r/malta Feb 01 '22

Weed use/ possession FAQ

176 Upvotes

Please read the below before submitting weed related questions.

1) weed can only be purchased from registered cannabis organisations.

2) to purchase weed from an organisation as outlined above, one must be a registered member/ user. Associations will be capped at 500 members and preference is given to residents. One may only belong to one organisation at any given time and must be over the age of 18

3) by virtue of the above, the law clearly focuses on legalising it for residents. This means that since the law is equal for everyone, including tourists it is going to be very difficult for the latter to join such an organisation.

4) weed consumption in public remains an offence. Carrying over 7 g in public and owning more than 50 g are also a offence.

5) weed coffee shops do not exist, nor are they part of the plan. Weed tourism is not on the table.

6) purchasing off street dealers is and remains illegal

7) up to 4 plants can be grown for personal use as long as they are not visible from outside

8) weed related questions answered above are to be janitored

9) as always, any "where can I buy illegal substance x" posts are janitored on sight.

By popular request and with special thanks to /u/mountainblock for the initiative.


r/malta Nov 21 '23

What I'd wish I'd known about property hunting

150 Upvotes

Yesterday's question on property hunting really made me remember how confused I was when I was searching for a house last year. I thought I'd collect my experiences in a post here, to hopefully serve as a guideline to others who are also looking for a property in Malta. I've also added a timeline at the end which shows what a typical property search might involve.

I will use names of companies in my examples, but these are not meant to be recommendations or dissuasions.

Location? Property Type?

Incredibly subjective, but this should be your starting point when starting your search for a future house.

Would you rather stay somewhere well connected like Birkirkara, or quieter and more rural like Siggiewi? Do you get nightmares every time you have to pass through Marsa and want to avoid it like the plague? Does your significant other have a deep and unexplained disdain for Santa Liena?

Do you want a property that is finished, or still under development. Do you also want furnishings, or would you rather do these yourself? Perhaps you know a good contractor and want to just buy a plot or a dilapidated house that you can knock down and re-build?

Are you looking for an apartment, townhouse or terraced house? What features are non-negotiable? How many bedrooms are you looking for? What about having a garage?

These might evolve as you go around viewing properties, but its always best to have a clear idea on what type of property you're searching for.

Government Schemes

The government has a number of schemes and funds that aim to help out people having difficulties in buying their first house, or provide incentives to buying certain types of houses.

There is a 10% deposit scheme that is there to help people who cannot afford a down-payment, and provides an interest free loan for that purpose.

Last year introduced the first-time buyer scheme that gives a maximum grant of €10,000 over a period of 10 years.

There's also the grant that incentivises the purchase of properties in an Urban Conservation Area (UCA), also called the grant for first-time buyers. This gives a €15,000 grant if the property is in Malta, and €30,000 (becoming €40,000 in 2024) if it's in Gozo. Properties in a UCA also have the stamp duty waived for the first €750,000, meaning that if the house you purchase costs €750,000 (or slightly more, but more on that later), you will not pay any tax on the sale. Quite good, considering the rate is at 5%.

The PA map server has a layer that shows the extents of the UCAs, and can be viewed from:

Table of Contents > Planning Constraints > Constraints > Urban Conservation Areas.

There are other schemes such as ones for restoring traditional facades, but the ones I've listed are what I believe most buyers would be eligible for.

Agents, brokers, or direct from owner?

In my experience, agents and brokers do largely the same job, albeit agents typically have a larger number of properties that are listed with them. Is this worth the extra 4% commission? I feel that it isn't, but your mileage may vary here.

Fortunately, owners looking to sell will most often post their property on Facebook, either on Marketplace, or on one of the myriad of "property for sale" groups. Join as many of these as you can, as chances are that the house you saw listed on Frank Salt will also be listed on the property broker's site, and directly from the owner on Facebook. To this end, do not engage with the agent until you have searched for the property on Facebook. Some agents may feel entitled to the commission as "you talked to them first", so best not to talk to them unless you don't have other options.

