What makes a luxury property in Malta?

Highly finished, exquisitely decorated, magnificent views, all the comforts and many more beautifying adjectives come together to give you what you could envision as the idyllic luxury property of your dreams. 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 at the rear which is required or would the marble floors be enough to elevate it to the luxury category? As in all other matters, the subject of luxury properties in Malta is very subjective, but only to a certain extent. 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, its environment, the people who inhabit it, etc., etc. Some of the most sought after areas can be as central as Attard or as sea facing as Sliema, nearby St Julians or in the countryside as Wardija or Bidnija. Gozo is another level and like many areas around Malta, the most amazing properties can be nestled comfortably in the heart of some of the most tranquil villages, low key and unobtrusive to any passing visitor. Today, Maltese luxury properties come packaged with a few basics that may or may not include certain common criteria, depending on the type of building in question. Think beachfront apartments: a definite must is air conditioning, possibly also energy saving solar panels which would also serve to maintain underfloor heating. Oceanfront apartments must 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 larger the deck, the more opportunities to socialize and invite friends over to enjoy the view. The higher the apartment, the more added value it has, and this must 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 with character and/or old palaces.

This category of properties is all about character, character and even more character. The owner must feel as if he has stepped back in time without giving up any of today’s luxuries. So location tends to be important, but then again, a prospective owner might be willing to give that up if the property offers special features, such as a large mature garden or orchard, a large well, high ceilings and exposed beams. wooden, traditional Handmade tiled floors, regal stairs, wooden balconies, space for a swimming pool and the possibility of an outside landscaped space either in the front or back of the building. Somewhere in the middle we come to farms that may be as dilapidated as possible but could be converted or are perhaps already well converted. 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 hall and maybe even a farm. The modern style interior patio would increase the price range by another zero.

In all cases, the possibility of having your own garage is another very desirable thing, especially since it is 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 some homes on these islands can boast.