Take photos, take notes and ask for the floor plan. When you are comparing several homes, this list makes the differences clear.
Outside and around
- The street at different times — traffic, noise, bars, a school run, a construction site next door.
- Parking — is there a garage or space included? How easy is street parking in the evening?
- What could be built — empty plots or low buildings opposite can mean a lost view later.
- Distance to what you need — shops, schools, the seafront, the bus stop or ferry.
- Orientation — which rooms get morning and afternoon sun?
The building
- Façade and common parts — clean, maintained, finished?
- The lift — working, modern, reaching your floor?
- Who manages the block — is there an administrator? Ask for the condominium rules.
- Planned works — façade, lift or roof works coming up, and who pays.
- Number of units — and how many are let as short-stay accommodation.
Inside
- Damp — look low on walls, behind furniture and in wardrobes; smell it.
- Ceilings — stains under terraces and bathrooms above.
- Windows and apertures — single or double glazing, condition of the frames.
- Air conditioning — how many units, how old, and in which rooms.
- Water pressure and hot water — run a tap and a shower.
- Electrics — the age of the distribution board and the number of sockets.
- Storage — wardrobes, a store room, a washroom on the roof.
- Natural light — in the living room and bedrooms, not only on the terrace.
- Room sizes — measure, or ask for the plan with measurements.
- Noise between flats — listen for neighbours, lifts and plumbing.
Outdoors
- Terrace and roof — waterproofing, drainage, who owns the roof.
- Pool — equipment, leaks, and whether it is covered by a permit.
- Garden — irrigation, boundary walls, overlooking.
Paperwork to ask for
- The asking price and what is included — furniture, appliances, parking.
- Floor plan and approved permits.
- Energy Performance Certificate — see EPCs in Malta.
- Utility bills — to estimate running costs.
- Condominium contributions and any arrears.
- Is it in a Special Designated Area? — important for non-EU buyers.
- Why is the owner selling, and how soon can they complete?
Once you have a favourite, read our due diligence checklist and how to negotiate the price.
