Out with the Old and in with the New? Exploring Traditional and Modern Properties in Malta.

Out with the Old and in with the New? Exploring Traditional and Modern Properties in Malta.

Whilst taking a stroll around Malta, you’ll see an abundance of cranes making way to new property developments on the island. Property in Malta continues to boom as this island’s popularity continues to increase. If you’re looking to move to Malta and planning to purchase a property, there is a wide variety to choose from. The age-old question remains, is it better to buy an older property or purchase a modern one instead? This all boils down to personal preference but, it can be difficult to decide as they both have their advantages and disadvantages. In reality, it all depends on what you’re willing to put up with and your aims towards your new property. Keep on reading to discover which property type is most suited to you!

 

Traditional Maltese Houses

 

The Good

 

Older properties are idealised for a reason – it’s impossible not to fall in love with the worn-out stone and traditional, coloured balconies. I’m fortunate enough to live a beautiful house of character in the South of the island. It’s magnificent and I often find myself looking up towards the beamed ceiling. It truly is like living in a museum as you’re surrounded by so much history. You may discover that a Knight used to live there! It seems like there is always something new to discover.

 

Traditional Maltese houses tend to be particularly spacious as they were built during a time when the island wasn’t so densely populated. You tend to feel more comfortable in a larger living space because you don’t feel so cramped. You easily relax in your living room or bedroom without feeling the need to escape. If you’re lucky enough, you may also find a property with a beautiful rooftop garden so you can sit outside and sunbathe during the Summer, away from all the busy crowds.

 

In the light of busy crowds, you’ll find that most houses of character are away from bustling areas. You can enjoy sweet serendipity in the comfort of your own home. You’re guaranteed to get better value for money if you look away from the bustling areas of Sliema and St. Julian’s. If you’re someone that relishes the peace and quiet, then you’ll adore living in a traditional Maltese house.

 

The Bad

 

As with everything, you’ll also find disadvantages. It’s up to you to decide whether you are willing to live with these disadvantages. It’s no surprise that older houses require a lot more maintenance and this will be no easy feat. This could end up costing you more money in the long run, especially if the property hasn’t been habited for a while. For a start, you’ll need to check all the electricity and water systems and ensure they are adequate and safe. It’s most likely you’ll need the help of an expert when it comes to these matters. It’s always best to check the structural features of the house as you don’t want any nasty surprises either.

 

What could be an advantage for some individual, could be perceived as a disadvantage for others. Traditional Maltese houses are more spacious, but that also means that more cleaning is required. A lot of care and attention is needed, especially as some features of the house may be more delicate. If you’re also not willing to commute a long distance to work, then you can more or less forget purchasing an older house, unless you’re lucky enough to find a job close by. Your property should ideally fit around the lifestyle you want!

 

Modern Properties

 

The Good

 

If you’re a no-fuss type of person, purchasing a brand-new property may be just for you. Let’s face it, you’re not going to own a characteristic exterior, but there’s no reason you can’t bring character to the inside with your interior design. If anything, it’s probably a lot easier to design modern houses as they’re simpler. There are fewer nooks and crannies, but more clean and smooth lines which are easier to work around with. That doesn’t mean you can’t create a beautiful home with an older house if you’re up for the challenge! It’s simply a matter of how much you’re willing to take.

 

Modern properties will always be a lot easier to maintain. There are no questions about this! It’s very unlikely that you will need to refurbish anything as most modern apartments in Malta are only a couple of years old. Everything should be fit for purpose. You could even be the first person that has owned your newly purchased property! Maintenance costs will remain low and you only need to worry about decorating your new property. Speaking about low maintenance costs, modern properties are also energy efficient so you shouldn’t bear the brunt of costs here either. They’re built in such a way that energy costs are reduced, such as investment in double-glazed windows and light-facing windows.

 

If location is a major factor for you, then purchasing a modern apartment is the way to go. You’ll most probably be near to stores, bars and restaurants so you can never get bored. You could be only walking distance away from the beach if you purchase a modern property around the Sliema area. You’ll truly be enjoying the island getaway life!

 

The Bad 

 

As you can imagine, if you choose to live in a highly populated area, it’s going to be very built-up. Malta has turned into somewhat of a construction haven, so it’ll be quite hard to find some peace and quiet with all the new buildings going up. Noise pollution could also be a problem in some areas. It’s up to whether you know if you can tolerate this or not. Some people relish their privacy, so living close to so many others could be a drawback. However, if you’re the type of person that loves living in the middle of it all, then this certainly is not going to be a disadvantage for you.

 

If space is an issue for you, then living in a modern apartment may not be the best choice, especially if you have a family. Modern properties tend to be a lot smaller than traditional Maltese houses. However, you’ll find modern properties that are larger, but you’ll notice the difference in value. On the other hand, you may be someone that would much prefer living in a smaller property because you favour the minimalist lifestyle. It’s all up to personal preference!

 

So, there we have it. A comparison of the good, the bad and the ugly (not really)! Traditional Maltese houses and modern properties each have their own characteristics. It’s down to the buyer to choose which they prefer. Why not take some time to visit a range of properties to get a feel of where you’ll be most comfortable living? Here, at Zanzi Homes, you can always talk to one of our sales specialists who can help find your ideal home to suit all your needs.

Yana Walker
Written By

Yana Walker