What makes a luxury property in Malta?

Highly finished, exquisitely decorated, magnificent views, all the comforts and many more beautifying adjectives come together to provide you with what you could envision as the idyllic luxury property of your dreams. Real estate agents promote what they believe to be the most sought after aspects of any property and are likely to accompany their colored jargon with as many colored images to prove their point. But what makes a luxury Maltese property after all?

Is it stable in the rear that is required or would the marble floors be enough to elevate it to the luxury category? As with all other matters, the issue of luxury property in Malta is highly subjective, but only up to a point. A three-bedroom apartment on one side of the harbor can cost only a fraction of what another three-bedroom apartment on the opposite side might cost. So everything depends on the perception that people have of any place, their environment, the people who inhabit it, etcetera, etcetera. Some of the most sought after areas can be as central as Attard or as facing the sea as Sliema, nearby St Julians or in the open countryside such as Wardija or Bidnija. Gozo is another level altogether and, like many areas around Malta, the most amazing properties can be comfortably located in the heart of some of the most peaceful, low-key and low-key towns for any passing visitor. Today, Maltese luxury properties come packed with a few basic elements that may or may not include certain common criteria, depending on the type of building in question. Think beachfront apartments – a definite need is air conditioning, possibly also energy-saving solar panels that would also serve to maintain underfloor heating. Beachfront apartments should have a view and the more visible it is from all windows and / or balconies, the better. Outdoor space is a definite must and the bigger the deck, the more opportunities to socialize and invite friends to enjoy the view. The higher the apartment, the more value added it has, and this should require an escalator. Inside, fireplaces often add value, as do double glazing and wooden parquet floors. Diametrically opposed on the scale of luxury, we find houses of character and / or ancient palaces.

This category of properties is all about character, character, and even more character. The owner must feel as if they have gone back in time without giving up any of the luxuries of today. So location tends to be important, but again a prospective homeowner might be willing to forgo that if the property offers special features such as a large mature garden or orchard, a large well, high ceilings, and exposed beams. wood, traditional handmade tile floors, regal staircases, wooden balconies, space for a swimming pool and the possibility of a landscaped outdoor space either at the front or rear of the building. Somewhere in the middle we come to farms that may be as run down as possible but could be converted or maybe already well converted. Once again the level of character comes into play and while the surrounding greenery would be desired, things like an old birthing chamber, original flagstone floors, circular stone-carved staircases, a wine cellar, a well, a mill room and maybe even a ranch. The modern style interior courtyard would increase the price range by another zero.

In all cases, the possibility of having your own garage is another highly desirable thing, especially since it is becoming increasingly difficult to find parking spaces on the islands. A larger garage or basement area that could hold more cars and possibly a boat or two as well is an added bonus. It may seem like a lot to ask for on islands as small as Malta and Gozo, but visitors are again and again amazed at the levels of luxury that some homes on these islands can boast.