Below are details of four properties new to the Malta property market.

Some of these are good for investment, some for full time living, while others are suitable for Malta holidays

Msida. Brand new apartments situated very close to the Malta University. A choice of one bedroom apartments with separate kitchen/living/dining room and modern shower room. Optional lock-up garage. Prices start from 81,500 Euros, ref: 10323 * 3 photographs available by email *

Malta Property

Malta

St. Julian’s. A very well kept 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 150m2 first floor apartment in a smart development located just off Spinola Bay, close to all amenities. Entrance hall, sitting/dining room, fitted kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, main bathroom, en suite shower and rear terrace. Lock-up garage included. 209,000 Euros, ref: 10337 * 3 photographs available by email *

Gharghur. First floor 3 bedroom 2 bathroom maisonette situated in a quiet residential area comprising hall, sitting/dining room, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, 3 double bedrooms (main with shower en suite), main bathroom, utility room, roof space and a two car garage. Specifications include air conditioning in all rooms and fitted kitchen. 244,000 Euros, ref: 10380 * 4 photographs available by email *

Qrendi. Converted double fronted house of character with an entrance hall, sitting room, large living room, dining room, fitted kitchen/breakfast room all overlooking a large garden measuring approx 300 sqm, 3 double bedrooms, bathroom and a large terrace. Large one car garage. 614,000 Euros, ref: 10340 * 4 photographs available by email *

For Malta news and a Malta blog visit yourmalta.com

A large part of Malta’s GDP derives from tourism, and incoming investment for Malta property is high - so reports on the BBC News about the island having problems with the number of illegal immigrants through the sheer numbers involved for a small island to cope with, coupled with stories of frequent tragedies in the Med as the would be immigrants try to make their way to Italy and end up close to Malta, plus what happens to those who do make it to Malta doesn’t sit comfortably with Malta projecting herself as the ideal Mediterranean holiday island.

The Mediterranean off Malta is a mecca for holidaymakers - and Malta is a welcome sight for immigrants...

And it’s caused friction on the island, with the far right treating it like manna from heaven to further their nationalist cause and making it their number one political issue, while church groups and humanitarians concern themselves with the welfare of the new arrivals, to the derision of some of the local population, some of whom show more concern for a stray cat than a fellow human being’s suffering because of where they originated from.

It’s not just Malta - Canary Island tourists have been shocked as bodies of would be immigrants are pulled out of the sea. It’s an unfortunate situation as migrants from North Africa attempt to brave the rough seas for a chance at a better life in Europe. Despite the news that others before them haven’t made it, they still choose to risk their lives on a journey over the sea in search of a new home.

The Journey from North Africa to Europe

The journey from Africa to Europe isn’t an easy trek. The conditions these migrants travel in are cause for alarm. Makeshift boats are overloaded with people seeking jobs and safety. They brave the unknown with hope of a better life, but many die before they ever reach land. Nearly 10,000 people have died at sea over the last 20 years as they tried to escape Africa. This includes adults and children alike.

These would be immigrants make poor decisions in their desperation. They pay smugglers to board them onto tiny boats with no guarantee for their safety. They use flimsy boats, go days without food or water and are exposed to the blazing sun for long periods of time. They are reported to have dehydration and hypothermia by the time they arrive. If they don’t die from the harsh conditions of the trip itself, the weather presents a problem. Unexpected storms and other poor weather conditions are often the cause of overturned boats.

Worse yet is when the group loses one of its own along the way. Bodies are dumped overboard, not only to allow more room for the other passengers, but also to avoid the smell from the deteriorating bodies. Some people go missing entirely and their bodies are never found.

Holidaymakers Find Bodies in the Sea

Holidaymakers sometimes find these migrants in the water as was witnessed earlier this year in the Canary Islands. Fishermen have pulled living people out of the water, while others have discovered dead bodies floating along. People enjoying their holidays are alarmed to find survivors in the wate trying to make land - and to their credit many of the tourists waded in to pull them to safety. Survivors who make the trip are usually in poor health and are visibly upset.

