: 1–2 months’ rent (usually cash!)
• First month’s rent: Paid in advance
• Agency fee: 1 month’s rent (if via agent)
• Furniture/housewares: €200–€500 (depending on what’s included)

Monthly Extras (€40-€80)

• Cleaner: €20–€40 share (almost standard in pricier flats)
• Household expenses: Toilet paper, cleaning products, etc. €15–€25
• Building maintenance: €10–€20 (for apartment complexes)

Realistic Budgets for Different Scenarios

So you don’t get hit with surprises like I did, here are three realistic budgets:

Budget Scenario (Student-Professional Mix)

• Room rent: €400
• Utilities: €60
• Extras: €40
• Monthly total: €500
• Initial outlay: €1,200

Standard Scenario (Expat Flatshare)

• Room rent: €600
• Utilities: €80
• Extras: €60
• Monthly total: €740
• Initial outlay: €2,000

Premium Scenario (Professional Share)

• Room rent: €900
• Utilities: €100
• Extras: €80
• Monthly total: €1,080
• Initial outlay: €3,000

Savings Tips That Really Work

After two years and several moves, these are the tricks that save money without ruining your quality of life:

1. Negotiate for long-term contracts: 12+ months often gets you €50–€100 off
2. Share a large room: In some places you’ll get a double room for €300–€400 each
3. Search outside high season: September–March is 20% cheaper
4. Avoid agencies: Direct deals save you a month’s rent
5. Flexible move-in dates: “Available now” often costs €100+ more

When the Pricier Option Pays Off

Sometimes paying more is actually cheaper. Premium flatshares are worth it if:

• You work a lot from home (more reliable internet, quieter)
• You have frequent work meetings (more presentable address)
• You don’t have time for flatshare drama (more professional roommates)
• You plan to stay over a year (better long-term terms)

Flatshare Contracts in Malta: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls

This is where it gets tricky. Maltese tenancy law is a mix of British common law, EU regulations, and local quirks. To make matters worse, many landlords don’t know their own rights, and lots of flatshare contracts are legally questionable. After a costly lesson about illegal termination clauses, here’s what really matters.

Contract Types: What You’ll Actually Be Offered

In theory, Malta has clear tenancy categories; in reality, it’s chaos. Here’s how it really works:

The Proper Lease (Rare for Flatshares)

Official lease registered with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). Full tenant rights, but more costly for the landlord. Mostly found in professional co-living spaces or premium flatshares.

Pros: Legal security, cancellation protection, official address for authorities
Cons: Higher rent, more paperwork

The Accommodation Agreement (Flatshare Standard)

This is what you get in 80% of cases. Legally a grey area between lease and guest agreement. Less protection for you, but more flexibility for both sides.

Important: These contracts often have clauses that would be illegal in Germany—but Maltese law applies, not German.

The Handshake Deal (Risky, but Common)

Oral deal, maybe a WhatsApp message as “contract.” Works as long as everyone’s happy. If there’s a problem, you’re on your own.

My tip: Use only for very short stays (less than three months).

The Most Important Clauses (and What They Really Mean)

After three contracts and a legal dispute, I know which clauses really matter:

Notice Periods: Source of Most Arguments

Standard clause: 30 days’ notice required
Reality: Often one-sided in favor of landlord

What to check: Does it apply both ways? Can the landlord kick you out without cause? Are there exceptions for “antisocial behavior” (very vague in Malta)?

Deposit and Refund: Where Your Money Disappears

Standard clause: Deposit refundable upon check-out, subject to damages
Problem: What counts as “damage”?

I once lost €300 deposit because the walls supposedly needed repainting—they weren’t freshly painted to begin with. Take photos of everything before you move in.

Utilities: The Money Trap

Many contracts say “utilities included” or “plus utilities.” What that really means, you find out only at bill time.

Insist on specifics:

• Is AC use in summer capped?
• Is there an upper limit on power?
• Who pays for repairs?
• What if there’s a back payment?

