Real Estate in Malta — An Online observation!

We were looking for apartment in 2012. From the list of 30-40 agents I received the answer from the half and we met with approx 10 agents later.

They are right - there is a big difference between online ads and real property, you must go and see it before. And the market is liquid, really - good apartments are gone quickly.

We had similar experience: we've seen around 70 apartments in our area (Msida/Gzira) and finally we've bought an apartment directly, without any agents. I had just seen the sign on the balcony and met with the owner.

The Maltese do not pay for a fish in the sea.

That is all the understanding you need.

Also, be careful of internet libel laws.

Sadly Smeddie your findings are the same as many who are planning to come here - service isnt top of their priority list - cash is!!!!!

Hi, just one thing about buying property in Malta. I have been told that as the inheritance laws in Malta are different to the UK, then it is advisable to make a will,under Maltese Law, if relevant, outlining who you want the property to go to.

Can anyone support or refute this?

toonarmy9752 wrote:

Sadly Smeddie your findings are the same as many who are planning to come here - service isnt top of their priority list - cash is!!!!!

Still nice to know Toon...

I agree with Mick about being aware and careful ofinternet libel laws and I am not really sure any of the responses you noted are that bad, they probably get lots of enquiries from people who are "thinking" about moving to Malta but they never make the move so they are just being cautious, I also dont think that very many people would actually take the risk of signing up for a rental apartment or house until they have viewed it and so that is why they dont take people seriously until they are in the country and have seen what is on offer.

Just my opinion and I am glad you found an apartment and from what I have seen of mantonas' posts on here he seems like a genuine, helpful friendly person so it was nice of him to sort this out for you, also it was lovely of toon and socialwhirl to offer to view places on your behalf, its good to see people helping each other out on this sometimes scary journey of living in another country.

redmik wrote:

Hi, just one thing about buying property in Malta. I have been told that as the inheritance laws in Malta are different to the UK, then it is advisable to make a will,under Maltese Law, if relevant, outlining who you want the property to go to.

Can anyone support or refute this?

yes, can either be Maltese will or codicil to a UK one

redmik wrote:

The Maltese do not pay for a fish in the sea.

That is all the understanding you need.

Also, be careful of internet libel laws.

I cant see where any of SMeddie stuff is libellous, its his opinion based on his experience.

What Is Defamation?

The publication or broadcast of any libellous or slanderous statement about an individual or business that can be proven to be false and published with the intention of harming that entity's reputation is considered to be defamation. Online defamation is the publication of such statements made on any Internet based media including blogs, forums, websites, and even social networking websites. While many Internet users believe that they are free to say and do as they like while on the Internet, this is untrue and the same defamation laws and regulations stand for online defamation as they do in any form of media.

tearnet wrote:

redmik wrote:

The Maltese do not pay for a fish in the sea.

That is all the understanding you need.

Also, be careful of internet libel laws.

I cant see where any of SMeddie stuff is libellous, its his opinion based on his experience.

What Is Defamation?

The publication or broadcast of any libellous or slanderous statement about an individual or business that can be proven to be false and published with the intention of harming that entity's reputation is considered to be defamation. Online defamation is the publication of such statements made on any Internet based media including blogs, forums, websites, and even social networking websites. While many Internet users believe that they are free to say and do as they like while on the Internet, this is untrue and the same defamation laws and regulations stand for online defamation as they do in any form of media.

I didn't say it was, I was just suggesting caution for others; as we know these threads can expand rapidly.

Great review Meddie!

I have experienced similar issues when dealing with estate agents while in Portugal until I met Lucy and dealt with her directly. I happy you like the apartment and I am pretty sure you and Lucy will get on really well.

And btw, in regards to Benfica, you lucky you only told me this now or I would not had help you (joking) Eheheheh

I look forward to meet you and your wife on the 1st of July. Have a safe journey!

Cheerio,
Antonio

rainbow3 wrote:

Just my opinion and I am glad you found an apartment and from what I have seen of mantonas' posts on here he seems like a genuine, helpful friendly person so it was nice of him to sort this out for you, also it was lovely of toon and socialwhirl to offer to view places on your behalf, its good to see people helping each other out on this sometimes scary journey of living in another country.

Thanks for your kind comments rainbow3. It's always a nice feeling when we can help someone and it's a pleasure for me.

