SDAs Take Centre Stage at the Malta Business Network Real Estate Edition
22nd May 2025
From left, moderator, Michael J. Zammit and panellists John Zarb, Ray Demicoli and Mark Portelli at the SDA focused event hosted by the MBN.
Malta’s Special Designated Areas (SDAs), long considered the powerhouse of the island’s real estate market, were the focal point of a high-impact panel discussion hosted by the Malta Business Network. The event, themed “Are SDAs Really That Special?”, attracted over 120 delegates from the property, investment, and professional services sectors.
The discussion was expertly moderated by Michael J. Zammit, CEO of CSB Group and joint-owner of Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, who brought a unique perspective shaped by two decades in the corporate and financial services, and over 12 years in luxury real estate. Wearing both hats, Zammit guided an engaging conversation that unpacked the evolution, current challenges, and future potential of SDAs in Malta.
Setting the tone, Sharon Grima, Senior Marketing Manager at Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, delivered a compelling presentation tracing the 25-year journey of SDAs — from the groundbreaking Portomaso development to the lifestyle-led urban zones we see today.
The expert panel featured:
- Mark Portelli, CEO of MIDI plc, the developers of Tigné Point and Manoel Island,
- Ray Demicoli, the visionary architect behind Portomaso and other developments, and
- John Zarb, former PwC Partner and board member at Tumas Group, the developers of Portomaso and also Tigné Point.
Topics covered included Malta’s reliance on international buyers, soaring construction and finishing costs, technology, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements, the evolving expectations of a younger generation of homeowners, and the growing influence of public opinion on development approvals.
Zammit closed the session by reaffirming the continued strength of SDAs, not only as exclusive residential zones but as lifestyle-driven communities defined by thoughtful urban planning, amenities, natural light, and connectivity. “SDAs have helped shape Malta’s premium property market and continue to open up new investment frontiers that drive economic growth,” he said. “Their impact goes beyond real estate — they elevate the entire value proposition of living and investing in Malta.”
