Property Surveys, EPCs and Notarial Checks in Malta

A notary’s title searches, an architect’s condition and planning review, and an Energy Performance Certificate answer different questions. None should be treated as a substitute for the others. For current official information, see Buying Your New Home in Malta.

Commission the checks that match the property’s age, alterations, boundaries and risk. Ask for findings in writing before the promise-of-sale conditions expire.

The notary, architect and EPC answer different questions

Notary

Investigates title and carries the transaction through the legal and tax process.

Architect or surveyor

Can inspect structure, visible defects, measurements, plans and planning compliance within the agreed scope.

EPC

Provides regulated information on energy performance; verify the certificate through the official service.

Assign every risk to the right check

1. Ask the notary to investigate ownership, burdens and the legal transaction.
2. Ask an architect to compare the property with permits and approved plans.
3. Commission a condition survey proportionate to age, type and visible defects.
4. Obtain and review the energy performance certificate against the BCA's current EPC requirements.
5. Use specialists for structural, drainage, electrical or damp concerns when advised.
6. Put unresolved findings into the price, contract conditions or decision to walk away.
7. Keep all reports with the purchase file.

Questions that prevent gaps

• Who is checking title?
• Who is checking planning compliance?
• Who is checking physical condition?
• What is expressly excluded from each professional's scope?
• Which finding must be resolved before the promise of sale or final deed?

A report is useful only before commitment

Commission checks early enough to negotiate, add a condition or withdraw under an agreed clause. A defect found after completion is a different problem.

Problems to prevent early

• Treating a valuation for lending as a full structural survey.
• Assuming a clean-looking finish proves permitted alterations or sound waterproofing.

Useful next guides

Start with Property in Malta: Complete Renting, Buying and Owning Guide for the wider picture.

• Buying Property in Malta: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• Promise of Sale in Malta: Understanding the Konvenju

Browse all Property guides.

Ask each professional for the unanswered risks

At the end of due diligence, request a short written list of outstanding items rather than assuming silence means every aspect was checked.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Recheck the official sources in the article metadata when a deadline, price, eligibility rule or service arrangement affects your decision.