A new study published by Solidarjetà has found that Malta’s rental market experienced sharp increases between 2022 and 2024, significantly outpacing wage growth. According to the study, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment rose by 28.3% over the two-year period, while the mean national salary increased by just 12.4%. The author describes the rental market as “structurally unbalanced and operates to the severe detriment of tenants.”
Using official Housing Authority data, the study shows that average rents for a two-bedroom apartment increased from €770 per month in 2022 to €990 in 2024. Three-bedroom apartments also saw notable increases, rising from €925 to €1,120 per month over the same period.
The report highlights that some of the steepest rises occurred in areas that were previously considered more affordable. In Gozo, two-bedroom apartment rents increased by 42%, while the Southern Harbour region recorded a 40% rise. Popular localities were also affected, with Gżira seeing a 45.8% increase, equivalent to an additional €377 per month.
The study compares actual rental prices with a regulatory model extending the 5% cap on annual increases to new contracts. It finds that the 2024 average rent exceeds this model by €145 per month, translating into annual excess costs of up to €1,740 per household.
Solidarjetà has reiterated its support for a parliamentary petition calling for rent increases to be tied to the original registered amount.
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