Start with the kind of income you need
If regular agreed rent matters most, a long let may be easier to plan around, though an empty period, an unpaid amount or a repair can still interrupt it. Short-let receipts arrive through individual stays and shift with season, demand, reviews and pricing.
For the long let, set the proposed rent against owner costs, likely time between tenants and management work. On the short-let side, deduct platforms, cleaning, hospitality VAT, management and property expenses from booking receipts. Use the same period and condition, so you compare what is left rather than gross receipts on one side and net rent on the other.
How much work will you do?
The income pattern leads to a practical question: who will do the work? A long let generally involves finding and dealing with a tenant, arranging repairs and checking the property at suitable points. Short lets add repeated guest messages, arrivals, supplies, cleaning, pricing decisions and reviews. Software may organise bookings, but someone still has to coordinate the people and tasks.
If you live abroad or have limited time, decide whether to do that yourself or pay a manager. Ask which tasks are covered, which are charged separately and what information you will see.
What changes in the flat?
That different pace also changes how the flat is used. Guest turnover means more cleaning and more opportunities for small items to break or disappear. A longer tenancy has different wear and repair needs; neither option removes maintenance. Walk through the space and consider the finish, furniture and equipment each use would require. For short lets, clear photos and consistent upkeep also shape how the property is presented.
Your calendar matters as much as the condition. Short lets may allow personal dates, subject to existing bookings and the management arrangement; a long let normally commits the property to a tenant for the agreed term. If the flat is already let, check that agreement and seek professional advice before switching.
Check the permissions and decide whom each route suits
After comparing money, work and use, check whether the route is available to your flat. Short-let rented accommodation needs MTA authorisation before operation in Malta. The current MTA page sets out the category and application materials, so a platform listing alone is not a licensing check. Long-let obligations are separate; have the tenancy papers and tax treatment checked by the appropriate professional.
An owner seeking steadier receipts and less frequent contact may prefer a long let. Someone who values flexible dates and active pricing may favour a short let if the property and licence requirements fit. Model a conservative case as well as a stronger one, then weigh the result against the involvement you want.
How Solea handles this
If short letting fits your plans, Solea’s pricing managers adjust prices dynamically across Malta, and you can set a minimum after talking it through with us. We handle the MTA application and use our own team for changeovers. Early the following month, you receive payment and a detailed statement, with a live view of bookings and fees in between. Tell us what matters most for your flat, and we can talk through the short-let option with you.
Get a free consultation WhatsApp +356 7997 6867General information, not legal or financial advice.
More owner guides: Do I need an MTA licence to rent my flat on Airbnb in Malta? · How much can my flat earn on Airbnb in Malta?