St Paul’s Bay With Most Property Sales In December 2023

Jan 15 2024

In December 2023, the residential property market saw a 2.5% increase in the number of final deeds of sale, totaling 1,047, with a corresponding 21.6% surge in their value, reaching €282.2 million.

Individual buyers constituted 89.8% of these transactions, amounting to €212.0 million.

The Northern Harbour District and the Northern District recorded the highest numbers of final deeds of sale, while San Pawl Il-Baħar, Ħaż-Żabbar, Il-Mellieħa, and Il-Mosta accounted for 21.7% of the total.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, final deeds of sale dropped by 15.0%, with 3,200 transactions valued at €843.4 million. San Pawl Il-Baħar, Birkirkara, and Marsaskala had the highest numbers of final deeds.

Regarding promise of sale agreements, December 2023 saw a 5.1% increase, reaching 1,052 agreements, primarily driven by individual buyers (91.5%).

The Northern Harbour District and the Northern District recorded the highest numbers, and San Pawl Il-Baħar, Birkirkara, and Tas-Sliema accounted for 18.0% of the total. In the fourth quarter, promise of sale agreements increased by 4.6%, totaling 3,508, with San Pawl Il-Baħar, Birkirkara, and Il-Mosta leading in numbers.

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Irish Times Tips Cardinal Mario Grech as Top European Pope Contender

Jan 15 2024

According to an article published by The Irish Times on Sunday, January 14th, Gozitan Cardinal Mario Grech is emerging as a favoured European candidate for the papacy.

Irish Times Tips Cardinal Mario Grech as Top European Pope Contender Cardinal Mario Grech, a 66-year-old from Malta, is considered a prominent contender due to his pivotal role as the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, actively contributing to the ongoing synodal process initiated by Pope Francis. His extensive experience includes serving on the Roman Rota and holding a bishopric position in Malta for over 18 years. The article highlights that Cardinal Grech’s origin from a small country could prove advantageous, especially in the realm of geopolitics. Currently, there are 241 cardinals, with only 136 under 80 years old and eligible to vote.

The Irish Times notes that despite Pope Francis turning 87 last month and facing some minor health challenges, his overall health remains robust. The article suggests that a resignation due to increasing incapacity is more plausible than the pope passing away in office. However, it speculates that any such move is unlikely to occur before the conclusion of the Synod of Bishops in Rome next October.

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Photo Source: ARCHDIOCESE OF MALTA / The Irish Times

Enough Money Raised for Shawn Mifsud’s Bionic Hands

Jan 15 2024

Shawn Mifsud and his wife, Graziana, are expressing their immense joy and gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from the public in recent days and weeks.

In a heartfelt social media post, Shawn shared that in one of his interviews, he spoke about his dream “to once again be able to pick up and hug his children.” With the tremendous support from the public, Shawn is now on the brink of realising this dream, as the fundraising goal to purchase bionic arms has been successfully reached.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Shawn conveyed his gratitude for the various fundraising events organised by compassionate individuals. He expressed his commitment to attend these events, hoping to generate additional funds to acquire bionic legs and make essential home adjustments for a more comfortable and independent life within his family home.

Through both donations and heartfelt messages, the Maltese public is once again showcasing its generosity for Shawn, who underwent limb amputation in order to overcome the disease.

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“More youths are choosing to leave Malta,” Dr. Bernard Grech states.

Jan 15 2024

Speaking to Malta Daily during an official event held by the Nationalist Party, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech raised concerns about the state of Malta’s education system. He emphasised the ongoing dispute between educators and the government over pay and other measures, stating that this is adversely affecting students.

The Opposition leader criticised the government for misallocating funds, particularly pointing out alleged “ghost jobs” that cost millions, while suggesting that the money should have been invested in fair wages for educators. According to Grech, these issues are driving more youths to leave Malta, serving as a stark indicator of the government’s failure.

In his remarks, Grech underscored the Nationalist Party’s commitment to providing the youth with a brighter future in Malta, positioning the current situation as a critical test of the government’s ability to address systemic challenges in the education sector.

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