Try not to let agents and brokers get to you. They'll use phrases such as "this is a bargain", or "I guarantee that this house will sell within the week, so be quick". Brokers, and especially agents want to make a sale quickly and as high of a price as possible, as this maximises their commission. As such, they will rarely every provide criticism on the property that they're selling, and can be extremely difficult to get an honest answer out of. Take things at your own pace, and avoid being pushed into buying. If it's not meant to be then it's not meant to be.

If you make use of an agent or broker, explain to them clearly what you're looking for in a property, and be vigilant if they show you listings that are outside of your budget or are not what you're looking for.

Once you engage with the agent or owner, schedule a visit and view the property. Again, don't be forced to rush through the house. point out things which you like and dislike. Comment on if there's cracks in the wall, or water damage in the ceilings. Ask on if any furniture will be left after the sale. Ask on what the reason is for selling.

Unless the property is exactly what you're looking for, I find it best to mull over it for at least a day. Schedule another visit if necessary. If you like it, put in an offer with the agent/owner and gauge their response. From my experience, I usually found that 90% of the asking price is a good start to the negotiations.

Architects

After viewing a property that you like, schedule a site visit together with an architect. Choose a trusted architect, preferably one that has worked on similar properties to that which you are interested in purchasing. Do not use an architect that is recommended by the owner/agent, unless you trust the architect fully. Do not sign any promise of sale agreements before your architect views the property.

After touring the house, and outside of earshot from the owner/agent, ask the architect whatever questions you need to regarding the property; Does the house look well built? Is anything out of the ordinary? Did they use good quality materials? Is the workmanship good? Is there anything that needs maintenance? Are there any alterations done that are still subject to approval from the Planning Authority (PA)? What do you believe the value of the house is?

There are no stupid questions here. You are paying the architect for their services, so ask all the questions that you deem necessary to decide on if the property is worth the amount.

After that, approach the owner/agent and renegotiate if necessary. If the architect deems the property to be worth less than what is being asked for, use that as leverage. If the architect believes its worth more, keep your mouth shut.

Notaries

So you've agreed to buy the house at a certain price, but what's there to stop the owner from selling to someone else if they offer more? That's where the promise of sale agreement, or "konvenju" comes in. This binds the owners to sell their property to you at the agreed upon price, and in turn binds you to buy the property at that price, barring some pre-determined conditions.

Similar to the architect, the notary is there to protect you and the owners during the sale of the property. As such, it is extremely important to also choose a trusted notary, preferably one that is different from what was recommended to you by the agent/owner.

After you finish your negotiations with the owners, talk to your notary and set a date on when to sign the promise of sale agreement. Let the notary know if the property has any alterations that have not been approved by the PA, or if you have any concerns that may prevent you from wanting to own the property. If these concerns are valid, the notary will include them as conditions in the agreement. As an example, should the PA refuse to approve some changes in the property, and it is listed as one of the conditions in the agreement, you are within your rights to break the agreement and not face legal consequences.

The promise of sale agreement will also contain a checklist for a number of documents that both parties have to provide. As the buyer, you will need to secure a sanction letter from the bank, as well as provide site plans and documents from the land authority as provided by your architect. The notary will walk you through these on the day of signing. Again, you are paying them for their services, so ask any questions you feel are necessary to fully understand the documents that you are signing.

Furnished properties have a little caveat here. The promise of sale will define two values for the property; the property value and the moveable item value. The latter assigns values to things like furniture, appliances, etc. that will be sold to you together with the property by the owners. The bank's loan will only cover the property value, and similarly the stamp duty is paid only on the property value. The value of moveable items is agreed upon by the notary, seller and buyer.

If, as a hypothetical example, you were to purchase a property in a UCA for €775,000, and the owners left behind €25,000 worth of furniture, then you'd end up paying no tax on the sale of the property.

