Following the huge success of the first ever property fair held in February last year, the HSBC Malta Property Expo is now established as an annual event at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali. This year’s edition opens its doors on Friday, 5 March.

The first edition of The Malta Property Expo proved to be very successful in more ways than one. Over 6000 people visited the event and applauded the high level of organisation and most of the 73 exhibitors went away holding filled appointment books, with some sales actually concluded during the event itself. Then in October, Malta’s first event of this kind, received a much-coveted commendation during the OPP Industry Awards held in London. This re-affirmed the event’s success with more praise from a highly respected industry body of international property professionals.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of The Property Expo so far,” said Keith Pillow, managing director of organising company, Duplex Real Estate Branding.

“The feedback from everyone has been very encouraging and in fact we closed stand bookings earlier than expected,” he added.

In this year’s edition there are over 75 exhibitors, ranging from estate agents and property developers to building innovations, banks and other financial institutions, high-end interiors and many other related businesses. One of the many attractions at the Expo will be a furnished apartment to showcase the importance of interior design.

“Previously, property was sold on the basis of ‘bricks and mortar’ but now it is increasingly important to show properties as homes,” according to Mr Pillow.

The stand is being built with the help of a number of suppliers, interior designers and contactors and is expected to be very interesting.

The company has set up a scheme that has now become part of the curriculum for third year students at the University of Malta. Students have been invited to design an environmentally friendly and efficient building of any type with the short listed entries being displayed at The Expo. This “competition” is expected to give the students a unique opportunity to present their ideas and work with professionals employed within the industry today.

Another important new initiative being introduced for the first time this year is aimed at bringing more foreign visitors to the Expo. For as little as e120 (excluding taxes and airport charges), anyone can board an Air Malta flight from Heathrow or Gatwick between the 4th and 7th of March and spend a night at the sumptuous five-star Palace Hotel in Sliema while visiting the Expo. With all that Malta has to offer in real estate under one roof, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a second home or considering moving to Malta permanently.

This is a limited offer and bookings must be made in advance on [email protected] or by calling +356 21 332861. More information is available on www.maltapropertyexpo.com