Alternative Living Options in Malta: From Houseboats to Eco-Homes for International Lifestyle Seekers

Alternative Living in Malta: My Journey Beyond Standard Apartments

Have you ever had that feeling when you’re looking at your 47th identical apartment with beige tiles and plastic chairs? That was me after two years in Sliema—I’d finally had enough of cookie-cutter rentals and set out to explore Malta’s hidden alternative living options. What I discovered completely changed my view of island life.

Malta may be small, but when it comes to how people live, creativity is off the charts. From floating homes in the harbours to solar-powered eco retreats in Gozo, the island offers living spaces that go far beyond anything you’ll find on standard property portals.

Why Alternative Living in Malta is Booming

The Maltese real estate market has gone a little crazy—chances are, you already know this. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is now over €1,200 a month (as of 2024), often for flats without air conditioning or modern layouts. At the same time, the demand for unique living experiences is growing fast—especially among digital nomads and lifestyle seekers.

This is where alternative living options come in. They often offer better prices—and, more importantly, that special something that takes your Malta experience from “nice” to “unforgettable.”

My Personal Motivation for the Search

Honestly, I fell into this world by chance. When my landlord in Gzira wanted to hike my rent by 40% (a classic Malta move), I had two choices: go back to Germany or get creative. I chose option two and started diving into every Facebook group, WhatsApp network, and local tip I could find.

What does this mean for you? Alternative living in Malta is often a virtue born of necessity—but one that will definitely enrich your island life.

Houseboats in Malta: Life on the Water Between Marsamxett and Grand Harbour

Imagine waking up and the first thing you see are Valletta’s fortification walls glowing golden in the morning sun—from the water. Sounds like a dream? It is—but it’s an achievable one.

Where to Find Houseboats in Malta

The houseboat scene in Malta is centred around three main areas:

• Msida Marina: The hot spot for houseboat living, with around 15-20 boats permanently lived in
• Ta Xbiex Marina: More exclusive—and pricier—home to luxury yachts
• Marsamxett Harbour: Hidden gems, often more affordable, but with less infrastructure

Most houseboats available are converted sailboats or motor yachts. A classic set-up: 35–45 feet long, two small sleeping cabins, a galley, a tiny bathroom and a lounge area.

Renting a Houseboat in Malta: Real-Life Insights

I spent three months living on a converted catamaran in Msida Marina—an experience I’ll never forget. Here’s what I honestly learned:

The Hidden Challenges

No one tells you beforehand that living on the water means hauling your trash to land in plastic bags. Or that during a storm you might be up at 3 a.m. checking the mooring lines. But honestly? These little hassles quickly become part of the routine, and the view makes up for it all.

Important: You’ll need valid boat registration and usually liability insurance. The Malta Maritime Authority is strict—don’t underestimate this.

Community and Social Life

Malta’s houseboat community is small but close-knit. In the evenings, people often have barbecues together (in permitted BBQ areas on the pier) and there’s a kind of informal support network. If your water heater breaks, someone will always help with tools or spare parts.

What does this mean for you? Living on a houseboat in Malta isn’t just accommodation—it’s a lifestyle and a tight-knit community. Just be ready for the logistical challenges you’d never face on land.

Eco Homes and Sustainable Living: Maltas Green Revolution

Malta and sustainability? That sounds like a contradiction at first—especially when you see the rubbish burning and water tanks being emptied. But Malta’s green housing movement is real and it’s growing.

Sustainable Housing Projects: Island Pioneers

The eco-home movement in Malta is still young, but growing steadily. Especially in Gozo, more and more projects are being created focused on solar energy, rainwater collection and sustainable construction. One reason: EU funding for green technologies makes these projects financially appealing.

I got to visit a few of these projects and was surprised: Many look like traditional Maltese farmhouses from outside, but inside they’re packed with the latest environmental technology.

Solar Energy and Energy Independence

Malta has 300 days of sunshine a year—perfect for solar power. The most advanced eco-homes generate more electricity than they use and feed the surplus into the grid. This is known as “net metering” and can even turn your electricity bill into a credit.

• Typical solar system: 5–8 kWp for a family home
• Investment costs: €8,000–15,000 depending on size
• Payoff: 6–8 years at current electricity prices
• EU funding: Up to 40% of installation costs

Rainwater Harvesting: Every Drop Counts

Water is Malta’s biggest problem—the island imports or desalinates just about everything. Clever eco-homes collect rainwater in underground cisterns. It may sound pioneering, but it’s actually ancient: the Romans did it the same way.

A modern rainwater system can collect about 80% of rainfall from a roof. With Malta’s average of 560mm rain per year, that’s about 67,000 litres annually from a 150m² roof—enough for the garden and the washing machine.

