What to Check During a Property Viewing in Malta

A property viewing is one of the most important stages of finding the right property in Malta, whether you are looking to buy, rent or invest. Photographs, floor plans and property descriptions can give you an excellent first impression, but they can never tell you exactly what it feels like to stand inside the property, experience its layout, step onto the terrace or explore the surrounding area for yourself. 

At Bernards Real Estate, we therefore encourage our clients to take their time during a viewing. Our objective is not simply to show you a property that impresses you for the first five minutes. We want you to understand what you are considering, to ask the right questions and to make a decision that makes sense for your individual circumstances. 

If you are looking for a home, whether to buy or rent, this means considering how well the property fits your lifestyle and everyday needs. If you are buying as an investment, the perspective may be slightly different: Who is the property likely to appeal to? Does the layout work for the rental market? How desirable is the location? What may need to be improved before letting it out? And how does the property compare with other properties on the market targeting a similar tenant? 

Whatever brings you to the viewing, don’t be afraid to look closely. Open the windows, turn on the taps, step onto the balcony, inspect the common areas and ask us questions. A good estate agent shouldn’t be uncomfortable when a client takes a closer look at a property. Quite the opposite. 

 

Look Beyond the First Impression 

There is often an emotional element to finding a property, particularly when you are looking for somewhere to live. Sometimes you walk through the front door and immediately feel that a property could be right for you. A beautiful interior, an impressive open-plan living area or a Mediterranean view from the terrace can create an instant connection. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is important not to let the first impression determine the entire decision. 

Whether you are buying or renting, try to look beyond the furniture, decoration and presentation and concentrate on the things that will affect your everyday experience. Consider the size and proportions of the rooms, the layout, the natural light, the storage space and how the different areas connect. If you are renting a furnished property, also think about whether the existing furniture and equipment genuinely meet your needs. 

For investors, personal taste should play an even smaller role. A beautifully furnished apartment is not automatically a strong investment, just as a dated property is not necessarily a poor one. Instead, consider the fundamentals and try to see the property through the eyes of your future tenant. 

 

Pay Attention to Natural Light and Orientation 

Natural light has an enormous influence on how a property feels. During a viewing, take a moment to notice how much daylight reaches the main living space and bedrooms and consider the direction in which balconies, terraces and larger windows face. 

Large windows do not necessarily guarantee a bright property. Nearby buildings, internal yards and orientation can all affect the amount of natural light reaching the interior. If this is particularly important to you and you are seriously considering the property, a second viewing at another time of day may give you a better understanding of what living there would actually be like. 

For investors, natural light and orientation are worth considering from a commercial perspective too. A bright living area or sunny terrace may contribute to the overall appeal of a property when it is marketed to prospective tenants in the future. 

 

Take a Good Look at the Property’s Condition 

A viewing is also the right moment to look beyond the aesthetic appearance and consider the physical condition of the property. Look at walls, ceilings, corners and areas around windows for visible signs of damp, water ingress, peeling paint or damaged plaster. 

This is relevant whether you are buying or renting. As a tenant, you want to know the condition of the home you are about to move into and should raise any existing issues before agreeing to the tenancy. As a buyer, you will naturally want to understand whether there are matters that may require repair or further investigation. For an investor, necessary refurbishment and maintenance can also influence the overall cost of the investment. 

Not every mark on a wall indicates a serious problem, but there is no reason not to ask about something you notice. Where a purchase is concerned and there are questions about the structural or technical condition of the property, obtaining the appropriate professional advice before committing can provide greater clarity. 

 

Test the Practical Details 

Some of the easiest things to overlook during a viewing are the things you will use every day. Turn on a tap and check the water pressure. Ask about the hot-water system, air-conditioning and appliances. Open windows and doors and look at their general condition. 

For tenants, it is particularly important to understand what comes with a furnished rental and whether the appliances and equipment you expect are actually provided. If something is damaged or not functioning properly, it is much better to identify and discuss it before moving in. 

Buyers should similarly establish what is included in the sale. Furniture, appliances, lighting and outdoor furniture should never simply be assumed to form part of the deal. 

Investors can use the same exercise to consider what might need to be replaced, repaired or upgraded before putting the property onto the rental market. 

 

Open the Windows and Listen 

When viewing a property, it is natural to concentrate on what you can see. We recommend paying attention to what you can hear as well. Open a window or balcony door and listen to the surroundings, then close it again and notice the difference. 

Traffic, neighboring properties, schools, restaurants, entertainment venues and construction can all influence your experience of a location. There is no universally correct level of activity. Someone looking for a rental in the heart of St Julians may actively want to be close to restaurants and nightlife, while a family looking to buy may prioritize a quieter residential environment. 

For investors, the question is slightly different. Instead of asking whether the location suits your own preferences, consider whether it suits those of your likely tenant. Understanding the target market is an important part of evaluating a rental investment. 

 

When Viewing an Apartment, Look at the Whole Building 

Whether you are buying or renting an apartment, don’t concentrate exclusively on what is behind its front door. Take a look at the entrance, staircase, lift, corridors and the general condition of the building. 