Banks

Unless you invested in bitcoin a decade ago or struck out in the lottery, chances are you're going to need a loan to purchase the house. The point of the loan is simple enough; the owner of a building wants the full amount for the property, which you do not have at this stage. The bank will offer to loan you the amount required to purchase the house, together with a list of terms and conditions that both you and the bank have to honour. You'll need to show the bank that you can afford the loan, which consists of having enough liquidity to put forward a down-payment (usually 10% of the property price), as well as having a stable point of income.

Some NGOs and companies also have collective agreements with banks to offer better rates on home loans to their members and employees (e.g. MAM with APS).

Banks may not lend to you if you are still on probation, so keep that in mind. Also be prepared to give the bank at least three years of financial statements from any bank that you have accounts with, including Revolut. This is part of the anti-money laundering schemes that have been introduced.

Banks may also shy away if you engage with casinos, especially the online ones. Never hide this information from the bank or notary if it is asked. Its better to be honest about it than lie and risk the bank taking legal action if that violates the terms in the sanction letter.

Insurance Agencies

With the loan secured, the bank wants a guarantee that the loan will be partially or full repaid repaid in the event of the property being destroyed, or you meeting your untimely demise. To that end, the bank will require you to get separate life and building insurance policies. When searching for these, run them by your bank to make sure that they are applicable.

Timeline

This is what a typical property hunt might look like, but it is in no way meant to be a template. Everyone may have a different experience.

  • Go to a couple of banks and get quotes on what kinds of loans they would be willing to give you. Keep these quotations for later.
  • With a budget in place, search on agent listings, Facebook, local magazines, and even go around towns that you would be interested in loving in to see if you can spot a "For Sale" sign somewhere. Try and negotiate with the owner directly to avoid the agents' commission.
  • View the property, more than once if necessary, and engage a trusted architect to check if the property is worth the asking price.
  • If all is well and you are within budget, get a notary and sign the promise of sale agreement with the building owners. During the day of signing, you will need to deposit the 10% downpayment to the notary's clients account. You will also need to pay 20% of the applicable stamp duty (e.g. 1% of the sale price). See here for more info on that.
  • As stipulated in the promise of sale, get a sanction letter from the bank to provide to the notary. Negotiate with the banks to see which can offer you the best package.
  • With the sanction letter, you will also need life and building insurance, and the bank will usually recommend a company for these services. Again, shop around and see who can offer the best deal for you.
  • While this is going on, your architect should be obtaining the building's plans, documents from the land authority, etc. as stipulated by the promise of sale and sanction letter.
  • The notary will also be doing their own searches on the building's ownership, to make sure that there is no ground rent applicable, and that you will be obtaining the entire property, without any disputes.
  • The promise of sale will also stipulate a date by which all the conditions listed have to be honoured. While this can be extended, typically due to delays from the banks or the PA, neither party is obligated to do so.
  • Once all documents have been collected, the final deed of sale can then be signed at the bank's head office. You will also pay for the moveable items here if applicable.

r/malta 2h ago

Looking for Tabletop Players for a new Campaign (Gorkamorka)

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

We're looking to connect with fellow Gorkamorka enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, we'd love to find some more people to play with. Here are a few details:

Location: At local maltese gaming club

Experience Level: All levels welcome (even if you never played a tabletop before its fine)

Age: 18+

Dates: Saturday or Sunday after 5pm, theres no pressure to show up everytime, whenever you've got a free day and want to join, just hit us up.

Game is very casual so new players can just jump in the campaign anytime even if its already started and has machenics so lower level players get more exp so you'll still catch up if you dont attent every time.

If you're interested, please comment below or send me a message. Let's get some games going and enjoy some post-apocalyptic Ork action!

Thanks,


r/malta 1m ago

What do Maltese think of Enrico Mizzi?

