special designated areas
What is a Special Designated Area in Malta?
Owners of properties in SDAs enjoy special privileges and do not need to adhere to the usual rules that bind foreign property buyers in other areas of the country.
Some More Info…
Simply put, when it comes to purchasing a property in an SDA, foreign buyers have the same rights as locals.
It’s that simple. There is no need to sign up (and pay for) an AIP, which would be a necessary step if purchasing a property outside an SDA.
In addition, any buyer (foreign or local) can purchase a property in an SDA to rent as an investment property.
What You Get
Each SDA has its own charms, special set of amenities and unique selling points. This can depend on the location or even the size of the development. Some SDAs cater for city-dwellers looking for style and glamour, whereas others lean more towards giving people privacy, space and seafront tranquillity.
Virtually all SDAs have certain traits in common. They practically all offer a range of properties, from studio apartments to villas with private swimming pools. Many properties also enjoy stunning sea or country views.
Nearly all the developments have communal pools (in many cases several pools), landscaped gardens and underground parking. Most have commercial areas and communal open spaces.


Which are the Special Designated Areas in Malta?
Portomaso Marina Development (St Julian’s) is a rather spectacular development. Built along the coast around three man-made basins, the development clusters around a small private harbour complete with its own picturesque lighthouse. It boasts a private yacht marina and five star facilities throughout, from its casino, to the Hilton Hotel next door, as well as all the cafes and restaurants by the water’s edge
Located in the heart of one of Malta’s most cosmopolitan towns, Tigne Point (Sliema) is a destination in itself. It boasts a large shopping mall and several popular cafes and restaurants. The big draw is the view. Sea facing apartments enjoy unobstructed views of the Mediterranean, whilst harbour views enjoy the stunning vista of Valletta’s skyline
Fort Cambridge (Sliema) is excellently located next to Tigne Point, right on the edge of the Sliema peninsula. Malta’s premiere shopping district is literally yards away, and the beach is even closer. is completely residential. Not to worry though, there are plenty of shops a stone’s throw away in Sliema.
Madliena Village (Madliena) is just outside the peaceful village of Gharghur, in the prestigious area of Madliena valley. With stunning countryside and sea views, Madliena Village offers a break away from urban areas, and yet is close enough for a quick drive into town. If peace, quiet and open space is what you’re after, Madliena Village is well worth a visit.
Pendergardens (St Julian’s) a new SDA right in the heart of St Julian’s, close to St George’s Bay and Paceville
Another seaside development, Tas-Sellum Residence (Mellieha), is located in the north of the island. This development is a small cluster of apartment buildings with spectacular views of one of Malta most beautiful bays.
The Shoreline is a major seafront development featuring around 370 luxury units across eight blocks, along with a two-level 25,000 m² shopping mall and three underground parking levels. Residences offers a mix of studios, 1–3 bedroom apartments, duplexes, and penthouses. All units boast high-end finishes, private terraces, and direct views of the Mediterranean and a man-made lagoon.
Tigne Point – Apartment
€2,400,000Discover this meticulously finished and exquisitely furnished apartment within the prestigious Tigné Point development, complete with access to a range of exceptional facilities, including a communal swimming pool. Spanning approximately 225SQM (185SQM internal area), this remarkable residence offers a seamless blend of elegance and comfort. The accommodation welcomes you with an entrance hall that leads […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
€700,000A Fully Furnished second floor apartment, forming part of a Special Designated Area, enjoying various facilities including the use of a communal swimming pool. Accommodation is spread on approx. 63sqm and comprises an entrance hall, guest toilet, open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living, shower en-suite and a terrace. Use of a communal roof. Optional parking space available.
