When moving to a new country, it may be easier to connect and meet new people in an urban environment. If you have chosen to move to Malta, Valletta is a particularly dynamic city. Locally, you can easily find things to do with friends or family, grab a bite to eat, have a drink, or simply relax. In short, Valletta is lively and conducive to enjoying your new lifeÌýin Malta.
Beyond its historic and magnificent architecture, the capital of Malta is a vibrant and lively city. This is thanks to the numerous events held there throughout the year: festivals, cultural activities, and parades, as well as concerts, exhibitions, carnivals, religious processions, and more.
Characteristics of Valletta: ideal for finding accommodation
Spanning just 80 hectares, Valletta has been the capital of Malta since the 16th century. Built starting in 1566, it is one of the smallest capitals in Europe. Its architecture is distinctly Baroque, and its streets give the impression of walking through an open-air museum! Their straight layout forms a grid, and according to legend, this design was intended to allow the breeze to circulate and cool the city during the summer.
Valletta is Malta'sÌýcommercial and administrative center, with some government services housed in historic buildings. Indeed, even though the city is small, it is full of important historical sites. Many buildings date back to the 16th century, and since 1980, the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it is one of the cities with the most historical sites in the world.
Valletta is a dynamic city, not only because of the diversity of its residents but also because of the multitude of tourists who visit each year. The city offers numerous activities and facilities, including restaurants and shops, as well as businesses and organizations. Altogether, it creates a charming destination with a good variety of amenities for new residents.
Valletta is bustling during the day but strangely quiet at night. With its artistic buildings and historical monuments at every corner, it feels like stepping back in time. It is also very pleasant to stroll around and enjoy this unique living environment.
In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta was selected as one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2018. The city's history is intriguing due to its variety of rulers and inhabitants, with abundant tales of war and cultural achievements.
Contemporary Valletta is also home to stylish cafes, wine bars, and several museums showcasing everything from Neolithic sculptures to modern art. The theater and art play a significant role in the capital, with performances throughout the year attracting internationally renowned artists. You will never run out of events to attend in Valletta.
With all these features, Valletta is a favorable city for finding accommodation.
Valetta's neighborhoodsÌý
Valletta can be the ideal city to live, work, learn, and settle in. Indeed, it offers a range of housing options. According to real estate professionals, life in the city center of Valletta can be very different from that in the adjacent streets.
Each part of the city, whether the upper or lower part (near the sea), has its own personality. Choose the lower part (facing Sliema and the Three Cities) for a quieter environment and beautiful views of the natural harbors. The immediate surroundings of the main streets (Republic Street, Strait Street, and Merchants Street) are more lively, and therefore noisier. However, keep in mind that due to the small size of the city, everything is easily accessible on foot.
Living in Valletta
Valletta is a central city, so you can reach any other part of the island by bus. But you need to be patient, as the service is sometimes irregular. The traffic is partly responsible for this situation: while it flows smoothly in Valletta, this is not the case in neighboring cities, namely Sliema, Paceville, and St. Julian's. A bustling city by day, it is very quiet at night. Those who enjoy nightlife will head to St. Julian's, Sliema, and Paceville, the party district.
A traffic control system installed in 2007 monitors traffic using automated cameras. They can identify the license plates of vehicles entering and leaving the toll zone. If you have a car and wish to park it, it will be very difficult to find a spot inside the city. Prefer one of the parking lots available outside the city, such as in Floriana.
If you wish to live in Valletta, opt for public transportation. The bus terminals are located outside the city and allow you to literally go anywhere in Malta. Electric taxis also allow you to get around the city unless you prefer the Maltese public transport minibus. Line 130 goes to the waterfront, while line 133 circles the city. Given Valletta's small size, you can also easily explore it on foot.
The Waterfront is now a leisure and relaxation area that hosts cultural events such as Maltese Nights during the summer. Sitting on a café terrace, you can enjoy a peaceful view of the cruise ships docking.
How to find accommodation in Valletta
Valletta is not the easiest city to find housing in Malta. Spanning less than a square kilometer, its real estate market is quite limited. As the country's capital, it is home toÌýa large part of Maltese institutions and services, while some buildings are also dedicated to tourism: restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. In Valletta, many buildings are therefore not dedicated to housing.
There are not really any new constructions in Valletta, as the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the buildings are protected. The city wants to preserve its image, which is understandable given its beauty and charm.
This characteristic hinders companies wishing to build new and contemporary buildings. In Valletta, you will primarily find townhouses and old palaces. Moreover, most buildings are old and tend to have problems, such as poor insulation. However, some apartments have been renovated, so they are new, modern, and comfortable inside. Renting them allows you to live in a beautiful traditional building on the outside, while the interior is comfortable and modern.
If you have the opportunity, visit the city before searching for accommodation. The real estate market is booming in Malta, and it is possible to find an apartment or house by conducting an online search. But as the market evolves very quickly, it is preferable to search while being on-site. This will allow you to take your time to find accommodation that truly meets your desires and needs. You can also visit the property, assess its condition, and see its exact location.
For your housing search in Malta, it may be more practical to hire the services of a real estate professional. The rental market in the capital is a bit more limited than in other regions, so a real estate agent can certainly find a property that truly suits your needs and budget. Moreover, online offers are quite rare. Here are the main real estate agencies in Malta: , , , , , , and .
Rental prices in Valletta
Housing prices in Valletta have increased dramatically in recent years. Indeed, interest in Malta has grown among both tourists and expatriates. Downtown apartments are generally more expensive than areas outside the main city. So remember that in Valletta, rents are higher than elsewhere in Malta.
Many Maltese and expatriates want to live in Valletta, which has a significant impact on rents. Count on a minimum of €850 for a studio and between €1,000 and over €3,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, especially if you choose a renovated property. Townhouses are rare and their rents startÌýfrom €1,000.
In any case, living in Valletta can be worth the extra cost.
Rental conditions in Valletta
Long-term rentals have a minimum duration of six months, and the lease should normally be for one year, but landlords are often flexible. To rent accommodation in Valletta, the following are generally required:
- A one-month deposit (refundable);
- One month's rent in advance;
- An estimate of utility charges that will be adjusted every three months;
- A valid ID.
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a visa to reside in Malta. However, you must apply for a residence permit (eResidence card for Malta) for any stay longer than three months (see our article "Residence and work permits in Malta"). If you have a passport from another country, you will need a visa. For this, contact the Maltese embassy in your country of residence or the nearest consular representation.
Tips for finding accommodation in Valletta
Most apartments and houses in Valletta being old, be cautious during your housing visits. Here are some points to pay attention to:
- Reversible air conditioning: it's a must in Malta. Without it, you'll be too hot in summer, and without a heating system (including reversible air conditioning), you'll be cold in winter. Moreover, air conditioning helps to dry the accommodation, thus preventing humidity and mold from settling in;
- Humidity and mold issues: this is a common problem in Valletta and Maltese housing in general, as the Maltese climate is very humid. When visiting a property, look for signs of water damage on the walls, such as peeling paint, water stains, or even mold. Also, take a look under sinks, bathtubs, and showers;
- Water pressure at the tap: water pressure can be low, especially if you rent an apartment located on the upper floors;
- Rust is another water damage: the humid Maltese climate causes poor-quality metal objects to rust quickly. Also, remember that Valletta is surrounded by the sea!;
- Fly screens: in summer, mosquitoes are numerous in Valletta;
- Water heaters: many apartments in Valletta have small water heaters. This can be a problem if the accommodation is shared;
- TV and Internet connections in Malta: they are often located on the roof. In some cases, installers will need the landlord's permission to access the roof and drill holes.
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