For somebody who will live there, these common areas form part of the everyday experience of the property. For a buyer, condominium arrangements, applicable fees and the general maintenance of the building may also be important considerations. 

Investors should pay particular attention to the first impression the building creates. A well-presented apartment can lose some of its appeal to prospective tenants if the common areas surrounding it are poorly maintained. 

 

Step Outside and Assess the Outdoor Space Properly 

Outdoor space is understandably high on the wish list of many people searching for property in Malta. But don’t simply look at the size of a balcony, terrace or courtyard on a floor plan. Step outside and consider how useful it actually is. Think about privacy, orientation, wind, sunlight and how neighbouring properties overlook the space. Is there enough room for a dining table? Would you actually spend time there? Does it connect conveniently to the living area? 

If you are renting or buying a home, the question is whether the outdoor space suits your lifestyle. If you are investing, consider whether it is a feature that could distinguish the property from competing rentals in the same area. A smaller but practical terrace can sometimes be much more valuable to the person living there than a larger outdoor space with an awkward layout. 

 

Enjoy the View – Then Turn Around 

Malta has some spectacular properties overlooking the Mediterranean, the harbours and historic towns, and we completely understand how easy it is to become captivated by a beautiful view. Sometimes stepping onto the terrace is enough to make a property feel special. Enjoy it! Then turn around and look at the property again. Does the internal space work? Are the bedrooms large enough? Is there sufficient storage? Does the layout suit your needs? If you are renting, does the overall property justify the monthly rent you will be paying? If you are buying, are you comfortable with the premium attached to the location or view? 

For an investor, a sea view or harbour view may make a property more attractive to prospective tenants, but it should still be considered alongside the purchase price, expected costs and overall characteristics of the property. 

A great view is a fantastic feature! However, it shouldn’t stop you from evaluating everything else. 

 

Think About Parking 

Parking can have a significant impact on everyday convenience in Malta. If a garage or car space is included, ask to see it rather than simply accepting that parking is available. Look at the entrance, ramp, manoeuvring space and actual dimensions.  

If you are renting and you use your car every day, a difficult garage or challenging street-parking situation can quickly become frustrating. Buyers should consider the same issue from a longer-term perspective. 

For investors, think about whether parking matters to the type of tenant the property is likely to attract. Its importance can vary considerably depending on the location and target market. 

 

Take a Walk Around the Neighbourhood 

Finding the right property also means finding the right surroundings. For this reason, one of the simplest things we recommend is spending ten or fifteen minutes walking around the neighbourhood after your viewing. Look at what is nearby. Where is the closest supermarket? Are cafés and restaurants within walking distance? What are the public transport connections like? How busy are the roads? What is the general atmosphere? 

If you are looking for somewhere to live, whether buying or renting, consider how the area fits your everyday routine. If you are investing, do the same exercise from the perspective of your potential tenant. A young professional, family or executive tenant may each prioritize different aspects of a location. 

 

This is also where talking openly with us can help. Tell us what matters to you beyond the property itself. If you want to walk to work, need to be close to schools, prefer somewhere quieter or want the sea on your doorstep, these details help us narrow down not just the right property, but the right area. 

 

If You Are Serious, View the Property Again 

A second viewing should never be considered an inconvenience. Whether you are considering buying, renting or investing, if you are genuinely interested in a property, we are happy for you to take another look. The first viewing tends to be about the overall impression. On the second viewing, you can concentrate on the details you may have overlooked. Take measurements, reconsider the layout, inspect the storage, look at the common areas again and ask questions that occurred to you afterwards. 

For tenants, this can help avoid discovering practical issues only after moving in. Buyers can use the opportunity to examine the property more carefully before taking the next step, while investors can reconsider it from a more commercial perspective. 

Taking another look does not mean you are being difficult or indecisive. It means you are doing your homework. 

 

We Want You to Ask Questions 

At Bernards Real Estate, our role is not simply to open a front door, show you around and encourage you to say yes. Whether you are looking to buy your next home, rent a property in Malta or purchase real estate as an investment, we want you to understand exactly what you are considering and feel confident about your decision. 

That means we want you to look closely. Ask about the things you like and the things you are unsure about. If something catches your attention, mention it. If you want to open a cupboard, to check the water pressure or to see the garage again, ask. If you would like a second viewing, we will arrange one. And when a purchase involves something that requires specialist assessment, we believe it is better to investigate it properly before making a commitment.

For somebody buying a home, the right property should continue to feel right long after the keys have been handed over. For a tenant, it should provide a home that meets their expectations throughout the tenancy. And for an investor, the property needs to make sense for the objectives behind the investment.

 

Those are different goals, but our approach is the same: we would rather help you make an informed property decision than a rushed one. So, during your next property viewing with Bernards Real Estate, take your time. Look beyond the presentation, inspect the details, experience the surroundings and ask us questions. 

We won’t mind. In fact, we want you to.