A new wave of high-end property developments is expected to add more than 2,500 luxury residential units to Malta’s real estate market in the coming years, according to insights shared at a recent Malta Business Network (MBN) event focused on Special Designated Areas (SDAs).

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The forecast was presented by Sharon Grima, Group Senior Marketing Manager at CSB Group, during an expert panel discussion on the future of SDAs — a status that allows non-EU nationals to purchase and lease property in Malta without restrictions.

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Grima’s presentation outlined three phases of SDA development in Malta. The first, spanning from 1999 to 2022, delivered around 2,300 units in landmark projects like Portomaso, Tigné Point and Pender Gardens. A second wave between 2023 and 2026 is expected to add 1,300 more. But the third and upcoming phase — potentially the most transformative — is set to bring over 2,500 units from projects including Targa Square, Villa Rosa, Manoel Island, TownSquare, PX Lettings, Mistra Heights, Metropolis, Fort Chambray Phase 2, and the remaining phases of Smart City.

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Speaking during the panel, CSB Group CEO Michael J Zammit described the SDA model as “evolving and thriving”, highlighting a shift toward integrated, design-led communities with long-term value. Zammit, who also co-owns Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, moderated the discussion.

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Panellist and architect Ray Demicoli noted how SDA buyers have become increasingly design-conscious: “Earlier projects prioritised speed and efficiency. Today’s buyers want identity, coherence, and contextual quality.”

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John Zarb, a veteran advisor in finance and real estate, said investor expectations have also changed: “It’s no longer just about permits and yields. Buyers are asking tougher questions about governance, sustainability, and post-completion value.”

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MIDI plc CEO Mark Portelli added that globally mobile clients are setting a new benchmark. “It’s not just about sea views anymore. Buyers want access to culture, wellness, retail, and environmental responsibility,” he said.

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The panel agreed that the SDA framework continues to offer clear advantages for non-EU investors. These include the ability to purchase multiple properties without an AIP permit, legal clarity, and no rental restrictions — a combination unmatched by other European regimes.

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MBN board member Justin Mizzi, who opened the event, praised the panellists’ efforts in compiling data and insights. “This wasn’t just opinion. It was a grounded, data-led discussion about a sector still shaping Malta’s economic landscape,” he said.

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Sponsored by Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, the event drew a strong turnout of developers, investors, and real estate professionals.

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Next month, the MBN will host a session in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in Malta to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, focusing on the future of European manufacturing.

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