Would I live in Sliema, a City full of Life?

Just off the coast of Marsamxett Harbour on the east and St Julians Bay on the west, Sliema is a cosmopolitan buzzing city full of shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels. It is a fairly up-market residential town and boast the biggest mall in Malta, that being The Point. But what makes it such a desirable place to live in?

Like many cities, Sliema has supermarkets, schools, pharmacies, the doctor’s and churches. With an area totalling 1.3km2, all amenities are within walking distance from any point.

Sliema and its surrounding old towns – Mdina, Birgu, Attard and Balgan – have all seen an escalation in trendy wine bars, some with jazz performances on Friday nights. The Maltese love a live performance, and it’s not hard to come across a cosy acoustic gig in a tucked-away bar or lounge.

Sliema has the best selection of shopping and easy access to a large quantity of buses taking you all over the island. There is a 10-minute ferry to Valletta or if you are driving, you can get to the sandy beaches of Mellieha in 30 minutes, the ancient silent city, The Mdina, in 25 minutes, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk in 30 minutes, and the ferry departure for Gozo in 45 minutes. Public transport from Sliema, in fact, is one of the best on the island as Sliema is so very central.

The large number of schools within the Sliema region include seven church, government and independent kindergartens, five primary and four secondary schools. The University of Malta is is only a 15 minute drive away and with public transport to the university, frequent and reliable

The city also boasts an incredible collection of town houses most with traditional features; seafront apartments with incredible views; and luxury properties, including the enviable postcodes of Tigne Point and Fort Cambridge.

The cost of living, compared to many other European countries is relatively low: a cup of coffee will set you back around €1.50, 50 cents for a pastizzi, and monthly rent in the city centre about €600.

For young couples or singletons who enjoy the social scene of wining and dinning, who want to go out and get home effortlessly, look no further than Sliema.It is also great for retirees who want to make the most of their time swimming, walking by the sea, or enjoying an al fresco dinner without the hassle of travelling.

Sliema has a beautiful promenade with seating, cafes, children’s playground, statues and fountains running for most of the seafront from St Julians in the north to near Manoel Island and Gzira in the west.

The upshot is that Sliema is the perfect location for those who enjoy a busy, vibrant lifestyle, and the luxury of having everything within a stone’s throw of your front door.

Finding a property in Sliema is not as expensive as you are led to believe and it is quite easy to find a property that suits your pocket and needs. Comparing the cost of renting or buying real estate in outer cosmopolitan towns worldwide, Sliema is actually affordable, when you consider the amenities available and the convenience of public transport.

Reasons to Relocate to Sliema

There is something for everyone in Sliema. If you looking to rent, the standard of rental homes is high. A one bedroom apartment can fetch € 500 per month, a luxury apartment starts at € 750 per month and can fetch up to € 3000 to € 5000 per month and beyond, depending on the quality of finish and location.

If you are looking to buy a property, there are plenty of options to choose from. With the vast selection of townhouses, apartments and maisonettes and the number of New Builds on the market, Sliema is ideal as a primary residence or an investment for rental.

The real estate market in Sliema is one of the more sound investments one can make. The stable real estate market is thanks to the booming rental market, coupled with an excellent standard set by the lifestyle developments, Tigne Point and Fort Cambridge, first rate shopping centres, Sliema has always seen a healthy capital appreciation. Rental returns can make you between 4% and 7% per annum with capital returns experiencing similar returns.

If you are after the Island life where the sea side is on your door stop, drink great lattes and Cappuccinos at every corner, shop, and eat out at the finest restaurants on the Maltese Islands then Sliema would definitely be a great place to start looking.