Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1488480
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 DECEMBER 2022 14 COMMERCIAL What to expect from the real estate market in 2023 GRAHAME Salt is a Company Director at Frank Salt Real Es- tate and joined the family busi- ness in 1996. Selling property at first and gaining the necessary experience, he started travelling extensively as the company's ambassador promoting Malta and its property offerings over- seas. Grahame has a clear vision of what the future holds for both the local market and the Group. Always excel at what you do Grahame's philosophy is that agents are there to interpret the needs and wants of a client first and then to match them with absolutely the best property ac- cording to their criteria. "Real estate has thus become a highly specialised profession, requir- ing agents to be regulated and licensed, to be of the highest calibre. Teamwork, training and being innovative leaders in mar- keting are also all key elements for success", said Grahame. "For consumers, only the very best will do regarding service, com- mitment, knowledge and pro- fessionalism – especially when selling high value real estate" he continued. Company vision "We want to remain the mar- ket leaders without dropping any standards or sacrificing quality and we have always been strong in all segments of the market, but competition is intense and this is why we fo- cus on investing in our people. We also don't wish to franchise, as this is a model we don't feel works well in Malta as internal competition can ruin teamwork. Additionally, we want to remain a point of reference for develop- ers when planning projects and for the government when decid- ing on new policies. Our aim is to retain our strong share of the overseas market as we believe that investment in local real es- tate by overseas clients is impor- tant for the economy", Grahame stated. The market for 2023 "The market will remain healthy in 2023 but as a country we need to focus on creating an attractive environment outside of our homes, both for ourselves as well as to allow this beautiful island group to remain a popular relocation and investment desti- nation", said Grahame. "The Maltese economy is very resilient with the local real estate market having had an amazing track record, but we need to be aware of what overseas com- petitors are offering in terms of residence and corporate pro- grammes so that we can remain competitive. The market may be showing no signs of slowing down, but people should always seek the right advice when they are planning to sell so they enter the market at the right price." Quality is everything With a more discerning mar- ket looking to buy and sell, the stakes are higher than ever. "Our focus is to register correct- ly-priced, quality properties that we can comfortably offer to our clients. We therefore encourage developers to improve on the quality of their projects as well as energy efficiency, design and fin- ishes. When it comes to resales, more effort must be put into get- ting homes ready for showing off to potential buyers. A well-kept home is more attractive and mi- nor maintenance work can make all the difference. Well-kept properties offered for sale move faster: the buying public wants quality homes", Grahame said. Delivering a bespoke all-round service The Group has long been con- sidered the leader in Malta's real estate market with impeccable market knowledge, the highest of professional conduct, expert agents and an impressive histo- ry of success for more than 50 years. The company offers con- venience, the biggest selection of properties for sale and to let and a branch can be found in most towns and villages. With varied ancillary arms of business, Frank Salt Real Estate is thus a one- stop shop for anyone interested in buying and selling property. Grahame summed up: "Client's needs are assessed on an indi- vidual basis and around this, a bespoke bouquet of solutions are tailored to ensure a quick, successful outcome for any buy- er, seller, tenant or landlord". Expert advice to those considering a career in real estate As the first real estate compa- ny in Malta to have all its agents accredited, the Group's pro-ac- tive nature includes compulsory rigorous in-house induction and training courses for any new re- cruits and on-going courses for the lifetime of any agent. "The need for new agents in sales and letting has increased con- siderably. Experienced agents are always welcome but anyone that is considering a career in real estate with the company has no need for any experience or knowledge of property, as all training will be provided. You only need a passion for property and the will to succeed. Selling real estate offers flexible work- ing hours to those that want an alternative!" he said enthusias- tically. "We can be contacted at any time should you be interest- ed in kicking off a career in real estate. I can highly recommend it", he added with a big smile. Karl Vella Foundation launches psychological support service for patients and carers abroad KARL Vella Foundation (KVF) is now providing crisis interven- tion and psychological support to patients receiving treatment abroad, as well as to the caregiv- ers accompanying them. 'Because You Matter… Because We Care' was officially launched on 15 December by KVF Co-Founder and Chairperson Claire Chircop at the KVF Cen- tre in Attard in the presence of Miguel Borg, Chief Risk Officer at Bank of Valletta, BOV being the main sponsors. Chircop became aware of the psychological hardships that both the patient and accompany- ing caregivers go through while herself receiving treatment in the UK during 2021. "This is obviously a very stress- ful time for the patients who are trapped in their illness and inse- curity while in a foreign country, possibly facing loss of income and loneliness if travelling alone," said Chircop. "The caregivers also go through stressful periods having to as- sume the responsibility of car- egivers, which they are not pre- pared for, while having to remain positive for the patient's sake." To plan for this service, Chircop and KVF's psychological support service coordinator, Mark Calle- ja, visited London and Sutton in November. There they had the opportunity to speak to various Maltese patients their caregivers staying in the apartments of Put- tinu and also at the Franciscan Sisters' in the UK to help identify the most required forms of psy- chological support and to fine tune the delivery of this new ser- vice. During their visit in the UK, a soft launch of the project was held in the presence of Mrs Mallia, the British High Commissioner of Malta's wife, Rita Ghio Medical Officer at the office of the High Commission in the UK, Charlene Fenech, Manager at Treatment Abroad Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Fr Mario Sant, Fr Joseph Formo- sa, Franciscan sisters of the Heart of Jesus, together with some pa- tients and their caregivers. "Mental health professionals will schedule online sessions with both the patients and the carers to provide them with the necessary support to help them cope with these unfamiliar con- ditions. The professionals will also be available in the case of an unexpected crisis to assist the patients and carers in the short- est time possible. This service will be free of charge thanks to the support of Bank of Valletta and the other sponsors," contin- ued Chircop. Alexia Abela Vella, Suzanne Vella and Dorianne Galea spoke about their experience while in the UK, and emphasised the need of specialised psychological sup- port that was not available during their most difficult times. Further information about this new service can be obtained from KVF on becauseyoumatter@kvf. org.mt or on 77041569 Grahame Salt