Should I Live in Birkirkara?

Birkirkara is a busy town with one of the largest populations on the island, but what are the perks of living in Birkirkara?

Over the centuries Birkirkara has steadily grown in both size and importance, making it one of Malta’s busiest and liveliest metropolises. It had its own series of suburbs and parishes which included Sliema, St Julian’s, Hamrun, Msida and Santa Venera, that have now become towns in their own right.  Birkirkara has also become the most populated town on the Maltese islands, with around 24,000 inhabitants residing in an area that is roughly 2.7km2 in size.

Located in central Malta, Birkirkara is a stone’s throw away from most important places and amenities on the island, including Mater Dei Hospital, the University, Valletta (where most government offices are situated), Sliema (Malta’s shopping capital), and St Julian’s (Malta’s commercial capital). This, coupled with Birkirkara’s great transportation links that encompass both private as well as public transport, makes it a town that is truly well-connected.

Nevertheless, Birkirkara’s inhabitants have most necessities right on their doorstep. The town boasts a number of schools, including the prestigious St Aloysius College, St Francis’s Primary School and Kullegg Santa Theresa. It also has one of the best high streets on the island, with an array of shops that sell everything from stationary to clothing, and food to technology.  When it comes to sports, Birkirkara has one of the most successful premier football clubs in Malta.

Another thing to consider are the recreational areas in Birkirkara. Pretty, open spots include the old train station, which has been turned into a public park, that makes for a quick-yet-fun day out for the town’s young inhabitants. Plus, there are a number of bars and kazini that cater for a large number of the townsfolk.

Property in Birkirkara is also varied, with flats, town houses and palazzos existing side by side. This assemblage of properties brings together first-time buyers, business moguls, the elderly, young families and singletons into one community that manages to function brilliantly.

What makes Birkirkara special, however, is that in all its hustle and bustle it is still a rather quiet town in which neighbours interact, children play outside and Sunday mass brings a section of the community together. It is this juxtaposition of old and new, big yet compact, that makes Birkirkara an ideal place to live.

One of the most stable Maltese real estate markets  where many newly weds purchase their first property, the average listing price for a three bedroom apartment in Birkirkara is approximately €126, 000, whereas the average price for a two bedroom apartment is in the region of €100, 000.   The average price of a three bedroom maisonette is around €160,000 whereas a penthouse would cost you in the region of €175, 000.  If you are looking for a more traditional Townhouse or Character house you are looking at an average listing price of €250, 000.

It is always recommended to speak to a qualified professional Malta real estate agent that specialises in this locality before you start looking.  A specialised real estate agent will be able to guide you accordingly and save you time and money because they understand the market and will assist you in avoiding any pitfalls.