Malta’s Plan for Dealing with Immigrants

Malta depends to a degree on tourism for their economy. They need holidaymakers to continue booking trips. It’s important for Malta to have some control over the immigrants arriving from North Africa, both dead and alive. North Africans who choose to make this journey present a problem for the Maltese whether they make it alive or not.

Illegal immigrants need jobs and homes. They need help building new lives. Those who don’t survive the trip also pose problems. Bodies are rescued from the sea repeatedly. There is a strong concern not only for the health and safety of the Africans seeking a new home, but also over protecting Malta’s image to the public.

It has been argued that immigrants are wrongly detained for 18 months once they arrive in Malta. Some think that the Africans have suffered from poor living conditions and a life-threatening trip so they should be allowed their freedom. While this may be the humane thing to do, it does also encourage others to attempt to cross the sea for want of a better life. A long term plan to reduce the fatalities on the Mediterranean is to closely monitor the waters for these small boats and provide more aid to North Africa to improve their living situations at home to try and slow the rate of immigrants down.

But the problem will undoubtedly remain that, a problem, for some time to come.

We’ve noticed some press reviews and articles about Malta recently, and here are some extracts with links to the original sources if you would like to read the whole story:

From everestnews.com

Most believe only two European countries have not planted their flags on Mt. Everest’s summit, but if three Maltese men have their way that number will soon be down to one. If they are successful, the three will be the first people from Malta to summit the tallest mountain in the world. This would leave Cyprus as the only European country to have never been represented at the top of Everest. The men, Marco Cremona, Greg Attard and Robert Gatt just began their year of serious training for the dangerous attempt. They named their expedition Challenge8000, referring to the “death zone” which begins 8000 meters above sea level where oxygen levels are so low life cannot be sustained for long.

To read more click here

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From maltatoday.com

Malta is among those countries in serious trouble with a 9% price fall, and is joined in this category by Iceland (16%), Ireland (12%), Ukraine (12%), Portugal (8%), France (8%) Finland (7%), Norway (6%) and Spain (6%).

Globalpropertyguide’s verdict is that after a crash housing markets take years to reach full recovery and that no real recovery is likely in the global housing markets this year. With the IMF predicting that the world economy will grow by 0.5% in 2009 (the lowest level in 60 years), and banks not becoming more willing to lend, the road ahead is tough.

Slowdown

Back in 2007, banks were already foreseeing a plateau in house prices after nearly four years of sharp rises in construction activity and prices.

But in the first quarters of 2008, the house price index fell by 0.8% – and when adjusted for inflation, by almost 5%. It was a nasty hit, considering that in 2004 the house price index had appreciated by 17% in real terms.

For more Malta property details visit maltaproperty.info

To read more of the article click here

This year the Mediterranean is battening down the hatches for what may be the worst year for travel for some time. That’s not to say every travel destination is suffering though. Malta recorded her best ever year for tourism in 2008. Visitors continue travelling to see its cultural and natural beauty.

A member of the European Union, Malta attributes its nearly 4 percent growth in its tourism sector to savvy marketing and increased traffic from low-cost airlines. The last quarter of 2008 showed a loss following the bank crisis and worldwide financial meltdown. Regardless, the overall trend of travel to Malta is on an upswing.

Both tourist and per capita expenditure in Malta were down a few percent. This is easily explained by the shift from packaged holiday deals to individual travel. Individual travel increased nearly 10 percent.

Mediterranean Malta Faces A Tourism Challenge

Economist Karm Farrugia believes that it’s impossible to increase the number of tourists per month. However, there are means to increase a tourist’s stay in Malta. By offering additional nights at a reduced cost, hotels make themselves more appealing to tourists with shrinking wallets.

Especially with non-five star Malta hotels, free or reduced rates for extra nights are the best way to compete in a tight market. This is also a great way to encourage tourists to spend money in Malta. Such strategies to extend the stay of visitors are working to increase overall revenue.

The budget for the Maltese tourism authority has increased by 3.5 million euros this year. With this increase comes a refocused approach to marketing. Some areas have been targeted with more funds as trends change. One of the most reliable sources of tourism in Malta is being reconsidered.