Your Rights as a Tenant (Even Without a Perfect Contract)

Good news: Even with informal deals, you have basic rights. The Maltese Housing Authority confirms:

• Right to habitable conditions: Heating, water, and electricity must work
• Protection against arbitrary termination: At least a month’s notice unless there’s gross misconduct
• Deposit refund rights: Except in case of proven damages
• Privacy: Landlord can’t just enter your room

Contract Red Flags: Walk Away Immediately

I’ve seen these in real Maltese contracts. Don’t sign:

• No friends/visitors allowed – Not enforceable
• Immediate eviction for any reason – Illegal
• Deposit non-refundable for any reason – A scam
• Landlord has access to room at any time – Privacy violation
• Tenant responsible for all repairs – Unfair

Practical Tips When Signing a Contract

1. Take your time: Never sign under pressure
2. Get everything in writing: Put oral assurances into WhatsApp or email
3. Take photos: Document room condition at move-in
4. Keep copies safe: Store contract in the cloud
5. Emergency contact: Save a local lawyer’s number for emergencies

What to Do if There Are Problems?

If there’s a dispute (and it happens more often than you’d think):

1. Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA): First stop for consumer rights
2. Housing Authority Malta: For housing standards and landlord duties
3. Small Claims Tribunal: For sums up to €5,000
4. Legal Aid Malta: Free legal advice if you’re on a low income

Living Together in Malta: Cultural Dos and Donts

Living in an international flatshare in Malta is like a cultural experiment. You have Italians protecting their pasta recipes, Germans trying to make cleaning schedules, and Brits taking their 5 pm tea time. Then add the Maltese mentality, which throws everything off again.

Understanding Maltese Relaxedness

Maltese have their own sense of time. Għasfour (roughly, it’ll work out) is a whole philosophy of life. In flatshares, it looks like this:

• Repairs take longer: The technician comes tomorrow could mean next week
• Curious neighbours: Everyone knows everything about you—it’s normal, not rude
• Noise is relative: What’s loud to you is just normal volume to Maltese
• Family comes first: Maltese flatmates vanish for sudden family events

Mastering International Flatshare Dynamics

After two years in various flatshares, these national patterns have emerged:

Germans: Structure Meets Chaos

German roommates love cleaning rotas, expense tracking apps, and clear rules. Useful, but can feel a bit formal for other nationalities.

My tip: Suggest structure, but stay flexible. How about we roughly split things up? works better than Here’s the detailed cleaning plan.

Italians: Kitchen as Battlefield

Italians take food very seriously. Don’t touch their parmesan, respect their pasta pots, and never—really never—put cream in a carbonara.

On the plus side, you’ll learn to cook really well, and they’re generous (after initial suspicion).

French: Debate as a Sport

French flatmates love to argue—about politics, philosophy, and why Maltese bread is terrible. It’s not personal, just cultural.

Scandinavians: Calm Waters

Swedes, Norwegians, Danes are generally relaxed, tidy, and polite, though sometimes a bit hard to read. A “fine” doesn’t always mean everything is fine.

Practical Flatshare Rules That Work

After a few failed experiments, these rules are gold:

Kitchen Etiquette

1. 24-hour rule: Wash dishes within 24h or others can put them away
2. Shared basics: Salt, oil, cleaning stuff are shared—everything else is private
3. Fridge zones: Everyone keeps to their own shelf, freezer is shared
4. Late-night cooking: Keep it quiet after 10pm (thin walls!)

