Quote:
Originally Posted by lanaroger
Hi.
We are thinking of buying vocational house in Malta, Europe. And we just need some info about places in Malta. Where is the best place to live?
Please if you guys have any info about it, let me know
Thanks
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I am not from Malta but I visited there and have done some research there. It is really a secret jewel and its good that many Americans don't even know where it is.
The benefits of Malta for someone that is from the UK or the US:
1. Since it is a former British colony, English is the official language and Maltese is just the language most people speak at home. Students learn English at school, bills come in English, all documents in English etc.
2. Secondly there are NO PROPERTY TAXES OR HOA fees! There maybe a small maintenance fee if you live in a penthouse with community elevators etc. There is also NO GARBAGE TAX. Collection is free.
3. The weather is sunshine most of the year. It is almost exactly the same weather as Southern CA where I live. No snow ever and minimal rain in the winter for a week or so a year maybe.
4. Gozo is an island northwest of Malta. It is part of Malta but it is cheaper and greener but less to do (more of a family place to live). If you are single I suggest the mainland.
Now for the bad:
1. This isn't really that much of a con but you must invest at least 114k Euro on a property and must be able to have and income stream of at least 1k Euro per month to live there.
2. You can't become a citizen unless you are a permanent resident for at least 20 years and you have permission.
3. There is a stipulation on permanent residency with income. Basically you will never be able to acquire a job until a Maltese has filled it first. But you can be your own business owner and self employed.
4. It is an island. And like every island it is more expensive than living on the mainland. Your biggest expense will be electricity, food and clothing. Clothing is not a big deal because you can buy things elsewhere when you vacation or from the US. For food... Meat is expensive but Fish is cheap. Fish is healtheir anyway. There is often two prices for everything in Malta... if something doesn't have a price, stay away. Locals will pay the cheap price and tourists get skrewed.
5. Like the Brits, they drive on the wrong side of the road
As for the different places to live... the most charm and the most affluent place in malta is the old capital of Mdina. The present capital is Valetta.
On the southeast of the island is where they shot part of the "blue grotto" for the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo". Great place to visit.
There are probably only a few people from Malta that are on this board and hopefully they can be of more help to you. I hope I have helped you out. Ciao!
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