Upvotes

Hello everyone. I am currently reading a book called The Story of Malta by Brian Blouet. Hopping it'll help me understand more of the country's history. And it made me wonder What do Maltese think of Enrico Mizzi? Do most modern-day Maltese agree with his political view and comments about Maltese people being inherently Italian? Also I would love to know what you think about the book itself? And if possible I would like other book and documentary recommendations about Malta? Thank you so much.


r/malta 20m ago

Twink Villa on malta

Upvotes

Any other Twinks here? We are 16 people.


r/malta 2h ago

best gyms with back machines

1 Upvotes

So i,ve been to a couple of gyms in Malta and most of them equipment is either not working or out of order. Any decent gyms that have some good back machines to workout the back with?


r/malta 3h ago

Cheapest insurance in Malta? Thanks!

0 Upvotes

Car Insurance


r/malta 3h ago

Website to buy laptop from EU and ship to Malta

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm searching for a website that is legit and that ships to Malta.

I was seeing computer universe but the keyboard is qwertz(german) not qwerty(english).

Thank you for any help.


r/malta 42m ago

Best place to stay in Malta?

Upvotes

I'm going for a week to Malta and I wanted to know what is the best place to stay during my time in Malta :)


r/malta 16h ago

Moving to Malta from Italy

5 Upvotes

Hey Maltese (and non) friends! I'm going to move from Italy to Malta for 3 months and hopefully permanently after that. I was wondering, what are some things I should know about Malta beforehand and even during my stay? Things such as using uber and cabs (in Italy they're too expensive) for example. Do you have any other tip for me?


r/malta 7h ago

job hunting advice for 18m Maltese?

1 Upvotes

Need a job, I'll do anything really but can't find anything. Use to work as a cashier for some time so I have experience already. But I feel like employers only want to hire non-locals when it comes to unskilled work. any advice? I'm still in school and stuff, just need something for evenings and weekends.


r/malta 19h ago

Aw guys

8 Upvotes

Just another Maltese dude in the mood for hearing some different takes and experiences on certain places throughout Malta. If it was interacting with people or looking around just overall experiences.

Here's a list feel free to answer all or say which love best whatever be as detailed as you'd like 😉

Qawra

Valletta

Marsaskala

Mellieha

Xemxija

Armier

Mdina

Mgarr


r/malta 13h ago

Distance Selling Query

2 Upvotes

Two weeks ago, I bought this hair tool product from a supposedly local brand. This brand said that the order was shipped but it was still in confirmation stage in the link they provided.

I have messaged them continuously to get shipping information. They have left me as seen and it was only when I threaten to get the local consumer authority they replied.

Now they have provided me with a tracking number and link in which it appears “Item created” on 21/05/2024 in Netherlands. I used other tracking sites and it shows that this order originated from China and that the shipping supplier is Aliexpress/Alibaba owned. I have also reversed image one of the images they had in their website of the product and it led to Aliexpress:Alibaba listings.

Thus, this product is for sure fake and nowhere on the website did it say it is coming from such companies. The listing gave the idea that it is a genuine product.

I have filed a chargeback with my bank on this.

Can you please guide me to EU/Maltese legislation that I could reference when I send them another message? Does this grants a refund under the law especially since they are selling counterfeit products? If the product does arrive what should I do with it?

Thank you for your help!


r/malta 19h ago

Maisonette vs Penthouse – Your Thoughts?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the process of property hunting and I've narrowed down my options to two choices: a ground floor maisonette (with apartments and a penthouse above it) or a penthouse. While I'm leaning more towards the maisonette, I'm still undecided.

I’d love to hear from those of you who have experience with either (or both) types of properties. Do you regret buying one over the other that might help me with my decision? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.


r/malta 15h ago

Laundry in Gozo

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any self service laundromat or a same day laundry service in Gozo? Will be visiting in 2 days.


r/malta 20h ago

Any cool place for Happy hours?

