Choosing Gozo
Why choose to visit Gozo? There are many reasons why you should select Gozo. Gozo is Malta’s sister Island with lots of potential. Gozo, smaller than Malta, is filled with farmlands, yet it has a vibrant history that is reflected in its homes. Unlike the bigger island of Malta, which, though beautiful, has an urban air, Gozo is more rural, with farmlands and gorgeous hilly scenery.
What to know about Gozo
The island is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) long and 7.25 kilometres (4.50 mi) wide, with over 27,000 inhabitants. This amounts to one-twelfth of the overall population of Malta, and when compared to the overall area of the Maltese Islands, Gozo covers approximately one-third of that area. This means that the island of Gozo is not overpopulated, and that it is therefore greener, quieter and more peaceful!
Why Gozo?
For foreigners, it is a complex, intricate place, full of discoveries – ancient heritage sites, superb dive sites, fine beaches, good restaurants and friendly people who radiate typical Mediterranean spontaneity and joie de vivre. The Maltese love Gozo as a holiday destination; a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of Malta and relax in peace on the weekend, or possibly for the warmer months. Throughout the year, but especially in summer, churches hold village festas heralded by fireworks, banners, bunting and parades in honour of the patron saints… Every day is literally like a holiday! Gozo is also one of the cheapest places to live in Europe, with groceries, clothing, furniture and utility services all very reasonably priced. Crime is practically non-existent. Should you require medical care, you are in good hands, as our islands rank 10th in the world for medical standards. And on top of all that, there is no yearly real estate tax!
As testament to all this, several international celebrities have even chosen to buy their own properties in Gozo, or to visit the Island regularly. That said, their privacy is always respected on Gozo, which is probably one of the main reasons they love it here!
Choice of Properties
In terms of property, Gozo caters for all tastes and budgets – from the techie and ultra modern, to the charming and traditional. The choice of properties includes those renowned traditional Gozitan farmhouses with or without pools and often overlooking a peaceful valley, as well as apartments, penthouses and small houses of character. For those who love traditional architectural features, visiting Gozo is the obvious choice. Plus, sea views are never hard to find wherever you choose to stay!
Some interesting development projects could interest you. These include Fort Chambray in Ghajnsielem, which is a luxury development set in a historic city within a fortress. It boasts both villas and duplex maisonettes with beautiful sea views. Other developments include The Kempinski Residences, a prime residential development serviced by the renowned 5-star Kempinski Hotel, as well as Hillock and Vista Point in Marsalforn, with their convenient apartments close to the beach and many restaurants.
Favourite Locations in Gozo
Although Gozo is considered to be one destination, each village offers its own unique character and identity. If you are looking to buy an apartment to enjoy the summer months, Marsalforn and Xlendi are popular holiday villages full of restaurants, beaches and amenities. On the other hand, if you are seeking character and tranquillity, the west side of Gozo, including the small villages of Gharb, Ghasri and San Lawrenz, may be the ideal location for you. Victoria, the capital city of Gozo, might be perfect if you don’t drive, thanks to its proximity to all other villages and amenities. Xaghra, Nadur and Ghajnsielem, three of the largest villages on the island, also offer a good selection of properties in all price brackets, and each has a lively square that makes them ideal for both the summer and winter months. Qala and Ghajnsielem are both close to Mgarr Harbour and offer several character houses and apartments at reasonable prices.
Price Range
A price for a typical two-bedroom holiday apartment starts from as low as €275,000 for a finished property. Houses of character start from around €400,000, while a farmhouse/house with pool and/or garden starts from €600,000. Villas and bungalow prices range from approximately €900,000 upwards. The buying process is simple, plus it protects both the vendor and the buyer, unlike in some other countries, where there may be gazumping or outbidding.
RE/MAX Estate Agency is renowned for having the largest selection of properties in Gozo, thus ensuring that we are always in a position to propose a comprehensive selection to meet every budget and requirement.