Where to live: Malta or Gozo?

It’s a question we often hear: where’s the best place to live, Malta or Gozo?

Of course, both Malta and Gozo have their pros and cons. Both have charming towns and villages. Both have a range of beautiful spots. Both historical areas to explore and enjoy.

Life on Gozo is admittedly slower than that in Malta, for a number of reasons, including the obvious fact that the island is much smaller.

Malta is busier because the majority of work and business is Malta, which has quickly developed into a fast-growing business hub – attracting a number of big names such international software developers, iGaming companies and British financial services institutions looking for a friendly foothold in the EU as a result of Brexit.

A number of studies have shown the Maltese Islands are fast-becoming a top location for buyers from overseas.

The islands are also ideal for those wanting to take advantage of excellent property investment opportunities, including new developments as well as traditional Maltese ‘houses of character’.

The fact that English is spoken, our weather is superb and living is generally easy are all strong pull factors to those wishing to settle on new soil.

Living in Malta

Malta is ‘the best place to live for expats’, according to a recent report published by International Living Magazine.
The research took into account a number of factors such as quality of life, climate, level of safety, low taxes, high standard of education and an excellent national health service.

Whether you’re looking to live in a quiet village near the sea such as Mgarr or whether you enjoy being close to the shops in the hub of activity in Sliema, Malta boasts good weather, good food and relaxed living.
Plus, the Maltese are renowned for being friendly and often go out of their way to help you.

Property Hot Spots in Malta

If you love to be in the heart of things, Sliema, St Julian’s San Gwann and Swieqi are for you.

All four busy towns boast a huge variety of restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs and hotels. Sliema is also a great place for clothes shopping and you’re never be very far away from a supermarket. In the south are the seaside towns of Marsaxlokk and Marsascala with beautiful views of the sea. Marsaxlokk is known for its fish market and it goes without saying that it boasts some of the best seafood restaurants on the island.

St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Xemxija and Mellieha are also popular with expats moving to Malta from overseas. Mellieha, in particular, has a community feeling with several sandy beaches and great places to eat out.

Living in Gozo

If you’re looking to live somewhere that moves at a slightly slower pace, Gozo is the place for you.
Gozo is full of restored traditional farmhouses, villas, quaint villages, apartments with amazing sea views and dramatic coastlines that are all just waiting to be explored.

Gozo is often described as Malta’s sister island but, like all sisters, they each have their own unique personality.
Gozo covers an area of 67km2 it has a population of around 31,000 and is less developed and more rural than Malta.

The island comes complete with historic sites, forts and stunning panoramas, as well as one of the world’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija.
Looking at the island as an investor, there are many great reasons to buy a property in Gozo, and there’s never been a better time than now.

Gozo also fits around your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for somewhere quiet to live in a small village such as Ghasri, or an apartment in the centre of the buzzing capital of Victoria. Gozo has it all.

Property Hot Spots in Gozo

Property in Gozo is generally cheaper than in Malta. Where else could you find a three-bedroom apartment with amazing sea views for less than €90,000?
Gharb and Ghajnsielem are the most popular locations to move to in Gozo, according to a recent study by PwC, overtaking the seaside resorts of Xlendi and Marsalforn.

Property-seekers will find a choice of homes in Gozo and can opt for restored farmhouses tucked away in the quieter areas, or can choose from a number of new, modern properties which look on to some of the island’s breathtaking scenery.
The variety of properties available in Gozo is fantastic, which means that you’re highly likely to find what you’re looking for within your budget.

Gozo farmhouses are very popular because they’re part of the island’s tradition. Villas in Gozo are also a great choice for the luxury buyer, especially because they guarantee plenty of outdoor space

Many Maltese purchase a holiday home in Gozo, where they stay during the summer months. Many owners then rent out the property when they’re not there which helps as an extra source of income.

Gozo is also an ideal place to retire, especially for British pensioners who enjoy the warmer climate, Malta’s strong historic and cultural ties to Britain and the fact that everyone in Gozo speaks English.

Finally, Gozo is a very safe place to live. The crime rate on the island is very low. Fontana in Gozo has the lowest crime rate in the Maltese Islands, according to the latest figures. Only eight offences were reported in the town in 12 months, five of which were for ‘minor criminal damage’.

Gozo topped the most recent league table for safety with Kercem, San Lawrenz, Sannat and Ghasri making up the top five.

What about Covid?

The saying ‘there is no place like home’ is perhaps not so heart-warming a thought these days. After all, some of us have been locked down in our house for weeks on end.

The coronavirus pandemic, however, hasn’t had a huge impact on confidence in the Maltese property market.

A recent study found that three in five people plan on buying a new house in 2021 despite the pandemic.

The majority are said to be looking for a property with a value of less than €300,000 despite the current economic stress caused by the COVID pandemic.

The survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers Malta found the majority are looking for property with a value of less than €300,000.

David Valenzia from PwC said: ‘Historically the real estate market in Malta has been an important contributor to economic growth, and despite the significant economic disruption brought about by the current pandemic, the industry remains resilient on the back of strong consumer confidence, evidenced by the rate of real estate transactions experienced in the past months.

‘The PwC Market Survey will continue to monitor consumer sentiment in the property market as well as provide insights into changing trends that may occur in the future.’

What about Brexit?

British people owning property in Malta and Gozo need not worry about Brexit.

Despite the UK’s formal departure from the European Union in January 2021, British citizens living in Malta and Gozo continue to have the same residency rights as EU nationals.

The Ministry for Home Affairs in Valletta said this policy would continue for British expats ‘indefinitely and throughout their life provided they continue to satisfy the relative conditions’.

Why choose Gozo Prime?

All our staff are highly trained and passionate about property, offering you the best advice possible. When it comes to selling or letting your property, our marketing efforts will generate a lot of interest.

With a strong high street presence, strong For Sale signage and prominent advertising on social media, we give your property the best chance of coming to the attention of your ideal buyer or tenant.

We always place our customers first and strive to provide first-rate customer service when doing what we love: bringing people and property together.