Special Designated Areas

Owners of properties in SDAs enjoy special privileges and do not need to adhere to the usual rules that bind foreign property buyers in other areas of the country.

Some More Info…

Simply put, when it comes to purchasing a property in an SDA, foreign buyers have the same rights as locals.

It’s that simple. There is no need to sign up (and pay for) an AIP, which would be a necessary step if purchasing a property outside an SDA.

In addition, any buyer (foreign or local) can purchase a property in an SDA to rent as an investment property.

What You Get

Each SDA has its own charms, special set of amenities and unique selling points. This can depend on the location or even the size of the development. Some SDAs cater for city-dwellers looking for style and glamour, whereas others lean more towards giving people privacy, space and seafront tranquility.

Virtually all SDAs have certain traits in common. They practically all offer a range of properties, from studio apartments to villas with private swimming pools. Many properties also enjoy stunning sea or country views.

Nearly all the developments have communal pools (in many cases several pools), landscaped gardens and underground parking. Most have commercial areas and communal open spaces.

The SDAs in Brief

Portomaso Marina Development (St Julian’s) is a rather spectacular development. Built along the coast around three man-made basins, the development clusters around a small private harbour complete with its own picturesque lighthouse. It boasts a private yacht marina and five star facilities throughout, from its casino, to the Hilton Hotel next door, as well as all the cafes and restaurants by the water’s edge. Although its location is in the heart of bustling St Julian’s, the atmosphere by the water is quiet and tranquil. It is small wonder why so many world famous celebrities, from footballers to politicians, own apartments here.

Located in the heart of one of Malta’s most cosmopolitan towns, Tigne Point (Sliema) is a destination in itself. It boasts a large shopping mall and several popular cafes and restaurants. The big draw is the view. Sea facing apartments enjoy unobstructed views of the Mediterranean, whilst harbour views enjoy the stunning vista of Valletta’s skyline. This is a place where café culture, people watching and entertaining guests is a pleasant component of everyday life.

Fort Cambridge (Sliema) is excellently located next to Tigne Point, right on the edge of the Sliema peninsula. Malta’s premiere shopping district is literally yards away, and the beach is even closer. Valletta and St Julian’s are minutes away by car or boat. It is a high-rise development with no commercial space. In fact, Fort Cambridge is the only SDA in Malta that is completely residential. Not to worry though, there are plenty of shops a stone’s throw away in Sliema.

St Angelo Mansions (Vittoriosa) is a development in the heart of the Grand Harbour. Built right at the water’s edge, right next to the fortified walls of Fort St Angelo (the headquarters of the Knights of St John), this development is located in a quiet, historical district, where, in the 1500s, the Great Siege of Malta was fought. A superyacht marina is just outside your front door, as are a number of cafes and restaurants. Across the harbour is the stunning view of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Madliena Village (Madliena) is just outside the peaceful village of Gharghur, in the prestigious area of Madliena valley. With stunning countryside and sea views, Madliena Village offers a break away from urban areas, and yet is close enough for a quick drive into town. If peace, quiet and open space is what you’re after, Madliena Village is well worth a visit.

Pendergardens (St Julian’s) a new SDA right in the heart of St Julian’s, close to St George’s Bay and Paceville. Located just next to an intersection that joins the Regional Road (Malta’s main arterial road from North to South) you cannot get much more central than here. With the sea a few minutes away and transport links at your doorstep, this high-rise development is perfect for those that want a city living feel.

Ta’ Monita Residence (Marsascala) is located close to the sea in the south of Malta. Due to its seafront location many of the properties boast stunning sea views. Marsascala is close to Smart City. Being in the south of Malta makes this SDA even more appealing for anyone applying for the Global Residences Programme as the qualifying property threshold price and application fees for the programme are less.

Another seaside development, Tas-Sellum Residence (Mellieha), is located in the north of the island. This development is a small cluster of apartment buildings with spectacular views of one of Malta most beautiful bays.

Smart City (Kalkara) is a new development by the sea. Smart City itself is a planned community of office and recreation space, mostly for online and ITC businesses, inspired by a similar Smart City in Dubai.

The Quad is a stunning development, soon to be sited in the geographic centre of Malta. This mixed-use development will provide an exciting mix of Grade A professional and commercial office space, supported by a diversified range of retail and amenity outlets, ample parking facilities and spacious landscaped outdoor areas and piazzas. This extraordinary new business centre implements notable green building concepts and will set the standards for the workspace of tomorrow.

Kempinski Residences (San Lawrenz, Gozo), is a stunning development set within the private wing of a 5 star hotel on the island of Gozo. Expect every amenity possible and the beautiful surroundings of Dwejra and the Azure Window.

Located on the south coast of Gozo, Fort Chambray (Ghajnsielem, Gozo) is built on a property with historic links to the Knights of St John. Its proximity to Mgarr harbour makes it ideal for anyone wishing to commute to and from Malta. Views from this development are some of the most arresting in the Maltese islands, with sea views of Comino and Malta across the Gozo channel.

Vista Point (Marsalforn, Gozo) is a new development in one of Gozo’s most popular seaside resorts. Properties have panoramic sea or country views and residents here can benefit from living in one of Gozo’s most popular and bustling towns, full of restaurants, cafes and a lively (in the summer) promenade by the sea.

Forum Residences is situated in the locality of Swieqi close to St Julians area, is the latest of the luxury concept developments to grab public attention. In total it comprises a considerably number of beautifully laid out residential apartments, penthouses, terraced houses and villas, as well as a business centre. Commercial spaces will include a supermarket and ample parking facilities. The all is set in an impeccably landscaped area within one of Malta’s most elegant towns. 

Ħal Sagħtrija Residence is a distinct and unique development consisting of 75 luxury state-of-the-art apartments in the serene and picturesque environment of Żebbuġ, Gozo. The property is set on 15 tumuli of land, of which 13 tumuli are landscaped gardens and cultivated fields.

Tal-General Residence is a newly built development located on the edge of the tranquil village of San Lawrenz in Gozo. Each residential unit is set on high grounds overlooking stunning west-facing sea views boasting astonishing sunsets over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. It offers residents a relaxed lifestyle in peaceful surroundings.

The Hillock residences project is split into a number of individual blocks, each with only a limited number of apartments. The units will offer a variety of spacious one-, two- or three-bed roomed units, all including lock-up garages. The Hillock residences will also be utilising green measures to ensure they are environmentally friendly. The project offers an elegant and superior design, coupled with exceptional quality in construction.

Victoria Gardens forms part of Swieqi, though parts of it border with fields that run all the way to San Ġwann across a valley. Located behind what used to be the Halland Hotel, Victoria Gardens is approximately a five-minute drive from the Swieqi church. Here’s a bit of a lowdown on Victoria Gardens and what to expect if you’re considering moving there.

Take this Further

RE/MAX Malta is one of the top-selling agents for all the major SDA developments. Our dedicated sales team is constantly helping clients handpick SDA properties swiftly and easily. Properties in an SDA tend to keep their value and appreciate, thus making them an extremely attractive high-end investment for property buyers.

Whether the property is intended for use as a qualified investment property, second home or rental investment, RE/MAX is in a prime position to give our clients access to the best properties first.