The short answer
Alongside your architect's survey, look closely at the chimney and fireplace, the timber windows, gallariji and persjani, the roof, washroom, drains and water tanks, any solar panels and what the previous owners have left behind. Have the chimney swept and inspected before you light a fire, and plan a clearance before the builders arrive.
Beyond the survey
Old townhouses in village cores and farmhouses in Gozo are full of character: thick stone walls, arches, timber balconies, courtyards and fireplaces. They also come with decades, sometimes centuries, of wear.
Your architect or structural engineer will look at the structure, and your notary handles the legal side. We do not give advice on either. This guide covers the practical things that surveys often only mention briefly and that you will be living with: chimneys, windows, roof, tanks, panels and contents.
The chimney and fireplace
Many old houses have a fireplace, often unused for years. Before you light one:
- Look up the flue with a torch. You may see daylight, soot or nest material.
- Check the grate for twigs, straw, feathers or fallen mortar. See bird nests in chimneys.
- Look at the chimney stack on the roof for cracks, loose stones or a missing pot.
- Ask whether the flue is shared with a neighbour’s chimney. Some older terraces share stacks.
Have it swept and inspected before the first fire. A sweep can tell you if it is blocked, heavily sooted or showing damage that needs a builder. See how often to sweep a chimney and what is creosote. If you plan to fit a stove, see open fireplace, wood burner or pellet stove.
Our guide to using an old farmhouse fireplace for the first time walks through the sweep, the smoke test and liners.
Gallariji, persjani and timber windows
Timber windows, doors, persjani and the traditional enclosed balcony (gallarija) are a big part of an old house’s charm, and a big part of the maintenance.
Look for:
- soft or rotten timber, especially at the bottom of frames, sills and the base of the gallarija. Press gently with a thumb.
- flaking or missing paint, which lets water in,
- cracked, loose or missing glass, and old putty falling out,
- windows and shutters that stick, will not close or have broken hinges,
- gaps around frames where rain and draughts get in.
Some timber can be restored, some needs replacing. A carpenter can advise. For cleaning and care, see how to clean Maltese balconies and gallariji and how to clean and care for persjani.
The roof, washroom and water tanks
On a flat roof, look at:
- drains and outlets: are they clear? Is there staining where water has pooled?
- the surface: cracks, blisters, patches, plants growing in corners,
- the washroom: leaks, damp, condition of the door and roof,
- water tanks: their condition, how they are supported and whether they are clean,
- parapets: loose or cracked stones.
Then look at the ceilings directly below for stains and damp. See looking after a flat roof in Malta.
Solar panels
If the house has solar panels:
- ask how old the system is, who installed it and whether the paperwork comes with the house,
- check the frames for rust and the panels for cracks,
- look under the frames for nests and rubbish,
- ask whether the inverter works and whether there is a monitoring app.
Panels on an old roof can complicate roof repairs, so ask your architect and an installer about this. See cleaning solar panels on flat roofs and raised frames.
What previous owners leave behind
Old houses, especially inherited ones, are often sold with contents: furniture, wardrobes, beds, kitchen items, boxes, tools and whatever is in the washroom and garage. Agree with the seller before completion who clears it.
If it is left to you:
- go through it for anything of value or interest before clearing,
- set aside paint, chemicals and gas cylinders. See hazardous household waste,
- book a clearance before builders start, so they have a clear site.
Our deceased estate clearance team clears inherited properties sensitively and can work with you or the family. For general contents, see house clearance.
After the purchase
A sensible first month:
- Clear the property.
- Have the chimney swept and inspected.
- Clean the windows, inside and out, so you can see their real condition.
- Clean the solar panels and check the roof.
- Plan repairs with your architect.
After building work, see cleaning after building work.
Booking
We arrange chimney sweeping, window cleaning, solar panel cleaning and house clearance across Malta and Gozo. Get a quote for one job or the lot.