Dr. Maria Chetcuti Cauchi
Summary
Leading real estate lawyer specialising exclusively in high-value property law. Maria advises private investors, developers, and multinational clients on all aspects of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing, and financing of residential, commercial, and mixed-use assets. Her expertise spans title due diligence, contract negotiation, structuring, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on secure and sustainable investments. Renowned for her strategic foresight and transactional precision, Maria focuses on luxury residences and large-scale commercial developments. She enables clients to navigate Malta’s real estate landscape securely and efficiently - from project inception to completion.
Experience
Dr Maria Chetcuti Cauchi is a founding and co-managing partner of the firm, leading its Real Estate and Property Law practice since 2001. With over two decades of experience, she advises private clients, investors, developers, and multinational corporations on complex real estate transactions, including high-value acquisitions, disposals, commercial and residential leasing, mixed-use properties and property financing.
Real Estate Transactions & Structuring
Maria has also advised on structuring real estate investments through special purpose vehicles, trusts, and corporate entities, aligning legal frameworks with tax efficiency and long-term asset protection. Maria's legal acumen extends to title due diligence, development agreements, and buy-to-let schemes.
Clients and peers recognise her for her precise legal insight, strategic foresight, and client-focused delivery, particularly in high-stakes property transactions.
Thought Leadership & Publications
Dr. Maria Chetcuti Cauchi is highly recognized in:
- Real Estate Law
- Intellectual Property (IP) Law
- Technology Law
She has contributed significantly to policy reform and thought leadership, particularly in Malta, by advising on the structuring of real estate investments through private equity, real estate corporate structures, special purpose vehicles, and trusts. Her work emphasizes sustainable development and compliance with regulatory frameworks, enhancing Malta's appeal to high-net-worth individuals and international investors.
A respected commentator on Malta’s real estate market, Maria has published widely, including:
- Investing in Malta: A Property Almanac, providing an in-depth analysis of Malta's real estate market and legal landscape, guiding readers through property acquisition and resale processes
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Jurisdictions – Asset Classes & Activity Comparisons, a paper written in 2019 centring around the intention to launch a Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs) regulatory frame working Malta. Malta is one of the few developed countries not yet having established such a regime. Therefore, the current initiative to tackle this matter, has been more than welcome by the industry and investors at large
- Malta Property Prices Reflect a Steady Growth, where she highlighted how Malta's property prices continued to rise at a stable pace, even as other European markets experienced downturns. She attributed this stability to factors such as the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), stamp duty exemptions for first-time buyers, a low interest rate environment, growth in disposable income, and an increased number of foreign workers in Malta
- Protect Your Brand: Make Your Mark, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection in the context of real estate and business.
Industry Engagement
She is actively involved in the Malta Developers Association (MDA) and frequently contributes to national policy discussions on real estate legislation, planning reforms, and investment regulation.
Recognition
- Recommended Lawyer, Legal 500 EMEA 2023, Real Estate
- Recognised for leadership in real estate legal advisory for complex commercial and residential developments
- Praised for “clear communication and willingness to go the extra mile” by clients and peers
- Known for contributing to Malta’s real estate regulatory development and planning law reform initiatives
Professional Involvements
- Chamber of Advocates (Malta)
- Superior Courts of Malta
- Malta Developers Association (MDA)
- Malta Remote Gaming Council
- Registered European Trademark Attorney
- European Patent Organisation (EPO)
- European Communities Trademark Association (ECTA)
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- Institute of Financial Services Practitioners (IFSP)
- Collaborating Firm–Andersen Global
Academic Record
IFSP
Foundation Certificate in Trust Law and Administration
2006
University of Warwick
LL.M. (Int. Econ. Law)
2002
University of Malta
LL.D.
2001
University of Malta
Dip. Not. Pub.
2000
University of Malta
B.A. (Law & English)
1998
Professional Civic Activities
Dr. Maria Chetcuti Cauchi
Involvements
Practice Groups
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