Bathroom Basics

• Coordinate mornings: WhatsApp group for “Bathroom free in 10 min”
• Remove hair from drain: At once, no arguments
• Personal stuff: Use your own shelf or basket
• Cleaning: Rotate weekly, or pay a cleaner together

Living Room & Common Areas

• TV time: Ask first before changing channel
• Visitors: 24h notice for overnight guests
• Parties: Everyone has to agree, give neighbours a heads-up
• Work hours: Respect if someone’s working from home

Conflict Resolution – the Maltese Way

In Malta, problems are solved differently than in central/northern Europe. Direct confrontation is often seen as rude. Instead, try:

1. Keep it informal: Hey, can we have a quick chat? instead of a formal house meeting
2. Frame things positively: So we can all get along… not accusations
3. Offer solutions: Don’t just complain
4. Find a mediator: Bring in a neutral roommate for bigger issues

Social Life: Making Friends Through Your Flatshare

A good flatshare is often your first social group in Malta. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Organise flat dinners: Everyone cooks for the group once a month
• Shared activities: Beach trips, Valletta walks, festa visits
• Invite friends: Recommend your flatmates to other expats
• WhatsApp integration: Link your flatshare group with wider friend circles

What Never to Do

These mistakes will make you unpopular fast:

• Criticising Malta: Maltese are very proud of their country
• Claiming cultural superiority: “In Germany we do it like this…” doesn’t go down well
• Ignoring religious feelings: Malta is very Catholic, even among young people
• Being stingy: Don’t argue about €2 expenses
• Social media drama: Flatshare disputes are not for Instagram

Common Problems and Smart Solutions

Every flatshare has its dramas, but Malta adds a few island-specific challenges into the mix. After two years and four different flatshares, here are my strategies for the most common issues—and how to actually solve them.

Problem #1: Internet Meltdown (It Happens More Than You Think)

Malta has good internet—until it’s suddenly gone. Especially in older buildings or cheap contracts, the connection can be sketchy. If you’re a remote worker, this is existential.

Quick Fixes:

• Backup hotspot: GO or Vodafone Malta SIM with data package
• Café mapping: Know every café with solid wifi within 10 minutes’ walk
• Co-working spaces: Day pass at ROVE or Mixer (€15–€25)
• Ask neighbours: They often share their wifi for a while (Maltese mentality!)

Long-term Prevention:

• Check provider before moving in: Ask about upload speed
• Upgrade to a business package: €20–€30 extra for a stable connection
• Optimize router position: It’s often in the worst possible place

Problem #2: AC Wars in Summer

July and August get hot—really hot. 35°C and 90% humidity. But AC costs money, and not all flatmates want to split €100+ power bills.

Diplomatic Solution:

1. Clear cost split in advance: Whoever uses AC pays a bigger share
2. Set time windows: Only at night (cheaper power) or above 30°C
3. Energy-saving tips: Close curtains, doors, set AC to 24°C instead of 18°C
4. Fan alternative: €50 spend, 90% less cost

My secret tip: Open all windows at 9pm, close them at 6am. The flat stays cool till 2pm and you need less AC.

Problem #3: The Mysterious Blackout

Malta has an old electricity grid. Outages happen, especially in summer and older buildings. Sometimes it’s just your flat, sometimes the whole neighbourhood.

Emergency Protocol:

1. Check the fuse box: Often it’s just one tripped switch
2. Ask neighbours: Local problem or area-wide?
3. Enemalta app: Official updates on outages
4. Contact landlord: Call right away for in-building faults

Prevention Tips:

• Always have a charged powerbank: For your phone and laptop
• Keep a flashlight in your room: Outages happen at night too
• Backup plan for work: Where can you hotspot and work?

Problem #4: Water Issues and Low Pressure

Malta is a dry island. Water pressure varies, and in summer there’s sometimes rationing—especially in upper floors and older buildings.

Practical Adaptations:

• Shower in the mornings: Better water pressure than at night
• Store water: Fill bottles when pressure is good
• Short showers: 5 minutes not 15, also out of solidarity
• Alternative locations: Use gym or beach for sports and showers

Problem #5: Noise Problems from Thin Walls

Maltese buildings aren’t built to modern sound insulation standards. You’ll hear everything: Roommates on the phone, neighbours arguing, street noise.