Green Building Methods and Materials

The most interesting eco-projects combine traditional Maltese building methods with modern green technologies:

Realistic Costs of Eco-Renovation

Making a traditional Maltese house eco-friendly is not cheap. From my own experience (I helped a friend do this), here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Complete solar installation: €12,000–18,000
• Rainwater system: €3,000–6,000
• Extra insulation: €5,000–10,000
• LED lighting and smart home: €2,000–4,000
• Total investment: €22,000–38,000

Sounds expensive? It is. But with EU grants, Maltese tax incentives and energy savings, it pays for itself within 8–12 years.

Availability and Rentals

Eco homes for rent are still rare, but they do exist. You’ll usually find them through personal networks or specialist Facebook groups like Sustainable Living Malta or Eco Homes Gozo rather than the standard portals.

What does this mean for you? Sustainable living is possible in Malta, but it takes perseverance to find—and usually means higher upfront costs. In return, you’ll live in climate-friendly comfort and save money long term.

Extraordinary Accommodation: From Converted Fortresses to Rooftop Containers

Malta is full of stories—and some of them have become homes. I stumbled on places so unbelievable, I didn’t believe they existed until I saw them with my own eyes.

Converted Historic Buildings

Maltese people are experts at turning old stonework into living space. Especially in Valletta and the Three Cities, you’ll find apartments in former palaces, churches—even fortresses.

My personal favourite: A friend lives in a converted 16th-century guard tower in Senglea. The walls are 80 cm thick, cool in summer, and the views over Grand Harbour are spectacular. The downside? The spiral staircase has steps of just about every possible height—presumably to confuse intruders!

Container Homes and Modular Concepts

On Malta, container-based housing solutions are becoming more popular, especially as temporary accommodation for construction workers or affordable options for young professionals. But there are also well-designed container homes with all modern comforts.

Example from Marsascala: A converted shipping container on a rooftop, 25m² smartly furnished with sleeping area, kitchenette and a bathroom tucked into one corner. Price: €650 a month—electricity and internet included.

Underground Homes in Former Air-Raid Shelters

Definitely not for the claustrophobic—but they exist: flats in former World War II air-raid shelters. Some of these underground rooms have been converted into studios or one-bedroom apartments, especially in Valletta.

I once viewed such a place—surreal is an understatement. Constant 18°C all year round, zero street noise, but also no daylight. Perfect for vampires or anyone who can’t handle the heat!

Rooftop Apartments with Private Terraces

Malta is built vertically, and top floors often hold incredible opportunities. Many buildings have unused roofs that have been cleverly turned into private oases.

For example, in St. Julian’s: a 40m² studio with an extra 60m² roof terrace, fully furnished with outdoor kitchen, whirlpool and 360° views over the island. The catch? €1,800 monthly—but that includes pool service and weekly cleaning.

Artist Studios and Creative Spaces

Malta’s art scene is vibrant, and many studios double up as living spaces. Especially in Valletta and Floriana, you’ll find big, light-flooded rooms in former workshops or warehouses.

These spaces are ideal if you work creatively or simply need elbow room. A friend rents an 80m² studio in a converted boathouse in Marsa—with direct sea access, but no heating and only basic amenities.

Where to Find These Unique Spaces

Forget the big property portals—they only list standard apartments. For something unique, try:

• Facebook groups: Malta Rentals, Unique Homes Malta, Artist Spaces Malta
• Local networks: Bars, cafés, co-working spaces are gold mines for insider tips
• Direct approach: Just ring the bell at interesting buildings and ask
• Local real estate agents: They often know of places that never make it online

What does this mean for you? Extraordinary accommodation is everywhere in Malta, but finding it means you have to be proactive—and willing to compromise on comfort or location. In return, you’ll have living experiences that are anything but ordinary.

Legal Basics: What to Know About Alternative Living Arrangements

Before you move into a converted lighthouse or houseboat, let’s talk about the stuff nobody loves: legalities. Malta is an EU country, but its local regulations have their quirks.

Rental Law for Unconventional Accommodation

Maltese rental law doesn’t distinguish between “normal” and “alternative” housing—a lease is a lease. But the devil’s in the details:

For houseboats, for example, you’ll often have two contracts: one for the boat itself and another for the marina berth. Lose one, and you’re in trouble. I know someone whose marina contract was cancelled but whose boat rental continued—a pricey predicament with no berth.

