What To Look Out For In A Maltese Townhouse

photo Zoltan Tasi

Townhouses belonging to the pre-war or post-war era and they are usually characterised by a series of features which render them typical of these Mediterranean islands.

The below list of features are a great guideline on what to look for when checking for authenticity. Keep in mind that many townhouses that were threatened during the war have today been restored.

Number of bedrooms

Townhouses in Malta are generally small, having not more than two bedrooms. A townhouse with extra rooms is therefore extra special and can appreciate more in value in the future, a part being more comfortable as a home.

Wooden apertures

Wooden apertures in good and original condition are a bonus – the front door complete with brass knocker; the original ‘persjani’ alias louvered windows; the traditional wooden balcony. Wooden balconies were typically painted, cream, green, white, red or light blue, all colours which complement the natural limestone facade.

Shoe scrapers

A curiosity are the shoe scrapers sitting at one or both sides of the front doorstep. Made of wrought iron, these served to scrape goat and dog poo, or mud from the bottom of shoes before entering the house

Wrought-iron front doors

Front door gates when included, are made out of wrought-iron and generally topped by a brass bar and brass handle.

Plaques depicting a religious saint

Apart from the door number (occasionally in brass) and a door name, facades were typically complemented by a ceramic or majolica plaque depicting a religious saint, the Madonna & Child or the Holy Family.

Traditional floor tiles

Indoors, look for original floor tiles, handmade, colorful, intact and ornamental. The true Maltese townhouse usually boasted a different design and pattern of floor tile in each individual room. Today these original tiles can be reproduced at quite elevated prices, but of course nothing beats the original.

Wrought iron balustrades

Wrought iron balustrades are a staple feature along the indoor staircase.

Back garden

Most townhouses in Malta include a garden at the back. Some of the loveliest gardens can be reached via a roofed verandah shaded by vine on trellis. Gardens were not particularly large but some included a shed in the back and a separate toilet. The grander houses could have a garden large enough to allow the eventual inclusion of a pool. An alternative is the courtyard with its lone citrus tree.

Garden details

In the garden watch out for curiosities such as hand-hewn stone seating, sun dials, old plants and stone-cut planters. A well is usually present and the older ones would be have been dug out of the stone in the form of a bell (qanpiena) – a highly prized inclusion with ample water storage capacity.

Well-lit buildings

Townhouses in Malta are generally well-lit and some may sport a skylight overlooking the stairway, for daylight to spill into the house all day long.

Spiral staircase (Garigor)

The cherry on the cake would be the inclusion of a spiral staircase somewhere on the rear part of the house, perhaps leading up to the roof.

Once you become tempted to purchase a townhouse in Malta of your own, do keep in mind that certain aspects of the townhouse are particularly appreciated and would make your investment much more special

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source: https://remax-malta.com/blog/maltese-townhouse