A simple guide to managing your new home, expenses, and next steps as a proud property owner
Congratulations! You did it!
You signed the final deed, picked up the keys, and you’re officially a homeowner in Malta.
Now comes the next phase – owning and managing your property.
From paperwork to practical tips, here’s everything you need to know after your big purchase.
This beginner-friendly guide explains how to update your address (ID card, driving licence, post), sort utilities with ARMS, tell the right organisations, and tap into government schemes for upgrades and energy savings.
Step 1: First-week administration
Handle these items as soon as you move to avoid billing issues and missed mail.
Address & identity
- ID card address change (Identity Malta/Identità): Pre-book online or visit without appointment. Bring your e-ID card, ID10a form, your new address, and evidence (e.g., ARMS bill, bank statement, lease or purchase contract). Confirm required documents with Identità before visiting.
Utilities (ARMS)
- If there’s no electricity/water: submit Form A (new services).
- If services already exist: submit Form F (change in consumer).
- Forms can be emailed, posted, or handed in at an ARMS office.
You can find more information here
Postal redirection (MaltaPost)
- Download and submit the Redirection of Postal Articles Form in person at any post office with supporting documents.
- For pending packages, also notify the sender of your new address.
Driving licence (Transport Malta)
- Complete DRV010; submit with ID copy and the original licence card.
Connectivity & waste
- Internet/cable: Transfer your existing service or open a new one with your provider.
- Waste collection: Check your locality’s timetable so you sort and place bags correctly.
Quick table: who to contact & what to bring
| Task | Organisation | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| ID card address | Identità (Identity Malta) | e-ID card, ID10a, proof of address, new address details |
| ARMS services | ARMS | Form A (new) or F (change), IDs, property details |
| Postal redirection | MaltaPost | Redirection form + supporting documents |
| Driving licence | Transport Malta | DRV010, ID copy, original licence |
| Internet/cable | Your provider | Account details, new address |
| Waste schedule | Local council | Local timetable (check website/noticeboards) |
Step 2: Update your address
After legal and utility updates, inform organisations that rely on accurate records.
Healthcare
- Mater Dei Hospital and private clinics for appointments, letters, and records.
Insurance
- Health and vehicle insurance providers so policies and claims stay valid.
Employment & tax
- Malta Tax and Customs Administration; your employer for payroll, tax forms, and company communications (e.g., medical visits when you’re unwell).
Subscriptions
- Newspapers, magazines, and any service delivering to your door.
Practical tip: Keep a simple log (date, who you told, how you told them). It prevents duplicate letters to your old address and helps if something goes missing.
Pending mail
- If packages are already in transit, inform the sender immediately to update the delivery address before dispatch or to set up a redirection.
Proof pack
- Maintain a small folder (digital or paper) with: purchase deed or lease, latest ARMS bill, bank statement, and ID scans. You’ll reuse these across several updates.
Step 3: Housing Authority schemes
Check eligibility once you’ve settled in.
First-Time Buyer (FTB)
- €10,000 one-time grant, paid as €1,000/year over 10 years.
- Must be your first primary residence and purchased through a bank loan.
- If only one applicant is a first-time buyer: €5,000 total (€500/year).
Grant on First Residence (GFR)
- Covers a percentage of fiscal receipts for construction/finishing works.
- Max €5,824, paid in two instalments: shell works and finishing works.
Subsidy on Adaptation Works (ADP)
- Up to €21,000 to refurbish old dwellings deemed sub-standard by the Housing Authority.
- Eligibility: property built ≥15 years before application; household annual income ≤ €27,635.60 for minimum refund; property must be your primary residence for at least 10 years from final payment.
💡 Tip: Read each scheme’s guidance carefully and keep all receipts. If you used a bank loan, keep your sanction letter handy as evidence for FTB.
At-a-glance table
| Scheme | What it supports | Max support | Key eligibility (per source) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTB | First home purchase | €10,000 (or €5,000 if only one applicant qualifies) | First primary residence, via bank loan |
| GFR | Shell & finishing works | €5,824 | Based on fiscal receipts; two instalments |
| ADP | Refurbishing sub-standard old homes | €21,000 | Age ≥15 years; income cap; 10-year primary residence |
Step 4: Ministry for Finance – Restoration & Finishing Grant
Grant on the Restoration and Finishing of Privately Owned Residential Properties
- Up to €54,000 for restoration and finishing if the property is:
- in an UCA (Urban Conservation Area), or
- built >20 years ago and vacant >7 years, or
- a new property built and finished as defined by the authority’s guidelines.
- Apply via servizz.gov.
- Valid until 31 December 2026.
Who should consider it?
- Buyers restoring heritage homes in UCAs.
- Those tackling long-vacant, older buildings.
- Owners of newly built homes that meet the official “built and finished” criteria.
How to prepare
- Keep architect plans, permits, receipts, and before/after photos neatly filed.
- Align your works with the grant’s eligible categories to maximise support.
Step 5: Specialised “green” loans from banks
Many banks offer specialised loans to fund energy-efficient upgrades and eco-friendly products, helping you reduce bills and emissions.
Typically eligible items
- Renewables: solar water heaters, PV panels, wind turbines.
- Insulation & glazing: wall, roof, window, door insulation; double glazing.
- Efficient systems: heating/cooling (HVAC), efficient appliances (fridges, cookers with solid energy labels), efficient lighting.
- Water: restoration of domestic cisterns/wells.
Common advantages (may vary by bank)
- Discounted interest rates
- Fast, flexible process
- No processing/commitment fees
- Full financing for eco purchases through dedicated personal loans
How to proceed
- Ask your bank about green loan options.
- Collect quotations/invoices from suppliers (also needed if your finishing costs are drawn from loan funds).
- Align purchases with any REWS/BCA scheme timelines and Part A/Part B rules to combine benefits legally and effectively.
Mini-glossary
- ARMS: The national provider for electricity and water services in Malta.
- UCA: Urban Conservation Area, an area with heritage value and specific planning considerations.
- EPC: Energy Performance Certificate, a rating of a property’s energy efficiency.
Short FAQ
Q1: Can schemes close before their stated end date?
A: Yes. All schemes are budget-bound; if funds run out, applications may close early.
Q2: Which ARMS form do I need?
A: Form A for new services; Form F for change in consumer when services already exist.
Q3: Do I need proof of address for the ID update?
A: Yes, bring evidence such as an ARMS bill, bank statement, or your lease/purchase contract.
In Summary
Moving in isn’t just boxes and paint swatches, there’s important admin and real money on the table.
Update your address and utilities, notify key organisations, and review grants for restoration, energy upgrades, and sustainable homes.
Many schemes have deadlines and limited budgets, so apply early and follow the steps exactly.
That’s a Wrap on the First-Time Buyers Blog Series!
Want to revisit the full series?
📖 Chapter 1: Budgeting & Financing
📖 Chapter 2: Building Your Wish List
📖 Chapter 3: Viewing Properties Like a Pro
📖 Chapter 5: The Promise of Sale
📖 Chapter 6: What Happens Before the Deed
📖 Chapter 7: Signing the Final Deed
📖 [Chapter 8: Life After Buying](You’re here!)
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.