Hi all

We just moved over in April, had come in November to do final checks, but told by all agents could not view or sign for anything then as did not know what had available, same when rang a few numbers from windows and times. Had similar thing when first moved to Spain, rented somewhere for 6 months then moved to place we really liked.

So booked into hotel for 4 nights, went to see Darren from dhalia first day we arrived, next day saw several places all within our pricing range. Next day went back to see our chosen one still liked it and signed the next day. Also he asked if could reduce by €25pm and landlord agreed. Would not have found this without him as our landlord never advertises in window etc, also flat had only be empty for 2 weeks Although used agency to find place have private landlord, pay rent etc direct to him, unlike Uk where often all payments done via agent.

Hope this is helpful, was not stressful at all but maybe that's because have done this sort of thing before!!

You are welcome:)

I can completely understand that they wouldn't be that bothered with anyone until they were there on the island viewing properties. And it's true that properties move fast in certain seasons.

It is a bit weird that most agents' websites advertise properties that are no longer available, but that just seems to be the way it is. I do sort of agree that if online services don't seem that informative then why would you bother going to their office, but that's from the point of view of having lived for years in a country where online means a lot.

I think in Malta person-to-person counts for more, and I can see advantages to that. In such a small place it makes sense, and word of mouth is much more effective. I mean, the fact that what's online doesn't seem true or accurate isn't such a big deal, taken in context of how the island works, and the importance of relationships.

I have use Property-line in St Julian,s twice to buy two apartments.
Just up from Park Tower supermarket.
Andrew was wonderful and so helpful in organizing everything to last detail and getting the snag list of things done for me when wasn't in Malta.
Tried about five real estate agents.
So many emails phone calls and no correspondence back.

mantonas wrote:

Great review Meddie!

I have experienced similar issues when dealing with estate agents while in Portugal until I met Lucy and dealt with her directly. I happy you like the apartment and I am pretty sure you and Lucy will get on really well.

And btw, in regards to Benfica, you lucky you only told me this now or I would not had help you (joking) Eheheheh

I look forward to meet you and your wife on the 1st of July. Have a safe journey!

Cheerio,
Antonio

Toni -  Haahaa – I am sure we will talk Benfica when I am in Malta in two weeks.

Thanks Again!

Rocking Ken wrote:

toonarmy9752 wrote:

Sadly Smeddie your findings are the same as many who are planning to come here - service isnt top of their priority list - cash is!!!!!

Still nice to know Toon...

absolutely  - i wasnt taking anything away from the content

of course agents can do what they want and generally do - and am sure it is sound reasoning but to advertise properties that they know arent available is false advertising. a few days or weeks maybe but all year round for the last 5 years and then some.

When we were looking to move from our old house (dark and damp in winter) we contacted a local agent who sent us details of the house we were living in! Still on their books and being marketed 18 months later!!! No mention of the damp that was one of the reasons the previous tenant moved out.
Most agents we found were pretty unprofessional and only wanted to show you high rent properties and generally ignored any requests with regard to preferences.

Terry

tearnet wrote:

When we were looking to move from our old house (dark and damp in winter) we contacted a local agent who sent us details of the house we were living in! Still on their books and being marketed 18 months later!!! No mention of the damp that was one of the reasons the previous tenant moved out.
Most agents we found were pretty unprofessional and only wanted to show you high rent properties and generally ignored any requests with regard to preferences.

Terry

spot on terry

I just wanted to thank Smeddie and everyone else for contributing on this thread.  We've just started this process, so it's really great information.

bh73 wrote:

I just wanted to thank Smeddie and everyone else for contributing on this thread.  We've just started this process, so it's really great information.

It's also a good opportunity to 'showcase' toons' list of Hints and Tips for those wanting to rent in Malta.

Excellent list........pm toon for updates

Good Luck

MikeInPoulton wrote:

bh73 wrote:

I just wanted to thank Smeddie and everyone else for contributing on this thread.  We've just started this process, so it's really great information.

It's also a good opportunity to 'showcase' toons' list of Hints and Tips for those wanting to rent in Malta.

Excellent list........pm toon for updates

Good Luck

cheers guys - its always available for updates privately

bh73 wrote:

I just wanted to thank Smeddie and everyone else for contributing on this thread.  We've just started this process, so it's really great information.

Bh73 – No worries!

Just look around and ask these guys as often as possible. More helpful advice is on this forum and you won't go wrong.

Thanks
Smeddie