Sound-Management Strategies:

• White noise apps: For better sleep
• Stock up on earplugs: Try different types for different scenarios
• Improve acoustics: Carpets, curtains, and bookshelves as sound blockers
• Neighbour diplomacy: Friendly chat often works wonders

Problem #6: Cultural Misunderstandings Escalate

International flatshares mean different standards for cleanliness, noise, privacy. What’s normal for you can be unacceptable for someone else.

De-escalation Techniques:

1. Change your perspective: “How would this work in their country?”
2. Seek compromise: Don’t insist—find the middle ground
3. Mediation: Use a neutral roommate as a go-between
4. Exit strategy: Sometimes, it’s healthier to leave early

Problem #7: Sudden Landlord Changes

Landlords sell properties, change rules, or end flatshares without warning. In Malta, it happens more often than you’d expect.

Protection Measures:

• Document contracts: Get everything in writing
• Build a network: Always keep other flatshare leads in mind
• Know your rights: What’s your minimum notice period?
• Backup fund: Keep €1,000 reserved for a swift move

Problem #8: Failure to Integrate Socially

No connection to roommates or the local community—it happens more than people admit.

Proactive Solutions:

• Initiate flat events: Cook together, have Netflix nights
• External communities: Malta Digital Nomads, expat groups
• Join hobby clubs: Diving, hiking, photography—you name it
• Language courses: Learning Maltese opens doors

When It’s Time to Move Out

Sometimes, the best fix is a fresh start. Signs it’s not going to get better:

• Constant conflict: No peaceful solution for weeks
• Irreconcilable hygiene standards: Dirt puts your health at risk
• Financial dishonesty: Utility bills are being faked or manipulated
• Personal safety: You feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• Quality of life drops: Flatshare stress affects work and wellbeing

My advice: Better to move out three months early than suffer for six months longer. Malta’s small, but there are always alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start looking for a flatshare?

Ideally 4–6 weeks before your preferred move-in date. Good rooms go fast, but searching too early can be a waste, as many landlords rent out at the last minute. Make sure to request Facebook group memberships 2–3 months in advance, though.

Is an in-person viewing absolutely necessary?

Yes, definitely. Photos never tell the full story—size, noise, area, actual condition. I’ve never met anyone who made a good flatshare decision remotely. Plan a pre-move trip or book an Airbnb for your first few weeks.

Can EU citizens sign any rental contract?

Legally, yes, but some landlords prefer locals or ask for extra security from foreigners. Discrimination is illegal but does happen. With an EU passport and permanent job, your chances are good.

What happens if I need to move out early?

Depends on your contract. Standard notice is one month, but some contracts require longer stays. In proven emergencies (job loss, health problems), landlords are usually more accommodating than the contract suggests.

How do flatshare costs compare to having your own place?

Rooms in flatshares cost about 60–70% of a comparable one-bedroom apartment. Studios (€600–€1200) vs. flatshare rooms (€400–€800) save you €200–€400 a month. Plus: shared utilities and often better locations.

What documents do I need for a flatshare application?

Standard: EU ID/passport, work contract or proof of salary, sometimes a reference from your last landlord. For informal set-ups usually just ID and proof you can pay. Digitising copies saves time.

Are there flatshares specifically for Germans or other nationalities?

Yes, but not officially. Some landlords favour certain nationalities based on past experience. Germans are seen as reliable but fussy, Italians as sociable but chaotic. Don’t let it faze you—personality beats passport.

Is smoking allowed in flatshares?

Up to the landlord or flatshare group. The trend is definitely toward smoke-free apartments. Balconies or terraces are usually fine. Ask at the viewing—changing the rules later is hard.

How do I find LGBTQ+-friendly flatshares?

Malta is generally LGBTQ+-friendly, but flatshares differ. Facebook groups like Malta LGBTQ+ Housing or Queer Malta are great options. Bring it up at viewings—good flatshares have no problem with it.

What should I do if I have issues with my flatmates?

Start with a direct talk, then ask other roommates to mediate; for bigger issues involve the landlord. Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority can help with legal matters. Worst case: moving out is often better than months of hassle.