Buying Secondary Real Estate in Sliema, Malta: Prestige, Profit, and Urban Living

Why Sliema’s Resale Market Remains a Top Choice in Malta

Sliema is Malta’s urban jewel — a vibrant coastal town that blends upscale living, cosmopolitan flair, and investment-grade real estate. While many buyers focus on new luxury developments along the waterfront, the resale property market in Sliema is equally strong — and often offers better value, larger spaces, and immediate rental potential.

Secondary real estate in Sliema includes historic townhouses, spacious seafront apartments, traditional maisonettes, and older buildings with panoramic balconies. These properties are located in established neighborhoods, with walkable access to the promenade, restaurants, retail, and ferries to Valletta. For families, digital nomads, and seasoned investors, buying a resale property in Sliema means acquiring more than a home — it’s a statement of lifestyle, location, and long-term capital preservation.

What Qualifies as Secondary Real Estate in Sliema

Secondary or resale properties are those previously owned and occupied, now available on the open market. In Sliema, these properties are diverse and may include:

• Seafront apartments in mid-rise 1980s–2000s blocks
• Traditional Maltese townhouses with internal courtyards and limestone facades
• Upper and ground-floor maisonettes with private entrances
• Terraced houses or villas in side streets and quieter residential zones
• Older buildings that offer redevelopment or subdivision potential

Unlike off-plan units or speculative towers, resale properties offer tangible advantages: immediate use, pricing transparency, and legal clarity. They are especially attractive for foreign buyers who want to live in Malta full-time or generate rental income without waiting years for construction to complete.

Advantages of Buying Resale Property in Sliema

1. Prime Location Without Developer Premiums

New projects in Sliema often command price premiums of 15–25% above comparable resale units. Buying an existing apartment or townhouse offers the same location benefits without inflated costs tied to marketing and novelty.

2. Larger Living Spaces

Many secondary apartments and maisonettes in Sliema were built before today’s density norms. It’s common to find 3-bedroom units over 150 m² with balconies, backyards, or rooftop access — rare in new builds.

3. Immediate Rental Yields

Sliema is a top rental market in Malta. Secondary properties in good condition can be rented immediately, with long-term leases to professionals or short-term licensing for tourists. Net yields range from 4% to 6% annually, with demand staying high year-round.

4. Renovation and Capital Growth Potential

Many resale units benefit from value-adding renovations — whether modernizing a kitchen, restoring stonework, or converting into dual apartments. This makes Sliema ideal for buyers seeking both lifestyle and capital appreciation.

5. Low Risk and Market Resilience

Secondary homes in Sliema have already demonstrated liquidity, maintenance history, and neighborhood value. Their established utility and architectural features make them more stable assets than speculative units.

Popular Types of Resale Property in Sliema

Seafront Apartments

Facing the Tower Road promenade, these units offer some of Malta’s most iconic views. Prices range from €500,000 to €1.5 million depending on floor level, building age, and internal finish. Many resale units feature wrap-around balconies, marble floors, and underground parking.

Townhouses

Sliema’s townhouses are highly sought after for their heritage details — wooden balconies, high ceilings, patterned tiles, and inner courtyards. These buildings often span two or three floors and are priced between €700,000 and €1.5 million. Some require full restoration, offering boutique redevelopment potential.

Maisonettes

Maisonettes with independent access are found along quieter side streets. They are preferred by families and remote workers seeking privacy. Typical prices range from €350,000 to €600,000, with upper-floor units enjoying terraces and airspace rights.

Apartments in Older Blocks

Buildings from the 1980s to early 2000s often offer better layouts and solid construction than newer high-rises. These apartments vary in price from €300,000 to €550,000 and are in high demand among long-term renters and expats.

Mixed-Use Buildings

Older buildings with ground-floor shops and residential units above can be acquired for €800,000 or more. These are ideal for investor-landlords who want to maximize returns through diversified leasing.

Legal Aspects of Buying Secondary Real Estate in Malta

1. Promise of Sale (Konvenju)

The process begins with a Promise of Sale contract signed before a notary. This document outlines the terms, price, and timelines. A 10% deposit is usually paid upon signing.

2. Due Diligence

The buyer’s notary conducts legal checks to ensure the property has a clear title, no outstanding debts or encumbrances, and valid permits. Properties in Sliema are generally well-documented, but heritage or subdivided buildings require deeper investigation.

3. Stamp Duty and Transaction Costs

Stamp duty is 5% of the purchase price. First-time Maltese buyers and certain foreign residency schemes may qualify for lower rates. Notary fees and registry costs typically add another 1.5–2% to the total.

4. Foreign Buyer Rules

EU citizens buying a primary residence do not require permits. Non-EU buyers may need an AIP permit unless the unit is in a Designated Special Area (DSA), which includes most of Sliema’s waterfront and newer zones.

5. Rental Licensing

Secondary units in Sliema are eligible for short-term rental licensing under Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) guidelines. Buyers must ensure compliance if planning to host tourists.

Who Buys Secondary Property in Sliema?

• Professionals and expats relocating to Malta for work or lifestyle
• Investors seeking long-term rental yield and capital stability
• Locals upgrading from suburban areas or investing in city assets
• Retirees wanting walkable, sea-facing homes with amenities
• Developers acquiring older units for renovation or subdivision

Best Areas in Sliema for Resale Property

• Tower Road Seafront: Iconic promenade with direct sea views and prestige buildings
• Stella Maris: Central, residential, and close to ferry terminals
• Rudolph Street & Tigné: Stylish blend of traditional townhouses and modern high-rises
• Balluta Bay (border with St. Julian’s): Popular with professionals and tourists
• Old Sliema Core: Heritage buildings and quiet lanes near St. Gregory’s Church

How VelesClub Int. Supports Buyers in Sliema’s Resale Market

VelesClub Int. offers international and Maltese buyers a secure way to purchase secondary property in Sliema. Our platform includes:

• Curated listings verified for title, pricing, and location value
• Assistance with AIP permits, tax structuring, and due diligence
• Legal representation via licensed Maltese notaries
• Renovation, furnishing, and rental management partners
• Post-sale resale or rental yield analysis for long-term strategy

Our team provides full-cycle support — from property search to keys-in-hand. We focus on legally secure, well-valued assets with long-term usability and market potential.

Conclusion: Secondary Property in Sliema Delivers Location, Lifestyle, and Liquidity

Sliema is not just a town — it’s a brand of lifestyle. By choosing secondary real estate in this prime Maltese district, buyers avoid overpaying for hype and invest in homes with proven value, larger space, and deeper character. Whether for personal use or passive income, resale properties in Sliema are a secure and sophisticated choice.

VelesClub Int. helps you access this vibrant market with confidence — connecting you with authentic homes, real legal protection, and a community of buyers who value more than just square meters. Explore Sliema’s secondary real estate today and secure your position in Malta’s most enduring property destination.