With its location in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta
is well used to being invaded, back as far as the Romans.
However, the next invasion of the island won't be by bloodthirsty
empire builders but by property investors attracted by its
history, climate and prices that are among the cheapest in
Europe . . . but not for long, warns Shane McGinley
Where is it?
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean
Sea south of Sicily the Republic of Malta consists of seven
islands, although only three are inhabited: Malta, Gozo and
Comino.
What's so special about it?
With its location in the Mediterranean, across
shipping lanes, the island, much like Gibraltar, has always
been an attraction for invaders looking to control it. Everyone
from the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, the Turks, Napoleon
and the British ruled Malta. It eventually gained independence
in 1964, but is also part of both the Commonwealth and the
EU.
Best kept secrets: The population
of Malta is estimated at only 404,039 and the small capital
of Valletta is home to only 6,315 people. However the island
is far from lonely as the population density is recorded as
1,282 per square kilometre, which is one of the highest in
the world. For tourists, the island has proved equally popular.
1,124,233 people visited Malta in 2006 and it ranks as the
49th most popular tourist destination. The number of foreigners
buying in Malta has grown by 35% in recent years.
Who lives here?
Malta has been the backdrop for many movie
epics, most recently the blockbuster Troy, starring Brad Pitt,
Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom. The island was home to actor
David Niven.
What's the property market like?
Over the last few years property prices have
been growing in Malta, especially since it joined the EU.
Traditionally, annual growth was 8% but it has risen to 12%-15%
recently.
In January 2008 Malta is due to switch over
to the euro and many agents have predicted that it will lead
to an upward rise in prices this year. In its predictions
for 2007, Knight Frank Residential Research put Malta's growth
rate at 12.5%.
How do you go about buying property?
For local development there are many English
newspapers such as The Malta Financial and Business Times
and The Malta Independent. There are many local agents and
it is safest to use those accredited by the Federation of
Estate Agents in Valletta, the Federation of Overseas Property
Developers, Agents and Consultants or the Association of International
Property Professionals. There are some restrictions on buying.
EU citizens can only buy one property in Malta or Gozo, except
in the 'Specially Designated Areas' [SDAs], where there are
no limits. These are usually upmarket areas where prices are
growing fastest and demand is highest.
Properties outside the SDAs can only be used
for personal use and a second property can only be bought
after residing on the island for five years. When buying the
first step is to get a notary and once a property has been
chosen they will set up the agreement. Upon signing, a deposit
of 10% is usually paid.
Where are the best places to buy?
The SDAs are located around Portomaso, Cottonera
Waterfront and Sellum Village upmarket areas where rental
return is good and demand for property high. The Northern
part of the island around Bugibba, St Paul's Bay and Qawra
are very popular for holiday apartments. Gozo, the smaller
island, has been enjoying growing popularity as it is more
rural and quieter than Malta.
What's the rental market like?
The Global Property Guide reports that on
average rental yields are around 6.9% for properties in Valetta
and a little higher in Gozo. Because of the recent building
boom there is an over supply of apartments, therefore rental
yields have been stagnant for about 10 years and have gone
down in some areas.
Foreigners can only rent their property if
it is valued over 233,800, it has a pool and it is officially
registered with the Hotel and Catering Establishments Board.
Foreigners can also only rent their properties on a short
term basis. The best rental properties are two-bed apartments
at least 120sq m and situated in the SDAs.
What's the resell market like?
Foreigners can only sell their Maltese properties
to Maltese citizens. They can only sell to other foreign nationals
if a Maltese or EU buyer is unavailable.
What type of property is available?
Recently the Malta Environment Planning Authority
(MEPA) removed building height restrictions in some areas,
which has seen a lot of houses being sold to make way for
apartments. For rental purposes farmhouses have proved to
be better investments.
Average property prices?
Apartments at Marina development Portomaso
start from 315,000 for a studio and rise to 990,000.
In other SDAs such as Sellum prices range
from 220,000 for a one-bed apartment. On average, a 120sq
m Maltese apartment in a good area costs about 1,957 per sq
m; making it one of cheaper areas in Europe.
What are the tax breaks?
Foreign buyers are subject to a withholding
tax of 25% on any rental income; however there is no property
tax and capital gains is 12%.
FAST FACTS
Getting there: Ryanair and Air Malta
Fly from Dublin
Area: 316 km2
Population: 404,039
Currency: Maltese Lira (1.00 MTL = 2.3) Euro in 2008.
Weather: Mediterranean temperate
climate with temperatures ranging from 15degreesC to 30degreesC.
Transport: The public bus service
is easy and quick.
Renting a car is a good idea as taxis are
expensive.
Ferries run regularly between Malta and Gozo
there is a boat service to Comino. There is one airport.
Going out: Malta's vibrant music
scene includes club DJs, the annual Maltafest and the international
Jazz Festival every July. The Manoel theatre in Valletta,
built in 1731, is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.
Eating out: A mixture of different
cultural in"uences.
Many specialities are Sicilian or Moorish
in origin.
Rabbit is very popular traditional dish.
Shopping: Markets are a frequent
site in small towns in Malta. Sliema and St Julian's are the
best for international shopping and Gozo is great for antique
stores.
www.sundaytribune.co.za
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