by Roderick Mallia
ON-Site Property Services
www.on-site.advice.com.mt

Malta enjoys a very appealing climate, the perfect reason to pack your bags and enjoy the heart-warming glow of sunshine! The weather is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. It has no mountains or rivers but simply a series of hills with terraced fields on the slopes.

The Maltese summers enjoy the warm glow of sunshine for up to 12 hours per day (or more!), with an average temperature of 28 degrees C. Daytime temperatures are often moderated by cooling sea breezes, but in spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity. This is known as the Sirocco or, in Maltese, the Xlokk - where the air is generally drier because of the short sea track from the African coast.

June is an excellent time of year to come as the summer season is just getting into full swing and it is not too hot. July through to September are the peak summer months, average temperature is 30 degrees F. August is the hottest of these months when the temperature sores to above 40 degrees C/104 degrees F. This is also the busiest time of the year when the island is wonderfully brimming with nightlife and tourists.

For those seeking a more peaceful visit, October is recommended - the temperatures are bearable, the sun still shines but the island is settling back to a normal pace again. The winters are mild, with an average temperature of 12 degrees C (54 degrees F.) and a daily average of 5 - 6 hours of sunshine. The annual rainfall is low, averaging 578 mm a year. Spring is a season full of smiles and surprises, with a touch of rain and some gorgeous balmy days.

The mild climate also invites you to spend more time practising your favourite sports...your activities will rarely ever be interrupted by rain. The largest sporting complex on the island has sufficient facilities to keep you active for days. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 17 tennis courts, 5 squash courts, an 18-hole mini-golf course, a cricket pitch and billiard tables. Most five-star hotels have luxurious fitness clubs within their grounds and the National Pool complex is strategically located in the heart of the island, thus highlighting the importance of healthy contemporary-living.

The Maltese islands boast the perfect spots for scuba-diving, yachting, fishing, and various other water-sports. Nature lovers will have plenty to keep them busy, and, of course you will also find some spectacular beaches, walking paths, excellent restaurants, a blossoming art culture, idyllic wine bars and cafes, and great shopping. The island offers a peaceful way of life and it is one of the few places left where one can walk safely at night. It enjoys political stability, a democratic government and a low crime-rate.

With over 7,000 years of standing history, you will find a plethora of museums and historical sites dating back to the copper age. What makes the Maltese Islands so unique is that so much of their past is visible today...a journey of historical richness that invites you to live passionately, in the flow of the present.

One of the largest and most innovative hospital developments in Europe, the Mater Dei Hospital, is expected to be operational in the near future and will also incorporate teaching and research facilities. A permanent resident may reap the benefits of enjoying free medical and surgical treatment in Government hospitals, health centres and district clinics.

Residency

If one settles in Malta and becomes a permanent resident, Malta offers an interesting taxation package that comes with many benefits.

- A flat rate of only 15% income tax on imported funds, therefore all income remitted or generated locally is subject to this rate (less any personal allowances).

- The minimum tax payable is Lm1,800 per annum. Overseas capital funds invested locally are only taxed on interest or dividends paid thereon.

- Applicants must simply produce evidence of an annual income of Lm10,000 (ten thousand Maltese Liri) or over, or capital assets of Lm150,000 (one-hundred fifty Maltese Liri). In either case, it is not necessary for the whole amount to be brought into the country.

- If a property is purchased locally, then the value is also incorporated with this capital requirement.

- Double taxation agreements exist with a number of countries, ensuring that taxes are not paid twice.

Buying property

If you consider living in Malta, we recommend that you first rent a property so that you can get a feel for the 'island lifestyle'. Once your mind is made up and you decide that you would like to live there you have to consider the following before you start looking for property:

- The size of property

- Where are you used to living or would you prefer to live?

- Services, transport and amenities

- How are you going to finance the purchase?

- Determine your style - a modern or character home?

- What type of property do you like?

- Hobbies which require space

Once all the above criteria have been satisfied and you find the perfect home, the next steps would be the following:

- A preliminary agreement or promise of sale must be signed, against a forfeitable deposit of 10% of the value of the property.

- The term of the agreement is valid for 3 months, unless otherwise stated.

- During this period, the notary researches the property and verifies legal title, assuring himself that there are no outstanding debts, hypothecs, or loans on the property.

- The purchaser must honour all his conditions contained in the promise of sale agreement - i.e. bank loan and building permit applications, within specified timeframes.

- The same goes for the vendor, who must ensure that finishing and refurbishing works are carried out according to the conditions stated in the agreement.

The expenses

- Stamp Duty - 5% of immovable property price.

- Notary Public - Approximately 1% of the immovable property price is due to the notary, who is usually chosen by the purchaser and is paid on contract.

- Acquisition of Immovable Property Permit (AIP) upon a fee of Lm100. This permit is granted within the 3 month term of the promise of sale agreement and is applied for by the notary, during his researches.

The contract

Once every condition of the promise of sale agreement is complete and all duties fulfilled, all parties get together to sign the final deed and the keys of the property are passed on to the purchaser. Et voila...a warm welcome to your new home in the Maltese Islands!

Why Malta? A summary

- The beautiful sunshine. Apart from the odd rainy spells, the islands are blessed with a mild climate all year round.

- A relaxed lifestyle.

- A high standard of living. Prices are very reasonable throughout and therefore, your money goes further.

- You still get your pension. If you move to Malta from a country in the EU, you can have your state pension paid to your new 'local' bank account.

- Travel - with 27 x 14.5km of travelling space, one can 'cross-country' in just over an hour's drive. Wherever you are, the most convenient thing is that amenities surround you. Commuting for an endless number of hours is something you can blissfully wave goodbye to.

- The benefits of a bi-lingual society. English is our second language.

- You'll be in warm and friendly company. Thousands of people before you have already bought a home in Malta and are more than happy to welcome their new neighbours.

- Malta has an excellent medical service which, if you are a European citizen, is free of charge.

- Living in the jewel of the Mediterranean. Malta is just over a couple of hours away from most European countries.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MALTA

www.maltavista.net

A map of Malta indicating most towns and villages in Malta and Gozo. Superb photos!

www.mta.com.mt

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is the tourism industry's regulator and motivator, its business partner, and the country's brand promoter, providing potential visitors to the Islands with the information required prior and during their visit to the Maltese Islands.