What Happens Between the Konvenju and Final Deed?

A stress-free guide to surviving the waiting game (and making sure nothing goes wrong)

You’ve signed the Promise of Sale (Konvenju), paid the deposit, and you’re officially on the path to becoming a homeowner in Malta.

But before you get the keys and start planning your housewarming party, there’s one more stretch to go: everything that needs to happen between the Konvenju and the Final Deed.

This phase usually lasts up to 6-8 months and is packed with behind-the-scenes work, but don’t worry, we’re here to break it down step by step.

Once you sign the promise of sale (konvenju) in Malta, the property should be taken off the market and both sides shift into preparation mode for the final deed. This stage is practical and paperwork-heavy: you’ll gather architect documents, launch your home loan application, cooperate with your notary on title searches and due diligence, arrange building and life insurance, and keep an eye on timelines – especially if you need an extension.

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Step 1: What happens after signing

• Property withdrawn: Seller/agent removes listings and signage; all listing agents are notified.
• Parties prepare for completion: Buyer, seller, notary, bank, and architect begin their respective tasks.
• Checklist focus: Gather architect documents, start your home loan application, and respond promptly to notary requests.

💡 Tip: Keep a single folder (digital or physical) for bank forms, architect reports, IDs, and the signed promise of sale – this speeds up approvals and reduces back-and-forth.

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Step 2: Architect deliverables & your home loan application

You’ll need specific architect documents for the notary and often for the bank. Then you’ll submit a fuller set of documents for your home loan.

Architect documents

Document	Purpose	Send to
Schedule 8	Describes the physical attributes of the property	Notary (original)
Land Registry Plan / Site Plan	Confirms site boundaries and registration	Notary (original)
UCA Certificate (if applicable)	Confirms Urban Conservation Area status	Notary (original)
Property Report & Valuation (+ bank forms)	Bank due diligence and lending basis	Bank
Approved Layout Plans / PA Permits	Confirms permitted layout and works	Bank (and keep copies)

Send the original Schedule 8, Land Registry Site Plan, and UCA Certificate (if applicable) to the notary. Other architect docs are usually needed for the bank.

Home loan application (documents typically required)

• Identification: ID card or passport
• Income: Latest 3 payslips (and last 12 if you want overtime counted), latest FS3, employment contract (with proof of probation completion), Jobs Plus history
• Banking & assets: Current and savings bank statements, prior-year Revolut statement (if applicable), records of investments, details of other financial commitments
• Property: Architect property report/valuation/cost estimates, Land Registry plan, building permits, layout/site plans (if applicable), Energy Performance Certificate, copy of signed promise of sale, ground rent receipts (if applicable)
• Self-employed (if relevant): TA22 (if part-time), latest 3 income tax returns, latest VAT statement, latest National Insurance contribution statement, latest 2 tax statements

Sanction letter (facility letter): Once approved, the bank issues a sanction letter (usually in triplicate: one for you, one to sign and return, one for your notary). You’ll also pay bank processing/legal fees at this stage (amounts vary by bank; some may be refunded after the final deed).

Important: If the bank approves less than requested and it no longer covers the price, notify your notary immediately. They will advise on next steps.

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Step 3: Your notary’s role in the sale process

Your notary moves in parallel, checking title, preparing the draft deed, and carrying out due diligence.

What the notary does

Task	What it covers	Outcome
Searches (title checks)	Looks back to a deed of acquisition over 10 years ago, confirms ownership, checks for debts/irregularities	If clear: notary prepares copy of searches + draft deed for the bank’s lawyer. If defective: bank financing may be difficult; if you’re buying without a bank (or defect doesn’t affect bank’s stance), you decide whether to proceed.
Due diligence	KYC form (also required by agents), proof of source of wealth/funds (e.g., payslips, bank statements)	Assesses transaction risk; you must cooperate and provide documents promptly.

Note: The architect, not the notary, is responsible for verifying that property permits are in order.

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Step 4: Insurance & timing

Insurance steps

• When: After the sanction letter is issued; arrange 6–8 weeks before the promise of sale expires.
• What:
  • Life insurance for at least the loan value
  • Building insurance for the property
• Where: Choose the bank’s packages or shop around with other insurers.

If you can’t get life insurance: New Hope Scheme (Housing Authority)

• Helps buyers who meet bank lending criteria but cannot obtain life insurance due to medical conditions.
• Provides a loan guarantee up to €250,000 for those who:
  • Were rejected by two life insurance providers, or
  • Have a 12-month deferred insurance application, or
  • Were quoted premiums >250% of the average for their age group.

You can find more information on this scheme here

Promise of sale extensions

• Aim to finish within the original timeframe. If you fail to meet your obligations, the seller may refuse to renew and keep your deposit.
• If both parties agree, an extension (referring to the original promise of sale) can be drafted and signed.
• The notary must register the extension with Inland Revenue within 21 days of signature.
• If you don’t sign the extension on time, you may lose your deposit.

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Mini-glossary

• Schedule 8: An architect’s document describing the physical attributes of the property.
• Sanction letter (facility letter): Bank’s formal loan approval, including conditions.
• KYC (Know Your Client): Information collected to verify identity and assess risk.
• UCA Certificate: Proof that a property lies in an Urban Conservation Area (if applicable).
• Draft deed: Preliminary version of the final contract, prepared by the notary.

Short FAQ (source-based)

Q1: Who receives the original architect documents?

A: Send the original Schedule 8, Land Registry Site Plan, and UCA Certificate (if applicable) to the notary; other architect documents are usually for the bank.

Q2: When should I arrange insurance?

A: After you receive the sanction letter, and ideally 6–8 weeks before the promise of sale expires.

Q3: Can I extend the promise of sale?

A: Yes, if both parties consent. A new extension is signed and must be registered within 21 days. Missing deadlines can mean losing your deposit.

Q4: What if the bank approves less than I need?

A: Tell your notary immediately so they can advise on your options.

In Summary

After signing the promise of sale, the clock starts.

The seller withdraws the listing, you gather architect documents, launch your home loan application, cooperate with your notary on searches and due diligence, and lock in life and building insurance – with the New Hope Scheme available if life cover isn’t possible.

Stay organised and responsive, and keep an eye on expiry dates and any extension requirements. Which two tasks will you prioritise this week to keep your purchase on track?

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Up Next: Part 7 – The Final Deed Day

What actually happens at the notary’s office? How do you pay? When do you get the keys? We’ll walk you through the final step — signing the deed and becoming a homeowner.

Follow Property Portfolio for more easy-to-read guides, fresh listings, and updates on Malta’s property market.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional in Malta for your specific situation.