Back to Blogs
Located a stone’s throw from Italy, roughly 80 km south of Sicily, the tiny country of Malta is made up of an archipelago that has been fought over, enchanted visitors and lured settlers for many millennia.
The island nation’s impressive limestone buildings, sapphire seas and Baroque architecture are woven from very diverse threads: here you will step through time and discover ancient Neolithic temples, Roman buildings and foundations, elements of Arab design, the legacy of the Grand Order of St John and a still very noticeable British maritime influence. Today, Malta is a full EU member state with English and Maltese as its official languages, offering residents and visitors a unified mix of Mediterranean ease and modern European infrastructure.
A Rich History and Timeless Architecture
The Ggantija Temples on Gozo are older than Stonehenge and along with the standing stones of the Hagar Qim megalithic temple complex on Malta, the islands bear eloquent witness to many centuries of different civilisations having lived on the islands. Another must on any visitor’s wish list when in Malta is the fortified Baroque brilliance of its capital city, Valletta. It is the world’s smallest capital city and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Status along with many other areas in Malta and Gozo. The former capital, Mdina, is a walled and preserved medieval fortress also known as the “Silent City” and one of Malta’s most visited tourist attractions.
Look closely and you’ll spot Arab-inspired details everywhere – the original muxrabija wooden lattice-windows are known locally as gallerija and this architectural element evolved over time, blending with European influences during the period of the Knights of St. John to become a beloved national icon along with the traditional Maltese fishing boat or luzzu.
Walking around many of the ancient villages and towns you can sample the summer breeze and enjoy the shade while marvelling at the many Baroque palazzos tucked discreetly away in gorgeous, hidden alleyways.
The Original Lifestyle of Sun, Sea and Culture
Malta basks in over 300 days of sunshine yearly, with mild winters and long dry summers which are ideal for outdoor living. Coastal life is truly vibrant: there are many azure harbours and creeks where one can sit and relax with a coffee or a drink. Marvel at the traditional fishing boats of Marsaxlokk or immerse yourself in the cocktail culture of the bars and cafes along the promenades of Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and countless other seaside towns. The food is a delicious blend of Sicilian, North African and Maltese flavours – rich in olive oil, full of fresh seafood and for the adventurous there are hearty traditional rabbit stews. A firm favourite that has won the hearts of many a newcomer to Malta is the buttery and flaky pastizzi, a baked traditional pastry filled with either ricotta or peas, although there are modern variants with chicken and even chocolate and pistachio to be found.
A modern economy buzzes here, especially in finance, i-Gaming and maritime services – anchoring Malta as a forward-thinking business hub while preserving its relaxed charm. A large and welcoming expat community, efficient English-language system and an ultra-safe environment add to its appeal.
Why Choose Malta?
1. Climate: Exceptional sunshine, swimmable seas eight months of the year.
2. Heritage: A living museum of global history in a compact space.
3. Language & Ease: English is an official language with legal and medical systems that are familiar to expats.
4. Tax & Residency: Attractive financial incentives and residency pathways are engineered for wealthy foreigners.
5. Transport: Malta’s small size makes everything reachable – travel from Valletta to Gozo can take just over an hour and forty minutes, depending on traffic. This includes taking the ferry to Gozo.
Property Highlights
When it comes to real estate in Malta for sale or rent, visitors are astounded at the variety of building and architectural styles, the locations and the lifestyles on offer.
Key Property Locations
· Valletta & Three Cities: Steeped in Baroque grandeur and brimming with cafe culture and harbourside energy.
· Mdina: Malta’s silent gem – a medieval labyrinth of limestone alleys, cathedral and hilltop vistas.
· Sliema & St Julian’s: Seafront living at its finest – vibrant promenades, shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife.
· Madliena & Swieqi: Family-oriented upscale suburbia, with villas nestled among valleys and high-end living.
· Gozo: Malta’s smaller, rural sister island is known for its serene countryside and slower pace of life.
We take a look at a few examples in various price ranges and locations:
A Breathtaking and Impressive Townhouse in Valletta
Imagine an exceptionally large, fully modernised townhouse located in the historic city of Valletta offering panoramic views and all the comforts of contemporary living. This exceptional home spans over 400m² and is on the market for €3,200,000. Ref: 044913.
A Palatial Country House with Expansive Gardens in Gharghur
This country home is a rare find in Malta as the islands are known for its shortage on space. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and picture-perfect gardens on a plot of 605m² overlooking the pool and countryside, this impressive property is a masterpiece in modern design. Price on request. Ref: 045839
Cosmopolitan Living with Dreamy Sea Views
This furnished apartment in Sliema is on the market for €2,700,000, Ref: 303320. It is unique, contemporary and exquisitely furnished with the highest quality designer furniture and fittings. Located on the prestigious “Golden Mile”, it has a floor area of over 300m² with a 15m frontage.
Malta Property Market Trends & Buying Guidance
· Property demand remains strong, fuelled by both wealthy investors and families seeking lifestyle upgrades.
· Price ranges vary: starter homes in areas like Birzebbuga, Zejtun or on Gozo commences from about €175–240 k; mid-range apartments and maisonettes in Sliema or St Julian’s rent for €1k–2k/month.
· High-end homes such as seafront apartments, penthouses, villas can exceed several million euros.
· Renovations on older stone buildings may require upgrades to electrics, plumbing or insulation, but yield charming and profitable results.
A Haven for UK Expats
The recent scrapping of the UK’s non-dom tax status, along with rising capital gains and inheritance tax thresholds, is prompting more British entrepreneurs to look toward Malta. Compounding this scenario, at present, further developments are rumoured to be underfoot in the UK to introduce a further 2% tax on assets above £10 million.
Grahame Salt, director at Frank Salt Real Estate says the tax landscape is a major factor in this shift. “Malta doesn’t impose property or council taxes,” he notes. “There’s no inheritance tax, no wealth tax and income earned abroad is only taxable if brought into the country.” These favourable conditions have made Malta’s various residency schemes highly sought after by both EU and non-EU nationals. Increasingly, high-net-worth individuals are relocating to the islands, drawn not only by the tax incentives but also by the Mediterranean lifestyle and year-round sunshine.
The Advantages of Purchasing in One of Malta’s Special Designated Areas
Anyone can buy an unlimited number of properties in what is considered a Special Designated Area (SDA) in Malta or Gozo. What does this mean? Purchasing in a SDA means there is no curb on the number of properties that an individual can buy, no need for an AIP Permit and a property bought here can be rented out immediately. Because most properties in SDAs are of top quality and in excellent locations, these properties make excellent rentals and even better hedges against inflation with their consistent capital appreciation that outperforms traditional investment markets.
Takeaway
Malta is more than just sun and sea. It’s where ancient streets meet vibrant modern life – where a country estate can become your stylish home and a sleek Sliema apartment can deliver sea views along with your morning coffee. With excellent infrastructure, strong market fundamentals and a rich cultural past, Malta represents a rare chance to invest in a lifestyle and legacy that is unique in the Mediterranean and indeed in the EU.
If you are interested in exploring a huge array of properties offered for sale and rent in Malta, start your investigation via the Frank Salt Real Estate website at https://franksalt.com.mt
Get in touch.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