Official Permits and Regulations

Here’s where it gets tricky: not every alternative living situation is automatically legal. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is very particular:

• Houseboats: Must be registered and insured
• Container homes: Usually only permitted as temporary structures
• Converted garages: Often lack residential permits—legal no-man’s-land
• Underground apartments: Must meet minimum ventilation and emergency exit standards

Registration and Residency Status

As an EU citizen, you can register almost anywhere in Malta, but some alternative homes make this complicated. Especially with houseboats, explaining to authorities that your official address is Berth 47, Msida Marina isn’t easy.

My tip: Use a service address or register at a friend’s fixed address. Saves a lot of paperwork headaches for bank accounts, phone contracts and taxes.

Insurance for Unusual Accommodation

Tax Issues With Alternative Living

The Maltese tax office doesn’t care whether you live in a palace or a shoebox—rent is rent. But with self-built or self-renovated alternative properties, things get complicated:

If you’re building or renovating an eco-home, you can access various tax breaks. EU grants for green tech are tax-free, and energy-saving measures can usually be claimed as business expenses. However, with houseboats, drawing the line between residence and leisure activity is a tax issue.

Special Rules for Temporary Structures

Malta is strict about temporary structures that end up permanent. Container homes, converted garages or makeshift add-ons are often in this grey area. The authorities can order eviction after inspections—I’ve seen it happen twice.

The solution: Always get written permits and make sure your landlord sorts out all the legal details. If in doubt, consult a Maltese lawyer—€200 for advice is cheaper than eviction.

Contingency Plans and Safeguards

With alternative living, you’ll always need a Plan B. What if your houseboat has issues, the marina closes, or the authorities won’t tolerate your container home?

My advice: Always keep at least two months’ living costs in reserve and stay connected with people who have conventional places as a backup. Malta is small—bad news travels fast, but so does help.

What does this mean for you? Alternative living in Malta is possible, but it takes more research and risk management than standard apartments. Do your homework and don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

Cost Overview: What Alternative Living Really Costs in Malta

Let’s be real: alternative living sounds romantic, but budget is what matters in the end. I’ve tested and calculated a range of options over two years—here’s my honest cost breakdown.

Direct Rental Costs Compared

Hidden Costs of Houseboats

Houseboats look cheap on paper, but there are expenses you probably never anticipated:

• Marina fees: €150–300/month depending on harbour and boat size
• Boat insurance: €600–1,200/year for liability and full cover
• Maintenance and repairs: €200–500/month (boat life is tough!)
• Diesel for generator: €50–150/month with heavy use
• Water and sewage: €30–80/month

My houseboat stint ended up costing €1,450 a month—much more than the €950 I’d budgeted. The difference? Three unplanned repairs, higher diesel bills and extra marina charges for long-term stays.

Eco Homes: High Rent, Low Running Costs

Eco homes have higher base rents, but dramatically lower utility bills. Example from Gozo, where I stayed for four months:

Bottom line: The eco home cost a little more, but was much more comfortable and the costs were predictable.

Extra Costs: Transport and Lifestyle

Alternative homes are often not in prime locations. That means higher mobility costs:

• Car lease: €250–400/month (essential for remote eco homes)
• Uber/Bolt: €150–300/month (for central but hard-to-reach places)
• Public transport: €26/month (cheap, but unreliable)
• Bike + backup transport: €50–100/month (the realistic hybrid solution)

Renovation and Adjustment Costs

Many alternative homes are rustic and require investment to be truly liveable. Here’s what I’ve experienced:

Realistic Budgets for Different Profiles

Based on my experience and that of friends, here are realistic monthly budgets:

• Minimalist (container/garage): €800–1,200 total
• Comfort-focused (eco home): €1,400–2,000 total
• Adventurer (houseboat): €1,200–1,800 total
• Luxury seeker (historic penthouse): €2,000–3,500 total

Money-Saving Tips From Experience

After two years of alternative living, I’ve learned a few tricks:

1. Take advantage of timing: October to March, prices are 20–30% lower
2. Negotiate longer leases: From 6 months up, you often get a discount
3. Barter: Offer maintenance in exchange for lower rent—it often works
4. Shared spaces: Share costs for internet, cleaning, repairs
5. Stay flexible: Better to have two cheap options than one pricey one with no backup

What does this mean for you? Alternative living options aren’t automatically cheaper than standard apartments, but often offer better quality or unique experiences for the same price. Always budget for 20–30% extra for unexpected costs.

My Conclusion: Who Benefits from Alternative Living in Malta

After more than two years experimenting with everything that isn’t a standard apartment, I can say honestly: alternative living in Malta is definitely not for everyone. But for the right people, it can transform island life from “nice” to “unforgettable.”

