Moving to Malta

14POSTS

9 years ago

So to put everything in perspective, here is my issue. Over the past months, I've been thinking about moving back to Malta.聽 For some time, I've been checking the agency websites and found loads of places which I thought that would fit within my budget.聽 And I've applied for a job, and I got it.聽

You can imagine how I was really looking forward to move back "to my home-country" after a spate of unemployment (7 years not working due to bad economy where I live) and I was also thinking of moving all my kit, and also my beloved cat.聽 Since then I've started looking seriously to rent an apartment - budget of 500鈧� for a 1 bedroom property in villages in the southern part of Malta.聽 After this week, I feel so disappointed.聽 I've emailed loads of estate agencies and I got only 1-2 replies.聽聽People who promise to reply back and they don't - I mean they can't even bother with a standard email to let you know that they don't have any property.聽 Reading this forum, I've discovered that it wasn't only me who has encountered such issues.聽 One agency with a British estate agent - I had to bug her to reply and all she said was that the budget is quite low since property is in high demand and prices have increased.聽 When I mentioned the cat, she has literally written me off.聽 I upped the prices by 600鈧� and still nothing.聽 Some other places in the North have been asking rent prices of 900鈧�.聽 One person kind of laughed at me when I told him about my requirements.聽 Is this for real?聽

Then I've also read that estate agencies don't update their sites and are usually showing wrong prices most of the time.聽 Actually I'm quite lucky as the salary for the job is slightly in the above average range but all in all moving there, will leave me with just about 300鈧� monthly in spending money (after bills, food, petrol, rent).聽

To be honest, I've always hated the Maltese way of doing business.聽 The answer is never a plain yes or no but it lies somewhere in between.聽 It is true that Maltese including myself come across as friendly and helpful but I'm thinking that this isn't enough to get on in real life.聽 In the meantime, I also got another job opportunity (temporary) in Surrey - it isn't my ordinary line of work but well the pay is better.聽

I'm sorry to speak like this about my country but it feels bad to be priced out like this.聽 I feel really bad, and I'm starting to wander if it is worth all the hassle.聽 What do you think?

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Chalks1 Active member

55POSTS

9 years ago

Just arrive here the agencies are a waste of time most of their listings are obsolete anyway. I walked into a town in Gozo went for a coffee and was asked what I was doing there I looked around and said 'I think I'm looking for somewhere to live'. 10 minutes later a lady arrive showed me a聽 3 bedroomed apartment 300 euros a month. I moved there in May. Good luck but don't stress out.

F0xgl0ve Malta Expert

1976POSTS

9 years ago

Chalks1 wrote:
Just arrive here the agencies are a waste of time most of their listings are obsolete anyway. I walked into a town in Gozo went for a coffee and was asked what I was doing there I looked around and said 'I think I'm looking for somewhere to live'. 10 minutes later a lady arrive showed me a聽 3 bedroomed apartment 300 euros a month. I moved there in May. Good luck but don't stress out.

You'll have to start a local agency聽 at your teashop in Gharb!

We might be looking again soon!

Ray

Delfinita78 Active member

31POSTS

9 years ago

Post your requirement on the Facebook pages like apartment in Malta etc....There you will get up to date offers and surely within your budget. I also recommend Quicklets they are very helpful and friendly. I am currently looking for a flat myself and moving to Malta next week. I already have some appointments for viewings.聽 Don't bother looking at agency websites they are indeed outdated.
I would a be a bit concerned that you only have around 300 euros for living, seems not a lot considering that Malta is not that cheap.
Good luck!

Chalks1 Active member

55POSTS

9 years ago

HaHa thats all I need more stuff to do

GozoMo Malta Expert

2211POSTS

9 years ago

Delfinita78 wrote:
Post your requirement on the Facebook pages like apartment in Malta etc....There you will get up to date offers and surely within your budget. I also recommend Quicklets they are very helpful and friendly. I am currently looking for a flat myself and moving to Malta next week. I already have some appointments for viewings.聽 Don't bother looking at agency websites they are indeed outdated.
I would a be a bit concerned that you only have around 300 euros for living, seems not a lot considering that Malta is not that cheap.
Good luck!

