Scarcer, but high-end properties are on the move

During a time of volatility in Europe’s socioeconomic fabric, ironically, the investment in top-end properties seemingly remains unaffected and even on the rise. There is evidence in Malta’s real estate sector that homes which stand out from the crowd are being cherry-picked by wealthy buyers and investors for many reasons.

A number of homes in the upper-end price bracket have caught the attention of high-profile local and international clients who were happy to part with many millions of euros to attain ownership.

“If we look at the background of these exciting transactions, we can see that it consists of several components working together rather than a smash-and-grab approach most people may assume is the case,” Grahame Salt, director at Frank Salt Real Estate, said.

“Selling very expensive properties is not the easiest of feats to accomplish. It takes extensive targeted marketing, a global network engaged in complex negotiations and many times tens of thousands of euros on the side of the real estate agent representing these properties to get it sold. In addition, negotiations to conclude a sale can be drawn out, involve repeated visits by the prospective owner or their...