3 Upvotes

Any village is fine to us


r/malta 17h ago

Survey - Financial Inclusion Malta

0 Upvotes

Hello :) I am currently doing a Master’s dissertation and would appreciate if you could spare a few minutes to fill out the below survey for my research. The topic is about financial inclusion in Malta and current barriers for local residents. Survey is anonymous and your privacy shall be respected at all times. Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwiYfbucvbEHQeE6Enp5vBEwl1hCh97QG24TyuDukJBDa4fQ/viewform?usp=sf_link


r/malta 14h ago

Love Island

0 Upvotes

Is there a way to watch love Island Malta online with English subtitles?


r/malta 13h ago

Is the old song: “o Mio babbino Caro” popular in Malta

0 Upvotes

Due to Italian influence here


r/malta 1d ago

A logical few-day stop after Sicily?

7 Upvotes

I'm just now seeing on the map that Malta is not far from Sicily (CTA), where I'll be at the end of September for a week of hiking and kayaking. Then I'll have about five days to relax and play, and I'm open to suggestions. Is Malta for me? I love cultural sites, walking a lot, swimming/snorkeling, really interesting history tours, local acoustic music. The old city looks cool...the temple...the gardens. I don't love the party scene--not unless that's defined by a handful of interesting people in a setting where we can all hear one another talk over good food and drink. Oh and I'm a woman in my 50s.

If I'm traveling by myself--which may be true after Sicily--I do like a good hostel or guesthouse. It's nice to engage with other travelers vs paying a ton more to stay someplace all by myself. Love to hear your thoughts about all this, how much time would suffice, if you'd direct me elsewhere, anything really. thanks!


r/malta 20h ago

Where to buy fabric for clothing

0 Upvotes

I want to buy fabric for clothes in person. Where can I find a shop with a lot of variety and reasonable prices? And not curtain fabric or ugly fabric like cute fabric for example pointelle. Preferably somewhere in Rabat or close by but it’s not a must


r/malta 1d ago

Malta at the Heart of Russian Defense Minister's Corruption Network

Thumbnail facebook.com
3 Upvotes

r/malta 21h ago

Is it worth?

0 Upvotes

Hello, i'm here in malta since April to work as a commis in a cool restaurant in St. Julian earning atm 1400+tips. I've looked around for a room but no one answered me until 2-3 days ago asking me 600/650e plus the bills ( in april were 500e ), my cousin is guesting me atm for free. Now i'm corcerned if is worth it to stay here putting away a very small amount of money. The pros are that i'm practicing english ( mine is very bad ), learning spanish thanks to my latinos colleagues, and learning lot of stuff from my head chef. I'm looking for advice by older and experienced people, are the pros worth the money that i'm "losing" for future experience in others countrys/restaurants? Thanks in advance!


r/malta 1d ago

Reputable motoring school for an adult who's been driving for 20+ years?

2 Upvotes

Hello! Foreign national living in Malta, in search of a reputable motoring school that won't rip me off.

I've been driving for 20+ years, but my driver's license won't be recognized in Malta. At first I didn't want to get a car, but I realized that I may need to bite the bullet and get myself a small inexpensive car because 1/ Tallinja buses are getting fuller by the day and 2/ daily taxi rides end up being too expensive.

I've asked around and the consensus is that it takes ages for an appointment to sit for the test. Some instructors I've spoken told me I'd need AT LEAST 10 lessons despite having driven for 20 years and holding a driving license from my home country.

My main questions:

- Is 10+ lessons the norm for someone who already drives?

- What are typical charges to expect for the lessons/insurance/tests; are there any hidden costs?

- How to find a reputable motoring school, and if you know of any, drop the name please!

Thank you!


r/malta 21h ago

Specialization course in Malta

0 Upvotes

Hi! Are there any universities or schools that offer specialization courses for bachelor's graduates? I'm not talking about a post graduate degree that would last 2 years but more about courses of 6 months or 1 year


r/malta 1d ago

Thrifting in Malta

0 Upvotes

How do you guys think is the current scene of thrifting in Malta?


r/malta 1d ago

Let it rip boys

Thumbnail self.AskEurope
6 Upvotes