Malta And Gozo Have Nearly 9,000 Licensed Short-Let Properties

New parliamentary figures reveal that Malta and Gozo have 8,748 licensed short-let properties, as new regulations and concerns over their impact on residential communities continue to fuel debate.

St Paul’s Bay has emerged as the locality with the highest number of licensed short-term rental properties in Malta, with 1,133 registered short-lets, according to figures presented in Parliament.

The data, published in response to Parliamentary Question 2074, reveals that there are 8,748 licensed short-let properties across Malta and Gozo, highlighting the scale of the short-term accommodation sector.

Sliema follows in second place with 1,030 licensed properties, while St Julian’s ranks third with 747. Valletta also features prominently with 592, followed by Swieqi with 506 and Mellieħa with 455.

In Gozo, Marsalforn leads with 244 licensed properties, followed by Xagħra with 233, Għarb with 163 and Xlendi with 131.

Earlier this year, the government introduced new Tourism Accommodation Regulations, which came into effect on 15 June 2026, aimed at improving accommodation standards and strengthening enforcement.

However, the reforms have also attracted criticism over differences between requirements for newly licensed properties and existing establishments. Prime Minister Robert Abela defended the approach in July, describing the introduction of the regulations as calibrated.

#MaltaDaily