Malta - British Expat Forum

Hi,
I am desperate to re-locate from the UK to somewhere warmer and healthier for myself, my son and my mother. I have been suffering terribly with extreme sensitivities to mould, especially in buildings, and pollen in the UK. I came, recently, to Malta on a reckkie and found great respite from the pollen and seemed to cope well with the buildings. I was really happy with this and felt that Malta would be good for all of us, my son would so better to move to an English speaking school, I feel, and my mum hates the cold. And, anyway, we loved it!
On returning and reading thru' the forum, to my horror, I see so many posts relating to the cold, damp and mould...
My immediate reaction was to bin the whole idea but I was so sad to do so, I am desperate to find a way, if possible to make it to Malta.
I have read some very well informed posts about use of buildings i.e. proper use of heat and ventilation; electric heat versus LPG (No way for me!). And, of course my old favorites, dehumidifiers. Personally, I would be very careful about these things... And I would also look to purchase a new apartment which would not have been allowed to get damp. Not ground floor or penthouse and hopefully double skinned with cavirty and damp course.
My question is; With the lack of building control and regulations, would it be possible to find an apartment that would not get damp?
Would I have to choose a specific type of construction? Particular materials? I realise that the limestone is very porus and therefore probably no good... Are there other factors that would cause problems?
Basically; How do I find a good dry building? Or, even, if it is possible?
I know from reading the forum that there are people who are very knowlegable about this kind of thing on the forum... Please help me to make an informed choice.
P.S. I have wondered if there are different materials used in, say, plastering... I actually had a home built in the UK, It was fine until the plastering was done. It was the winter and the plasterers left all the doors and windows locked up tight when they left, Bless um!
Yours, Hopefully, Dillemma

Quote:

And I would also look to purchase a new apartment which would not have been allowed to get damp.

If you are worried about mould/damp aggravating a medical condition, maybe buying in Malta is not a good idea. That's not meant to sound harsh or spiteful, just that you might be better renting for a while to see if Malta suits you all round.

Whilst there are 'horror stories' on here about damp/mould, they aren't written to scare anyone, more to educate them on how to deal with it. My personal opinion is that prevention is better than cure. We repainted most walls and also killed all our mould with strenuous cleaning last winter. (This year I will clean/treat all the walls before it actually appears)

Damp and mould is not really any worse or better than many properties in the UK, but is probably more visible!

As for buying a new, sealed unit, most apartments I've seen being built are left open to the elements with doors & windows being the last thing put in! Hopefully someone else can give you better advice ref the quality of construction.

Hi Pumabob,
Thanks for your speedy reply and the good advice. I shall consider it hard... I just have always found it impossible in the UK to rent as there are always carpets ect... And being powerless to change anything if I do have a problem. But I guess it may be more possible in Malta. Really, if I find a home that suits me, I want to stay there! One day!

Good luck with your search, Dillemma - and many thanks for signing up as a Premium Member. The animals in Gozo SPCA's care will all be glad of the extra funds too, I'm sure

Most rentals here come fully furnished, it's actually harder to find unfurnished properties. Quite a few friends of ours live in good quality apartments, very well furnished and hardly any damp/mould problems. These would be what I call 'new build' in the Mellieha area and the majority have been bought by their neighbours, so all are built to the same standard.

Also the majority of properties have tiled floors throughout.
Carpet is hardly ever seen here!

Thanks Pumabob,
Yes! it would be great to get away from the carpets!