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Malta Real Estate for Sale may just be Your Perfect Gateway to Top Mediterranean Living!
Finding itself in the heart of the Mediterranean as a location, the EU country of Malta has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a unique blend of excellent weather year-round, a rich history, unbelievable culture and a vibrant lifestyle.
The archipelago’s real estate market has witnessed significant growth in recent years and the sector has become an important part of many an investor’s portfolio. Besides Malta real estate’s attractive above-average capital growth, the local rentals market has also proven to be extremely lucrative with around a 4-6% yield, depending on the location and type of property. Real estate offered for sale in Malta is attracting both expatriates and residents looking to invest in a piece of this enchanting island paradise and with Malta finding itself in the cross-hairs of hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, owning a rental property here is big business.
You are Always Near Everything in Malta
The importance of location when it comes to owning a property in Malta or Gozo is relevant like anywhere else, but less so due to the small size of the islands. Due to this advantage, whether you are a tourist or a local, a short drive or even walk will quickly get you to any of the beaches, cultural attractions and hotspots and this bodes well for most properties no matter where they are located. Choice locations can range from the historic charm of Valletta, the coastal allure of St Julian’s and Sliema or the tranquillity of Gozo. There is no denying that real estate in Malta offered for sale caters to a diverse range of preferences not matter what your budget may be.
Access to an Extremely Diverse Property Portfolio
Malta’s real estate market is made up of a diverse portfolio, ranging from quaint village homes to luxurious seafront apartments, sprawling villas, remote farmhouses and the islands’ distinctive, ancient houses of character. There are also palaces (palazzos), townhouses, maisonettes, terraced houses and even studio apartments to be found in most towns and villages.
Choice Locations Cater for all Lifestyle Preferences
For example, in Valletta, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll find historic properties with characterful architecture, offering a unique glimpse into Malta’s rich past. Building styles found here are mostly in the Baroque style, but upon closer inspection you will find fine examples of Art Nouveau or even Art Deco architecture in Valletta. No wonder Malta’s capital is often referred to as a living theatre or museum!
As we move on to Sliema and St. Julian’s, on the other hand, these prime locations are for those seeking a more contemporary and bustling lifestyle, with modern apartments overlooking the Mediterranean. The two neighbourhoods are often regarded as the beating heart of Malta, as they offer access to fine dining, excellent shopping, 5-star hotels, casinos, yacht basins, beaches and a vibrant café society. Locals and visitors alike wax lyrical about the beachfront promenade that stretches the entire coastline of both neighbourhoods from start to end.
In the south of Malta you will find the picture-perfect coastal towns of Marsascala, Marsaxlokk and of course the Three Cities, all of which have become extremely sought-after locations to own property for year-round living or investment purposes. Many Maltese own summer homes in Marsascala and Marsaxlokk.
To the north, firm favourites are Qawra, Bugibba and of course St Paul’s Bay. All three towns are located on the coast and favoured throughout the year as perfect destinations to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here you will find beach clubs, renowned restaurants, bars and glorious beaches such as Ghadira Bay, Malta’s largest and most popular sandy beach.
For those yearning for a slower pace of life, Gozo, Malta’s sister island, offers a rural haven with charming farmhouses and serene landscapes. The vast variety of real estate options here ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a sun-seeking retiree, a working professional, or simply a family looking for a new home. Gozo real estate for sale is still regarded as more affordable than that of Malta.
Let’s Look at the Investment Opportunities
Malta’s extremely robust economy and strategic location make it an attractive destination for real estate investment. The country’s stability, coupled with its European Union membership, has fostered a favourable investment climate over the years. The country seems to find itself in a unique and fortunate position whereby very little or nothing seems to affect its economy adversely. For example, the 2008 global financial crisis and even 2+ years of Covid had little or no effect on its march to continued financial success: in fact, real estate did exceptionally well during the pandemic, setting several records for trading volumes while that of many other EU economies contracted.
The Maltese government has also implemented various initiatives to encourage local and foreign investment in real estate, such as the Individual Investor Program (IIP) which provides a pathway to eventual citizenship for qualifying investors. Additionally, the Global Residence Program offers tax incentives for non-EU/EEA nationals, making Malta an even more enticing prospect for expatriates seeking a second home. In addition to this, various initiatives and schemes are in place to encourage investment in Malta real estate with huge savings for first-time buyers, buyers of older properties, buyers of properties that have been vacant for more than 20 years and even new buildings that are designed in the traditional Maltese architectural style. Savings are also available for properties that are located in UCA areas. Further incentives are available such as tax breaks when restoring older properties and more. Find out about all the schemes at https://franksalt.com.mt/blogs/first-time-buyers/first-time-buyer-government-scheme/
and https://franksalt.com.mt/blogs/company-news/restoring-an-older-type-of-property/
Navigating Malta’s Real Estate Market as an Expat
For expatriates who are considering a move to Malta, navigating the real estate market may initially seem daunting. Understanding the legalities and paperwork involved in purchasing property is crucial. While Malta has no restrictions on property ownership for EU/EEA nationals, non-EU/EEA nationals may need to obtain an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit unless a property is located in a SDA (Special Designated Area). A full list of all the SDA can be found here.
If you as a foreign buyer or investor want a hassle-free experience buying property in Malta, we recommend engaging the services of a reputable real estate company that can help streamline the process and provide expatriates with peace of mind. Frank Salt Real Estate is Malta’s oldest and biggest real estate group and will accompany you through the entire process of buying or selling and more.
Tailored Solutions for Malta Residents
For residents, the Malta real estate market offers a chance to upgrade their lifestyle or to find their forever home. Local banks provide competitive mortgage options, making it easier for residents to secure financing for their dream properties. In addition, as discussed earlier, various government schemes, such as for example the First-Time Buyers Scheme, offer incentives and reduced stamp duty rates for residents looking to purchase their first home.
Maltese citizens can also take advantage of the booming rental market by investing in properties for buy-to-let purposes. Areas with a high demand present attractive opportunities for generating good rental income.
How we can Help You
At Frank Salt Real Estate we specialise in assisting locals and expats in the renting, buying or selling of properties, thereby simplifying the process for you and ensuring a smooth transition right from searching for a property to the day of moving in.
We offer a comprehensive range of services and as Malta’s biggest and oldest family-owned and managed company, we have exclusive access to the country’s largest database of properties for sale and rent, covering both residential and commercial. We can also assist with residency programmes, home interiors and property management, so we are perfectly suited to make your Maltese real estate dream come true. We have been doing this successfully for over 50 years and have excellent representation on both Malta and Gozo through our 16 branches. Call us obligation-free for any information you may require regarding any of the services we offer or the properties we have for sale and rent.