The 鈧�300 is after paying bills, food etc also compared to a lot of countries it is cheaper here.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

1. I want to live in Gozo but the commute would be too long, and I hear that the traffic is really bad.
2. Heads up with regards to FB.聽 I'm sure that FB provides more updated information but make sure that your settings are private.聽 The other day I was talking to this estate agent - a Brazilian guy who said to me that he has 2 flats, and then he started asking me if I have a cat.聽 Then he started lying through his teeth, and eventually got cold feet - even after I told him that that the cat won't move!
3. If I up my budget rent, I'll be eventually be left with 200 Euros.聽 I don't think if this is still worthed as Malta isn't cheap anymore.聽 I don't know but the other opportunity in Surrey聽 will provide me with 700拢 spending money (after bills) although it is a temporary job.
What do you think?

lambada Serial expat

295POSTS

9 years ago

If I were in your situation I would take the Surrey job then move to Malta when the contract ends unless you can find something else in the UK. Keep in mind that Malta has changed quite a lot since you lived here and has become even more overcrowded and overbuilt.

While it is true that rents have risen, I am sure that you can find a 1-bed apartment in the south for 500/month. I suggest you join the "Pet friendly Apartments in Malta - Long let Accommodations and Rooms" Facebook group if you haven't already done so.

yandr Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

The situation with Malta rents are exactly as everyone described. I can't believe that you need 900+ for a respectable family apartment in Malta, outside the main areas of course.

I predict a market crash in 5-10 years max. But until then, the situation is incredible. And you don't even get a dishwasher or mosquito nets within this price range. Always something missing. A/C nets disk washer lift.

Chalks1 Active member

55POSTS

9 years ago

#10

yes but 300 in gozo is ok but not malta

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#11

Thank you all for the input :-)

I agree that the prices are extremely high.聽 The odd thing is that the house prices haven't increased as much as rent did.聽 I've visited over a year and half ago, and it felt pretty suffocating.聽 You can't even drive for 1 whole minute without having to stop due to the bad traffic.聽 I'm just assuming that the situation hasn't really changed in that sense.聽

As I said if it wasn't for the bad traffic, I'd go to Gozo for a change of scenery.聽 You got to take into consideration as well that I'm calculating 200/300鈧� spending money within a month with 150鈧� monthly for food shopping and no "fancy" outgoings - ie. I'll have to make meals from scratch, homemade detergents, no clothes shopping, no dining out, grow some herbs or veggies (if I had to have a decent balcony) and saying a few prayers that nothing happens to the car or either myself.聽聽I just hope that the budget for utility bills (water, electricity and internet) of 150鈧� per month will allow to me to live decently as well.聽

It is sad that it has got to this stage :-(

lambada Serial expat

295POSTS

9 years ago

#12

If anything, it got worse in the last 1.5 years. Try your best to find a more permanent job there so you can stay because I suspect you'll want to leave Malta after a couple of months regardless of how much you would be earning. 150 for water, electricity and Internet will be enough at the current rates.

blackangelheart Contributor

139POSTS

9 years ago

#13

It's my 1 year Malta anniversary today and I can't believe how much our lovely village Naxxar has changed in just that short period of time聽

聽 Buildings cranes everywhere and traffic is so crazy that taking a bus to Sliema before 9am is useless (thank god I have a super flexible employer).

If it weren't for the amazing weather + lifestyle and an extremely well paid job though, I don't think I'd be here tbh. 鈧�300 a month in spending money is not much, especially if you're still young and want to save. I make sure to put at least 鈧�500 aside per month for retirement.

Agree with lambada - the Surrey job sounds much more feasible!