Fort Cambridge – Apartment
€1,750,000Corner, bright and spacious, well-designed top floor apartment forming part of an upmarket establishment within a designated residential Area of Sliema. Accommodation in the form of a spacious entrance hall leading onto a large and comfortable open plan kitchen/Living/Dining area enjoying stunning, unobstructed open sea views both from indoor as well as from its spacious […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
€1,900,000A highly finished 6th Floor luxury Apartment, forming part of Tigne Point, enjoying access to various facilities, including a communal swimming pool. Accommodation is spread on approximately 226 sqm and comprises of an entrance hall, good sized open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living, guest toilet, main bathroom, utility room, box-room, 3 double bedrooms, shower en-suite, a front […]
Tas-Sellum Penthouse
€1,495,000Mellieha – 340 SQM seafront duplex penthouse being sold highly finished and furnished. Accommodation consists of an entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, guest bathroom, box room, side terrace and a huge front terrace overlooking pool area and Mellieha Bay. On the upper level, another large hall, two spare double bedrooms (both with a […]
Portomaso – Penthouse
€5,500,000Uniquely located penthouse enjoying privacy like no other, in the award winning Marina development of Portomaso. Providing a feeling of being “detached” as there are no walls to other properties touching this one, all neighbours are on lower levels, leaving you to enjoy the pool terrace without being overlooked. This penthouse stands literally head and […]
Portomaso – Apartment
€3,800,000Spectacular three bedroom apartment situated in the most prestigious location within the luxury development of Portomaso. The project has been awarded the status of a “Special Designated Area” and is situated alongside the 5 star Hilton Hotel which situation allows for benefits such as a beach club, gym and a variety of restaurants. This beautifully […]
Portomaso Laguna – Apartment
€1,895,000A stunning, luxuriously finished, and fully furnished 166 sqm waterfront apartment in the prestigious Laguna development within Portomaso. This exclusive extension of the renowned Portomaso residential complex offers a private lagoon, where residents can step directly from their private deck into the serene waters for a refreshing swim. Located on the second floor, the apartment […]
Portomaso – Apartment
€2,200,000Spectacular three bedroom apartment overlooking the Laguna and situated in the most prestigious location within this luxury and desirable lifestyle development. The project has been awarded the status of a “Special Designated Area” and is situated alongside the 5 star Hilton Hotel, which situation allows for benefits such as a beach club, gym and a […]
Portomaso – Penthouse
Price on callA stunning corner penthouse located in Malta’s most exclusive residential zone, being highly finished, dominated by simplicity and minimalism. This property comprises welcoming entrance, split level dining area with an impressive living room enjoying sliding glass doors leading to the spacious terrace with breathatking views. Property is further complimented by a modern kitchen/breakfast with Miele […]
Pender Gardens – Apartment
€910,000New on the Market, is this highly finished fully furnished corner three bedroom apartment. Located in a Special Designated Area complex, this property enjoys a very modern and contemporary lifestyle, open spaces and a fully gated and secure community. Walking distance to the sea, sandy beaches, shopping centres , bars, cafeterias, fine restaurants and much […]
Mercury Towers – Apartment
€960,000Experience luxury living in the heart of St. Julian’s at the prestigious Mercury Tower. This one-bedroom apartment features open-plan kitchen/ living/ dining area that seamlessly blend style and comfort. Enjoy stunning Malta views from your private terrace, perfect for entertaining or relaxation. The spacious bedroom is bathed in natural light, while the modern bathroom boasts […]
Tigne Point – Duplex Apartment
€1,750,000Terraced house style apartment finished and furnished to the highest standards. Accommodation in the form of an entrance, an open plan airy kitchen living dining area leading to a spacious front terrace / BBQ area overlooking Piazza Tigne, guest toilet, and a study area. On the above level, 3 bedrooms, main with ensuite, a terrace […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
€1,100,000Tigne Point – Luxuriously finished & furnished apartment in one of Malta’s most prestigious SDA Developments. Accommodation comprises of an entrance hall, spacious open plan kitchen/ living/ dining with access to a 17 sqm terrace, double bedroom with en-suite and a separate guest shower & toilet. The apartment has open piazza views as well as […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
Price on callA top floor three bedroom bespoke designer finished apartment forming part of an SDA (Special Designated Area) enjoying various facilities including a communal swimming pool and various amenities nearby. Accommodation is spread on 274sqm and comprises of an entrance hall, living /sitting /dining, fitted kitchen, guest toilet, utility room, laundry room with drying terrace near […]
Portomaso Laguna – Apartment
€3,500,000Exquisite Waterfront Living A truly exceptional, designer-finished apartment set within the exclusive Laguna development in Portomaso – one of Malta’s most prestigious addresses. Boasting direct access to the serene, crystal-clear lagoon, this stunning residence offers the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The layout features a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, all elegantly finished […]
Fort Cambridge – Apartment