Who Alternative Living is Perfect For

You’re a great fit for alternative living if you:

• Are flexible and adaptable: When a generator fails or Wi-Fi lags, you solve problems rather than complain
• Value authentic experiences: You want to really experience Malta, not just consume it
• Accept a certain amount of risk: Backup plans are standard for you
• Are community-minded: You see neighbours as a resource, not a nuisance
• Plan for the long term: At least a 6–12 month stay, so all the effort is worth it

Absolute No-Gos for Alternative Living

Don’t touch alternative housing if you:

• Need everything perfectly planned and can’t handle surprises
• Expect the highest comfort standards and arent willing to compromise
• Are only coming for a few weeks (not worth the hassle)
• Are extremely price-sensitive and can’t handle unexpected bills
• Prefer social isolation and just want peace and quiet

My Personal Highlights and Lowlights

Highlight: Three months on a catamaran in Msida Marina. Waking up every day with Valletta in sight, evening barbecues with the boating community, and unique insights into island life—priceless.

Lowlight: Two weeks in a container home in Marsa in August. Even with air conditioning, days were unbearably hot, condensation led to mould, and the nearby construction noise was intense.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

If you want to try alternative living, here’s my advice:

1. Start small: Try it for 1–2 months before you make a long-term commitment
2. Build your network: Join every Facebook group, talk to everyone, collect every contact
3. Pursue multiple options at once: Having just one lead is risky
4. Plan your budget realistically: Allow a 30% buffer for the unexpected
5. Get legal advice: If in doubt, get local legal support

The Future of Alternative Living in Malta

Malta is developing fast, and alternative forms of accommodation are only becoming more important. The conventional rental market is overheated, demand for authenticity is up, and EU grants for sustainable construction create new opportunities.

I’m seeing three main trends:

• Professionalization: More legal, well-designed alternative projects
• Sustainability: Eco homes are becoming mainstream, not just a niche
• Community concepts: Co-living and shared spaces are gaining fans

My Final Advice

Alternative living in Malta isn’t just an Instagram-worthy lifestyle experiment—it’s a serious choice with real consequences. It can truly enrich your Malta experience, but also cause stress and expense if you’re unprepared.

My advice: Go for it. But do it right. Prepare, set realistic expectations and have a good backup plan. The experiences you’ll gain are worth every bit of effort—and you’ll be telling the stories for years to come.

What does this mean for you? Alternative accommodation in Malta is a win for adventurous, flexible people who value authentic experiences over perfect comfort. If that sounds like you, you won’t regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alternative Living in Malta

Are houseboats legally allowed for full-time living in Malta?

Yes, houseboats are legal as living spaces, as long as they’re properly registered and you have a valid marina berth. You need a boat registration with the Malta Maritime Authority and third-party liability insurance. Note: Without a registered berth, it’s illegal.

How do I find eco homes for rent in Malta?

Eco homes rarely show up on standard portals. Use specialist Facebook groups like “Sustainable Living Malta”, local networks in co-working spaces, or contact local estate agents. There are especially many new sustainable projects emerging in Gozo.

What do alternative living spaces really cost?

Base rents are usually similar to standard apartments (€500–1,600), but utilities vary widely. Houseboats have higher running costs (€200–350), eco homes lower (€50–120). Always budget an extra 20–30% for unforeseen expenses.

Do I need special permits for container homes?

Container homes are often in a legal grey area. They’re usually approved as temporary structures only. Make sure your landlord provides written confirmation that all necessary permits are in place to avoid issues later.

Can I officially register my residence at an alternative living space?

In principle, yes—but it can get complicated. With houseboats, for example, the address is often unclear. If in doubt, use a service address or register at a friend’s permanent address—this makes dealing with official matters much easier.

Are alternative living spaces suitable for families?

It depends a lot on the specific setup and children’s ages. Houseboats can be dangerous for toddlers, eco homes with gardens can be great. Be sure to check how close you are to schools, doctors and public transport.

How reliable is the internet in alternative accommodation?

It varies. Marina Wi-Fi on houseboats can go down in bad weather; remote eco homes often have weak signals. If you work remotely, always have a backup like a mobile hotspot or Starlink.

What happens in emergencies or when repairs are needed?

With alternative homes you’re often more self-reliant. Boat repairs can be expensive; remote houses have longer wait times for tradespeople. Build a local network and always keep an emergency fund handy.

Is alternative living worth it for short stays?

For less than three months, usually not. The effort of finding, setting up and adapting is high. For short-term stays, more flexible conventional accommodation or Airbnb is often better.

How sustainable are Malta’s eco homes in reality?

Genuine eco homes—those with solar panels, rainwater systems and sustainable materials—significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Malta has 300 days of sun—perfect for solar. Many projects generate more power than they use and feed the excess into the grid.