Looking for advice for trying before moving

Pretty much everything regarding renting in Malta is covered in 'accommodation' in the category search box at the top of the forum.

The problem with renting for 3 to 6 months is that most long lets are 12 months or more, most landlords would not consider 6 months a long let.
You could approach some of the companies that specialise in holiday lets and see if they have somewhere you could do a deal on for a few months in the off season.

Ray

Thanks Ray. Appreciate the reply. I noticed you can get 6 months as a long term let but if we were able to go for slightly less initially it would be better for us to start planning for the future, however currently the cost of doing this is quite expensive. Alternatively we could look at private lets, but I have read that there can be issues with doing this?

Effectively all lets are private lets as even if you find a property through an agent they are only there to find a tenant and the deal is done with the landlord.
It is said that a long let is 6 months or more but most landlords look for 12 months plus.

I would not suggest you do it, but I have known people sign up to a twelve month lease to get a good rate but leave early and forfeit their deposit!

It happens but is not good for the reputation of expats in general!

Ray

Ah so the EA doesn't manage a property in Malta? I'm a lettings agent myself in the UK so interesting to compare.

F4LL3N wrote:

Ah so the EA doesn't manage a property in Malta? I'm a lettings agent myself in the UK so interesting to compare.

They simply find a tenant and that is the end of it.
They will then continue to advertise the property on their books even though they have just let it. That is why most listings are not available, especially as they are probably on several other agents books as well!
Our current property is advertised as available with at least 3 agents at the moment!

Ray

And how are you finding living out there? Which part of the island are you and is it difficult to move over there from the UK and secure a property to rent? Sorry for all the questions! You've been really helpful.

when i lived in melllieha our last twe properties were let to us for 3 yrs and 2 yrs respectively and both  were continually advertised throughout the whole period.

Ray is correct the estate agents  in Malta bear little or no resemblance to UK EAs so as long as you know that and prepare and protect yourselves accordingly you should be ok  above all else get a contract to read before signing anything and get someone who knows what to look for to check it for you.

F4LL3N wrote:

And how are you finding living out there? Which part of the island are you and is it difficult to move over there from the UK and secure a property to rent? Sorry for all the questions! You've been really helpful.

As UK citizen it is not difficult at all to move here at the moment pre Brexit, don't know what will happen after, but those who are already here should be fine.

We are retired so did not need to be in a location near to work so we chose Gozo which is much quieter than Malta.
Remember that, unlike the UK, nearly all property here is let furnished, so most people do not bring furniture etc. with them
We came out here before we actually moved, as most people do, and found a property to rent, we signed a lease which was due to commence a couple of months later and just paid the Agents fees ( half of one months rent + VAT) and one month advance rental, we paid the security deposit when we moved in.
A passport is all you really need at that stage.

Ray