€1,320,000EXCLUSIVE with RE/MAX – Fort Cambridge, Sliema – A highly finished and fully furnished Apartment, forming part of this prestigious project, enjoying the use of a communal swimming pool. Accommodation is spread on 180sqm and comprises of an entrance hall, a fitted kitchen, guest toilet, utility room with a drying area and a dining/living leading […]
Tigne Point – Duplex Apartment
Price on callA meticulously finished Duplex Apartment, forming part of an S.D.A. (Special Designated Area), enjoying access to various facilities, including a communal swimming pool, being sold with all its high quality furniture. Spacious accommodation is spread on approx. 252sqm and comprises an entrance hall, good sized open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living leading to a large terrace with […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
€850,000EXCLUSIVE WITH RE/MAX! A luxuriously finished and fully furnished apartment, forming part of Tigne Point, enjoying access to various facilities, including a communal swimming pool. Accommodation is spread on approximately 90sqm and comprises an entrance hall, large open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living leading to a large terrace measuring approximately 18sqm, a guest toilet, utility room, box-room […]
Portomaso – Apartment
€750,000Portomaso (St. Julian’s) – Stylish Apartment in a Prime SDA Location A meticulously finished apartment within the prestigious Special Designated Area (SDA) of Portomaso, spanning approximately 102SQM. This property features a modern open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, two bedrooms (including a master with an en-suite shower), a main bathroom, and a charming balcony. Offered […]
Portomaso Laguna – Penthouse
€2,195,000Luxurious Two-Bedroom Penthouse in Portomaso Laguna, St. Julian’s Experience refined coastal living in this stunning two-bedroom penthouse, located in the exclusive Portomaso Laguna development in St. Julian’s, Malta. Spanning 200 m², this impeccably designed residence features a spacious layout, offering elegant interiors and breathtaking views of the blue lagoon pool, open sea, and marina. Enjoy […]
Nestled in a serene corner of Rabat, just a short distance from the ancient citadel of Mdina, lies the highly coveted Verdala Terraces – The pinnacle of luxurious, tranquil, and contemporary living. The lavish collection of residences, duplexes, and penthouses spread across the Royal and Grand Mansions offers an unparalleled level of sophistication, all enveloped […]
Portomaso – Apartment
€750,000A luxury Apartment being sold fully furnished, situated in an S.D.A. (Special Designated Area), enjoying various facilities, and close to all amenities. Accommodation is spread on over 90sqm and comprises a good-sized open plan Fitted kitchen/dining/living, a utility room, guest toilet/shower, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom en-suite, and a front balcony. A parking space is included. […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
Price on callThis is a bright and charming three bedroom apartment with lovely sea views, forming part of an exclusive residence at Tigne Point. The property comprises of a spacious hallway which opens up into a combined open plan living, dining and kitchen area. It features a good sized balcony off from the kitchen, where one can […]
Tigne Point – Apartment
€735,000A luxury, one bedroom, apartment located at Tigne Point. A sense of space, flooded with natural light. Interiors are clean, modern, contemporary and offering neutral palettes designed to suit every style and taste. Each apartment is immaculately designed to create spacious and elegant interiors which are truly unique. The interiors include concealed air-conditioning, timber doors, suspended […]
Verdala Terraces – Luxury Apartment
€2,300,000Nestled in a serene corner of Rabat, just a short distance from the ancient citadel of Mdina, lies the highly coveted Verdala Terraces – The pinnacle of luxurious, tranquil, and contemporary living. The lavish collection of residences, duplexes, and penthouses spread across the Royal and Grand Mansions offers an unparalleled level of sophistication, all enveloped […]
Portomaso Laguna – Apartment
€2,600,000A truly spectacular, Luxury Apartment, forming part of the Portomaso Laguna Development, away from the hustle and bustle of this busy town, yet very close to all amenities. Spacious accommodation is spread on approx. 211sqm and comprises an entrance hall, guest toilet, open plan fitted kitchen/dining/living leading to a good-sized terrace measuring approx. 32sqm overlooking […]
Verdala Terraces – Duplex Apartment
€1,850,000RABAT – THE VERDALA TERRACES Nestled in a serene corner of Rabat, just a short distance from the ancient citadel of Mdina, lies the highly coveted Verdala Terraces – The pinnacle of luxurious, tranquil, and contemporary living. The lavish collection of residences, duplexes, and penthouses spread across the Royal and Grand Mansions offers an unparalleled […]
Portomaso – Penthouse
€3,700,000Luxuriously finished to high standards and designer furnished penthouse situated in one of the most sought after Special Designated Areas on the island enjoying all the facilities of Portomaso together with the peace and tranquility and spectacular unobstructed sea views and Marina views. This property comprises of a welcoming entrance area with cloakroom leading onto […]
Take This Further
RE/MAX LUXE Malta highly specialize in all the major SDA developments. Our dedicated sales team is constantly helping clients handpick SDA properties swiftly and easily. Properties in an SDA tend to keep their value and appreciate, thus making them an extremely attractive high-end investment for property buyers.
Whether the property is intended for use as a qualified investment property, second home or rental investment, RE/MAX Luxe Malta is in a prime position to give our clients access to the best properties first.
For more detailed information, contact us. mmicallef@remax.com.mt / Cell +356 99423070