Xagħra, Gozo: Village Houses and Penthouses on Malta's Sister Island

Xagħra offers a quieter pace than Malta's tourist coast. Ramla Bay, with its red sand, lies below the village, and the Ġgantija Neolithic temples are a UNESCO site. The island is reached by ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr in around 25 minutes, which makes the daily commute to the mainland a real consideration. Gozo has fewer high-rises than Sliema, and farmhouses with stone walls and inner courtyards are sought after. For the busier mainland compare Sliema and Mosta.

Malta regulates non-Maltese property acquisition. EU nationals who have lived on the island for a qualifying period may buy freely, while non-EU buyers generally need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit for a second home and may be subject to value thresholds. Stamp duty is paid by the buyer, and notary and agency fees add to costs. Contracts follow a promise of sale (konvenju) with a deposit, then a deed before a notary. Rules and rates change, so verify with a Maltese notary. Our Malta guide outlines the steps, and financing in Malta covers local banks.

Check that a farmhouse conversion has planning permission and whether a roof terrace has been built legally.