Malta - A Place in the Sun

Malta Ben Hillman

Ben Hillman is in Malta house hunting with Sharon and Nev from Salisbury, who love it there so much that they visit three times a year. The couple feel a strong connection to the island and hope to eventually move out permanently, but in the meantime enjoy family holidays in their new Maltese home. Ben has 5 great options lined up for their £160,000 budget, but will any be the dream for the couple?

Malta

What's the appeal?

Malta is a Mediterranean island smaller than the Isle of Wight, lying almost 60 miles South of Sicily and 180 miles East from the coast of North Africa. It’s one of the world’s smallest countries (27 kms long and 14.5 kms wide) and one of its most densely populated covering an area of 122 square miles with a population of over 460k. It became independent from the UK in 1964, though the George Cross still forms part of its national flag, and the Maltese drive on the left and use British plugs! Indeed, Brits still flock here and it has often been voted The summer season lasts more than half the year (8 months) notching up 34 degrees in the height of summer and dipping to an average of around 10 degrees in the depths of winter (average temp for year is 20 degrees).

Property 1

One-bed apartment in Cospicua

Our first property is a 10 minute walk from the waterside, and there is also a small corner shop at the top of the street. It is fully renovated with bags of character, but with modern touches to the interior. Inside is a living room, leading through to a separate large kitchen, with enclosed courtyard at the back. There’s also a double bedroom with an en suite, and a shower room.  This property is no longer available, see more from the agent here.

Valued at £170,909 at the time of filming.

Property 2

Three-bed apartment in Zabbar

A second floor apartment that is one of six in a block. At the front of the apartment is a balcony, and at the side is another off one of 3 double bedrooms. There’s also a large communal roof terrace. Inside, as well as the bedrooms, which are all good-sized doubles, is an elegant hallway leads to a dining room, and a spacious kitchen. Zabbar is Malta’s 6th largest city with a population of around 15k, it is picturesque with spectacular churches, pretty squares and cobbled side-streets. View more from the agent here

Valued at £168,182 at the time of filming.

Property 3

Two-bed apartment in Fgura

A recently completed new build apartment. Inside is a bright open plan living room, with a kitchen space and a balcony. Fgura has a similar population to Zabbar and lies less than a five minute drive or 15 minute walk from the  waterfront/ferry and a 15 minute drive from the airport. The property is no longer available, see more from the agent here.

Valued at £159,091 at the time of filming.

Property 4

One-bed apartment in Xghajra

Our fourth property is in the seaside village of Xghajra, which is only a 5 minute drive into Zabbar, 10 min drive to Marsascala and 20 minutes to the airport. The property is just 50 metres from the sea - it's a one-bedroom second floor apartment with two balconies and sea views. No longer available - see more from the agent.


 Valued at £159,091 at the time of filming.

Property 5

Three-bed apartment in Marscala

This property is a three bedroom, first floor apartment (with a lift) just moments away from the promenade. Inside it has a large living room with patio doors to a small balcony. There’s a good sized kitchen diner, a double bedroom leading out to a small courtyard and two more double bedrooms. No longer available - visit the agent's website here.

Valued at £163,363 at the time of filming.

 

Hot property

Five-bed property in Vittoriosa

Today’s luxury property is the ultimate in “old meets new” with a tastefully renovated Palazzo (Palazzo Vittoriosa) with more than 450 years of history, dating back to the ‘Great Siege of Malta’ in 1556, making it one of the most iconic and historic properties in Malta. Inside there's over 1000 square metres of living space. Upstairs has a spacious reception room and five gorgeous bedrooms, all en suite, and stretching over two more floors. A particularly quirky feature are the floating beds. Other features are underfloor heating throughout, technical intelligent lighting and concealed air conditioning.  View the property here.

Valued at £5,272,727 at the time of filming.