International interest in Maltese property

As part of their extensive international marketing campaign, Propertyline Real Estate Agency have just returned from an International Property Fair held at Earls Court, London, which saw the participation of estate agents from around the world.

Propertyline's managing director Trafford Busuttil described the company's participation as an overwhelming success, since their exhibition stand generated great interest in the Maltese Islands as the ideal retirement home in the Mediterra-nean and the perfect holiday home destination.

Although competition was strong, Malta gained ground on neighbouring countries such as Spain, Greece and Cyprus. However, emerging markets such as Egypt, Turkey, Croatia and Bulgaria are presenting new challenges.

Mr Busuttil said the company was promoting various types of property and new developments in Malta and Gozo to potential clients and the response was extremely encouraging, with a substantial number of clients already booking inspection visits in the coming months to view properties.

"A number of factors have contributed to this increase in demand by foreign clients - namely Malta's accession to the European Union next May, the favourable property market in the UK, the safety that Malta offers, a hospitable, English-speaking population, and the blend that the island managed to achieve between our rich historical past and a modern way of living," Mr Busuttil said.

This international fair also saw the launching of the company's new brochure promoting the Mal-tese Islands as the ideal property destination in the Mediterranean.

The company is also planning to participate in a number of other international fairs to promote Malta even further.