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#14

In my experience it's just a case of getting here and getting a good agent. I am doing a video on this subject soon in my vlog as I'm actually doing this now. But a one bedroom flat for 500 is reasonable - depending on where exactly I imagine. The agent needs to call all of the owners in your area with your budget and see if they will take a well-behaved flat, you may need to pay a double deposit - but you can surely be well within your budget. Almost every place I have seen wasn't "pet friendly" but they called the owner, told him I have small dogs that are used to living in flats, and a lot have been fine with it.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#15

The first thing that strikes me when I see a picture of my country is the lovely blue weather.聽 But then the second thing would be the cranes and the noise. I've been thinking that I could deal with these issues, rent a house and have my beloved cat with me but then I didn't expect that I have to "beg" for renting a house, particularly at those ridiculous prices.聽

And I have a gut feeling that if I had to move back there this is only the beginning.聽 There will be more problems with moving the car and the car.聽 It seems like it all depends on the mood of the person you're speaking to.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#16

Anyway if all of us are going to Malta (by the amount of people looking for a house), I can't just imagine how bad the traffic is.

bernie_iris_fabian_david Serial expat

337POSTS

9 years ago

#17

katiedaisy wrote:
The first thing that strikes me when I see a picture of my country is the lovely blue weather.聽 But then the second thing would be the cranes and the noise. I've been thinking that I could deal with these issues, rent a house and have my beloved cat with me but then I didn't expect that I have to "beg" for renting a house, particularly at those ridiculous prices.聽

And I have a gut feeling that if I had to move back there this is only the beginning.聽 There will be more problems with moving the car and the car.聽 It seems like it all depends on the mood of the person you're speaking to.

Dear katiedaisy, I don't know you, so I'm in no position to tell you what's best for you... But from your posts here I have a feeling that you really would be better off not moving (back) to Malta. There was a member on this site who moved to Malta from Scotland this summer. She had similar doubts as the ones you've expressed - and she ended up moving back to Scotland after only a month.

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#18

Yeah, the traffic makes the place seem much bigger than it really is - it's best to look where you have a straight shot to work.

I would love to live in Victoriosa personally, I've been there twice since I got here, and it has that ferry to Valletta....and if you walk up towards the main church it's a really beautiful area. Alas, I'll probably have to wait patiently as I don't think it'll be this time round as it's hard with 2 dogs and needing 3 bedrooms.

F0xgl0ve Malta Expert

1976POSTS

9 years ago

#19

Compared to Malta the traffic is not bad on Gozo, a bit busy at peak times around Victoria but otherwise nothing to bother about. I would certainly not commute to Malta though if I had to work.
As for prices, many landlords and agents are trying to push the prices up here in Gozo to keep up with Malta but 3 bedroom houses are still available from 鈧�500-600 upwards and Penthouses from around 鈧�350.
Only yesterday our landlord agreed to keep the rent for our 3 bed house at the original figure agreed 3 years ago if we want to renew the lease, so it is not all doom and gloom!

Ray

lambada Serial expat

295POSTS

9 years ago

#20

katiedaisy wrote:
The first thing that strikes me when I see a picture of my country is the lovely blue weather.

While it's true that Malta has more annual days of sun than practically any other European country I think the climate is overrated. In my view the only pleasant months are April, May, October and maybe November. The other months are too hot/cold/humid. The sun comes at a cost....we have to pay a lot for fruit and vegetables and the place is dusty because it doesn't rain often enough.

If you're after nice weather you ought to be considering southern France or Spain. The economic situation in Spain has improved significantly since the financial crisis. The country is heading in the right direction unlike Malta.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#21

Gozo is a nice place.聽 However if you want to work, you've to be really careful and make sure that it doesn't cause any problems with your employer.聽

France, Spain and where I'm are ok for the sun but with all that is going at the moment, they aren't exactly a good choice - particularly if you want to try and build a career (sort of).聽

It might sound silly but I think at the end the decision will be based on whether I find a house or not. I'm thinking that it is a very bad idea to sign a lease prior to viewing the place.聽 However, I'm just trying to explore all options before giving up and go to England for a while instead.聽 Has anybody got any suggestions for short term lets (1-2 months)?聽 Air bnb prices are so expensive!

