You have decided to buy a property in Malta? Great choice! There are hundreds of Apartments, Penthouses, and Maisonettes across Malta. But its unique architectural properties are the Houses of Character. These charming, sought-after homes take you back in time with their quirky features and fantastic stories from the past. Here are some things you should know if you want to buy one.
The Right Type of Character Property
Many people wonder why there are so many types of these stunning homes and they all look similar. So, what is the difference between them all?
- Townhouses – are found on the streets of a town or village, usually part of a neighborhood with many other houses similar in size and design.
- Farm Houses – mostly located on the outskirts, or as you can guess – the countryside. One they were all in remote locations, but due to the urbanization, they are now close to everything.
- Palazzos – large and mainly built for well-known families. They are always carefully designed and decorated by the leading architects and builders of the time, often at a high cost. These property types were homes of merchants, ruling classes, and political leaders. Their main function was to impress and exude the power and status of their owners.
- Houses of Character – People built them for living both for their families and for their animals as well. The owners usually live on the upper floor, whereas the lower one is for the livestock. Houses of Character are usually built around a central courtyard with external stairs leading to the upper floors. These are some of the reasons why they often include wells, sheds, storage wells and cellars, water pantries, wide barn gates, and other unique features, parts that can be easily cut off from the wall or attached as needed. Natural homes are seldom carefully planned on paper, and additional spaces, rooms, and buildings have been added over hundreds of years and many generations where needed.
Are There Any Traditional Features
The traditional Maltese Houses of Character have unique features like, ceilings made of slabs, commonly called xoroks, and arches (supporting the roof) projecting from both sides of the main bedroom wall to meet under the square is a person called kilebs. These are all types of old-fashioned home decor and designs found in most homes, and these special features are some of the things buyers can’t turn down. It should be done with a distant past of ingenious masons and creative craftsmen.
Converted VS unconverted HOCs
Originally, these homes had no plumbing or electricity, so those in their original state will require lots of hours and finance to bring them back to life. However, if you have both of the previously mentioned things, plus a good imagination, unconverted HOC can become truly unique, combining both modern comforts and old architectural features.
Today many owners have successfully taken their HOC to the 21st century. Buying such a home can cost you a lot more when it comes to price, but all the shaping efforts are gone.
If you are interested in owning one of these special homes, make sure to visit PropertyMarket.com.mt and browse over thousands of properties for sale and rent in Malta.
PropertyMarket.com.mt
EBI, Level 3, Dar Ġuzeppi Zahra, University of Malta, L-Imsida MSD 2080, Malta
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