Malta’s climate is typical of the Mediterranean - very sunny with a daily average of five to six hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer.  Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period.  Summers are hot, dry and very sunny and the extended summer period is usually from about late May to mid October.  Annual rainfall is low, averaging 578mm a year, and the length of the dry season in summer is longer than in neighboring Italy. The peak beach season can even last until mid- to late October. 

The Maltese Islands are an independent, constitutional republic. 
The President is the head of state.  His role is essentially ceremonial as executive power lies with the prime minister and the cabinet.  Depending on the electoral results, between 65 and 69 members sit in the House of Representatives, Malta’s Parliament.  Members of the house are elected by universal suffrage every five years.  The last elections were held in 2004.

The official languages are Maltese and English.  Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script.  Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French.

In Malta, driving is on the left.  There are speed limits of 64 kph on the open road and 40 kph in built- up areas. Comprehensive insurance is advisable. National or international driving licences accepted.

Malta is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT in winter and 2 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.  Malta is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and 7 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.

Upon selecting a property, the buyer enters into a 'promise of sale' agreement with Aspen Ltd.  This is valid for three months unless otherwise stipulated.  At this point an amount equivalent to 1% stamp duty is paid by the buyer and held by the notary as well as a 10% deposit on the total purchasing price.

Within the three months or within the term agreed in the promise of sale, the buyer's notary will research the history of the site and validity of sale.  The notarial fees are at the client's expense.  Should a loan be required a bank's sanction letter will be required within one month of signing agreement - this letter confirms that the bank is willing to offer the loan to the client.  All bank charges are at client's expense.

Upon expiry of the promise of sale, both parties sign a public deed that will be duly registered by the notary in the public registry.  The balance due is also paid at this point, together with a further 4% stamp duty on the sale.