British tourists, the group that comprises the highest percentage of tourists in Malta, have been decreasing in numbers. The pound sterling has been losing value against the euro. This is making Malta less cost efficient, though British tourists still make up the highest percentage. Farrugia says that Malta needs to keep its focus on the British tourism market but shouldn’t increase funding. Flying into Malta airport are airlines already who provide cheap Malta flights

Tourists from other European countries have also been taking more holidays in Malta. Italy, Germany, France and Spain have all seen an increasing number of tourists heading to Malta. In response, tourism funding toward Europe has been increased by 50 percent. For the first time, the MTA will broadcast television advertisements in Italy, Germany and France.

One reason for continuing optimism for Maltese tourism is the relatively small size of it. In a crowded industry where many countries aim too high, Malta hotels keeps its necessary room count low. This makes sustainability much easier.

In order to stay ahead, though, the MTA needs to increase their budget even more. A loss of 100,000 visitors could mean a potential loss of 50 million euros. By increasing the budget a mere 4 million euros, this can be avoided.

Malta is known as a destination for luxury, but it needs to reign in unruly guests that have plagued the island recently. It’s up to the MTA and hotel managers to assess this problem jointly. By working together, they can ensure that the industry maintains the high standard that is expected of the island.

It is also known as a spot for tourists to learn English. This explains its continuing popularity among students. Tourism has increased over the past two years in this key demographic.

As long as the MTA learns to refocus its assets and keeps standards high, Malta will continue to be a leader in world tourism. As other areas fall to a down economy, Malta must strategically market itself to new countries while remaining attractive to old favourites. The trends indicate that the country is thinking ahead and is ready for the challenges she faces for getting more people to take Malta holidays.

Some properties just come to the market.

To request full details of what is available on the Malta property market click through to Malta property

Pembroke. A second floor apartment forming part of a gated community set in a very central location. Accommodation consists of an entrance hall, open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room with balcony enjoying partial sea views, 2 twin bedrooms, 1 bathroom and optional lock up garage. Specifications include a modern fitted kitchen including appliances. Ready to move into. 123,400 Euros * 3 photographs available by email * ref: 10028

New Malta Property

Birkirkara. A well kept first floor apartment situated in a quiet residential area. Accommodation comprises hall, sitting room, fitted kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, front and rear terrace. 135,800 Euros * 3 photographs available by email * ref: 10102

Lija. Tucked away in this sought after village lies this quaintly converted house of character having spacious accommodation in the form of a welcoming hall, fitted kitchen/breakfast room leading on to a 15ft central courtyard and lounge/dining room. Upstairs are 3 double bedrooms and a bathroom plus a private roof. 198,000 Euros * 3 photographs available by email * ref: 10061

Zabbar. New to the market this semi converted typical Maltese house of character enjoys numerous featues and bright accommodation inclusive of a Remissa entrance hall, central courtyard, fitted kitchen, sitting/dining room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a cellar. Good potential to create a lovely family home at a very attractive price. 207,000 Euros * 5 photographs available by email *
ref: 10107

Naxxar. Exceptionally well finished and luxurious first floor maisonette with large sitting/dining area with functional fireplace and terrace, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), 2 utility rooms and half ownership of roof. 244,500 Euros * 5 photographs available by email * ref: 10130

Sangwann. Ideal for the entertainer! Over 100 meters of outside terraces with spectacular sea and country views, this large penthouse also enjoys its own airspace. Accommodation consist of a large entrance hall, large sitting room, fitted kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), separate study and garage. 349,000 Euros * 4 photographs available by email * ref: 10027

Mosta. A beautifully converted house of character set in a central location full of characteristic features having an exceptional layout in the form of an entrance hall, dining room, fitted kitchen/brealfast room and L-shaped living room leading to a garden/pool area. Upstairs to 2 double bedrooms, main bathroom, en suite shower, an additional area that can be converted into a 3rd bedroom. The property is ready for immediate occupation. 685,0000 Euros * 4 photographs available by email * ref: 10040

Mosta House Of Character

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