Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals in Malta

The Malta Default: Furnished

Unlike many European countries where unfurnished rentals are the norm, Malta's rental market is overwhelmingly furnished. Roughly 80-85% of available rentals come with furniture, appliances, and often kitchenware included.

This is largely driven by the expat market. Foreign workers arriving in Malta typically don't want to buy furniture for a stay that might last 1-3 years. Landlords furnish properties to attract this large tenant pool and to justify higher rents.

What "Furnished" Means in Malta

A typical furnished rental in Malta includes:

Almost always included:

Beds with mattresses (not always great quality)
Wardrobes or closets
Sofa and living room seating
Dining table and chairs
Kitchen with oven/hob, fridge, and washing machine
Air conditioning units
Light fixtures
Curtains or blinds

Often included:

Dishwasher
Microwave
Basic kitchenware (pots, pans, plates, cutlery)
Coffee table
TV stand (sometimes a TV)
Iron and ironing board

Rarely included:

Bed linen and towels
Decorative items
High-end electronics
Vacuum cleaner or cleaning supplies

The quality varies enormously. Some landlords invest in modern, attractive furniture. Others furnish with the cheapest options available, resulting in flimsy wardrobes, uncomfortable sofas, and mattresses that should have been replaced years ago.

Price Difference

Furnished properties typically cost 15-25% more than equivalent unfurnished ones.

Example for a 2-bedroom apartment in Gzira:

Furnished: €1,000-€1,200/month
Unfurnished: €800-€950/month

Over a 2-year lease, the difference on a €200/month premium is €4,800. If you already have furniture or are willing to buy your own, the unfurnished option can make financial sense, especially for longer stays.

When Furnished Makes Sense

Short to medium stays (under 2 years) — buying and then disposing of furniture is wasteful for short stays
First time in Malta — you don't yet know the island, your preferences, or whether you'll stay long-term
Moving from abroad — shipping furniture to Malta is expensive. A standard container from the UK costs €2,000-€4,000
Flexibility — you can move to a different property without the hassle of moving furniture
Convenience — you can move in with just your suitcase

When Unfurnished Makes Sense

Long-term stays (3+ years) — the rental savings outweigh the cost of buying furniture
You have specific needs — ergonomic desk for remote work, particular mattress for back problems, children's furniture
Quality matters — you want to choose your own quality level rather than living with the landlord's choices
You're settling permanently — if Malta is your long-term home, owning your own furniture makes sense
You already have furniture — if you're moving within Malta and already have furniture

Negotiating Furniture

Whether you're renting furnished or unfurnished, there's often room to negotiate:

If the property is furnished:

Request specific replacements — if the mattress is old or the sofa is uncomfortable, ask the landlord to replace it before you sign. Many will agree rather than lose a tenant
Ask for additions — need a desk for working from home? A better washing machine? Ask before signing
Negotiate items out — if you have your own furniture for some rooms, ask the landlord to remove theirs (and potentially reduce the rent slightly)

If the property is unfurnished:

Ask for kitchen appliances — even unfurnished properties often come with a built-in oven and fridge. If they don't, ask the landlord to provide them
AC units — these are fixtures rather than furniture and should ideally stay with the property. If there are none, ask the landlord to install them (they add value to their property)
Negotiate a longer lease for a lower rent — landlords value stability. A 2-year commitment at €50/month less is often attractive

Where to Buy Furniture in Malta

If you go the unfurnished route:

IKEA — Malta doesn't have a store, but IKEA delivers from Italy. Delivery takes 2-4 weeks. Some resellers also stock IKEA items locally
Home Centre — Malta's largest furniture chain. Mid-range, reasonable quality
SCAN Interiors — modern, higher-end furniture
The Attic / ID The Interior Design Store — design-focused options
Facebook Marketplace / Malta Buy and Sell — second-hand furniture is readily available and significantly cheaper
Second-hand shops — there are several in the Birkirkara and Hamrun area

A reasonable budget for furnishing a 2-bedroom apartment from scratch with mid-range items: €4,000-€8,000. Going second-hand, you can cut this to €1,500-€3,000.

The Inventory — Protect Yourself

Whether furnished or unfurnished, always do a thorough inventory at move-in:

Walk through every room with the agent or landlord
Photograph everything — walls, floors, appliances, furniture
Note any existing damage — scratches, stains, dents, marks on walls
Record the condition of all appliances — do they work?
Check AC units — turn them on and verify they cool/heat properly
Both parties should sign the inventory document

This protects you when it comes time to get your deposit back. Without documentation, disputes over "pre-existing damage" are your word against theirs.