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#22

You can get monthly rents in some hotels over the winter which I remember being fairly cheap. but I'm not sure what you consider expensive

GozoMo Malta Expert

2211POSTS

9 years ago

#23

Do you have somewhere to live in Surrey?聽 The salary may be a lot more than Malta but property
rental would be expensive there, being so close to London.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#24

Until a few years ago, you could easily find a 3 bed flat in Malta for about 450鈧� during the quiet months.聽 But certainly not now.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#25

Dorieus - Until a few years ago, you could easily find a 3 bed flat in Malta for about 450鈧� during the quiet months.聽 But now it is seems to be mission impossible.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#26

GozoMo wrote:
Do you have somewhere to live in Surrey?聽 The salary may be a lot more than Malta but property
rental would be expensive there, being so close to London.

Yes the job in Surrey is only for a short while and it comes with accommodation.

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#27

Katie, yea a 3 bed is going to set you back around 750-800 now depending on where you go. But a studio should be possible for 500ish without too many difficulties.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#28

Dorieus wrote:
Katie, yea a 3 bed is going to set you back around 750-800 now depending on where you go. But a studio should be possible for 500ish without too many difficulties.

I don't know how many emails I've sent.聽 No reply.聽 And most of them want to rent it now.聽 They can't even if wait until January.聽 I'm so disappointed and I'm losing my patience.聽 Perhaps it is a sign!聽 Ps I am only after a 1 or 2 bedroom flat or whatever is it.

volcane ViP

1098POSTS

9 years ago

#29

katiedaisy wrote:
I don't know how many emails I've sent.聽 No reply.聽 And most of them want to rent it now.聽 They can't even if wait until January.聽 I'm so disappointed and I'm losing my patience.聽 Perhaps it is a sign!聽 Ps I am only after a 1 or 2 bedroom flat or whatever is it.

You've been told this would happen and every single thread here covering accommodation says the same thing

Agents will not deal with you if you are not on the island. So you could have saved yourself the trouble.

Rent a airbnb for a week or two. Speak to agents while here. Move in before the 2 weeks is over. That's how everyone does it.

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#30

nvm - have to re-edit coz the musician that says it's ok to use his music wants use monetize my content.

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#31

Just posted.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#32

Dorieus wrote:

Just posted.

Oh my God! I just watched it.聽 I actually come from a nearby village but where the heck did he end up? Barking dogs and the crazy traffic!

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#33

the traffic was from the hotel room is St Julians...next episode with all the details will be out quite soon.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#34

Dorieus wrote:
the traffic was from the hotel room is St Julians...next episode with all the details will be out quite soon.

At first I thought it was Marrakesh not Malta.聽 Those places are quite noisy and busy.聽 The estate agents didn't take you to nice places.

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#35

Bad news peeps - I've done all the recalculations and guess what now I'll be left with only 150鈧� due to the increase in rent prices.聽

How much would it cost for utility prices for 1 person (roughly)?聽 I calculated about 150鈧� a month for water, electricity, internet and mobile phone top up of 10鈧� or 20鈧�.

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#36

I don't think 500 for a studio is unreasonable, its mainly being patient I guess because you have a cat. It took me 10 days to find somewhere in my budget because of my dogs. Where exactly did you want to live?

katiedaisy Member

14POSTS

9 years ago

#37

Dorious - I guess that it depends on the salary as well.聽 If you're British and you go to Malta, it doesn't feel expensive.聽 However - it's another story for Maltese as the wages are pretty low there.聽 The cat won't come with me to make the search easier.聽

Rent prices are definitely way over 500鈧� I'm looking to stay in the inland areas which are less busy.聽聽Are you already there?

Dorieus Contributor

113POSTS

9 years ago

#38

I went there to find somewhere to live, I'm uploading the second (and final video) about finding a place to live now. I found 3 bedroom pet friendlies for 650, and cheaper depending on where you wanted, we paid more for that but it's a really nice place in Swatar by Matar Dei - but still under 800 for a 3 double bedroom with en suite, and main bathroom with 3 balconies and a closed balcony.