Thermal insulation in Malta: the missing step in most homes
Most properties are delivered without insulation
When you buy a shell-form property in Malta, you’re looking at bare walls and concrete slabs. This is the perfect moment to add insulation — yet most projects skip it. And if you buy a finished apartment or house? In most cases there is no insulation at all. The result: cold interiors in winter, overheating in summer, and high energy bills year-round.
Why insulation matters in Malta
In Northern and Central Europe — Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Eastern Europe — insulation is standard practice. In Malta, it is still often ignored. But the climate here makes it just as important: flat roofs and exposed façades work like radiators, humidity and salt air stress interiors, and without insulation air conditioning runs all day.
The shell form advantage
Shell form is a unique opportunity. You can install rigid, water-resistant insulation boards (XPS, PIR, EPS) on roofs, walls, and floors before finishes are added. Details can be planned properly to avoid thermal bridges, and shading or light-coloured finishes can cut cooling loads significantly. Once finishes are in place, retrofitting insulation later is costly and disruptive.
Who is responsible for insulation?
The developer only delivers the structure — no insulation.
The buyer decides whether insulation is added during fit-out.
A Perit (Maltese architect/engineer) is only legally required if you change the structure or apply for planning permits. For pure fit-out works like insulation, screed, or finishes, a Perit is not mandatory.
An EPB assessor is always required at the end of the project, to check compliance with Building and Construction Authority (BCA) standards and to issue the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Without an EPC, you cannot legally sell, rent, or occupy the home.
Bottom line for buyers
Insulation is not a luxury — it is the key to comfort, energy savings, and long-term property value in Malta. If you are buying shell form, don’t miss the chance to integrate it from the start. Work with your contractor, designer, and EPB assessor to ensure your project is compliant and future-proof.
About me
I am a French Architect DPLG, with over 18 years of experience in design and construction. I design and specify high-performance insulation systems adapted to the Maltese context. All technical solutions I propose can be validated by a certified EPB assessor, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
