The roots of Right Properties Ltd run deep, built on decades of experience. “We focused initially on development, handling everything from the ground up – development, finishing, the works,” George Portelli maintains. Representing the second generation in the family business. After obtaining a law degree from the University of Malta, Sean’s involvement grew naturally over the years, learning the ropes alongside his father.

Today, Sean’s role is multifaceted – overseeing various aspects, particularly the legal, social and marketing elements, ensuring the company connects effectively with clients and the market. “I handle the social side,” he smiles, contrasting with his father’s deeper involvement in the business’ foundational development.

Right Properties is the culmination of strategic evolution, the pair explain. George traces the lineage, highlighting the development and progression of several entities including PSS Holdings Limited.

“Right Properties emerged from PSS Holdings Limited,” George notes, explaining that “initially, half of properties were sold through Right Properties, which eventually functioned as its marketing arm, while the other half remained under PSS Holdings Limited.” Eventually, the operations were slowly consolidated under Right Properties, leading to a unified brand focused on both development and sales today.

Right Properties prides itself on a diverse portfolio, meeting varied client needs. “We cater to both commercial and residential sectors,” Sean continues, adding that within the residential space, they also offer a spectrum: “we have standard residential properties, which you could consider the more basic product, but we also offer properties with higher-end finishes.” On the commercial side, meanwhile, their portfolio include showrooms and offices – a range which allows them to target different market segments effectively. 

The father-and-son team go on to highlight a recent forward-thinking move: the integration of green technology. “We’ve partnered with Renewable Living Ltd,” Sean reveals, explaining that this partnership allows them to also incorporate sustainability directly into their projects. “We are now integrating photovoltaic (solar) panels within our projects, as well as apartments, and we’re also starting to include ACs in the package.” This initiative isn’t just about environmental responsibility, however – it’s also a strategic advantage. “It gives us a competitive edge, offering a better, more complete product to the client.”

Meanwhile, Right Properties is also strategically looking beyond traditional real estate. “We see opportunities in diversifying,” Sean confirms, highlighting several key areas on their radar. “Tourism is vital for the country – one of Malta’s main products is tourism, so we want to be involved. This could mean hotels targeting quality tourists,” he explains.

“We’re also interested in entering the educational sector, for example, with childcare facilities and specialised schools. We actually have a project underway at the moment, which should come to fruition in the near future,” he continues, adding, “areas like healthcare, perhaps care homes, are also interesting.” This diversification strategy aims to build a more resilient and varied business portfolio, leveraging their real estate expertise in new growth areas. 

Moving forward, the company strives to align its developments with market demands while also innovating. George emphasises the core offering, noting, “we provide fully-finished real estate”, while Sean elaborates on adding value: “we try to offer complete packages – apart from the property itself, good service, and a competitive price. That’s what the client ultimately needs: service and the final product. 

Certainly, adaptability is key in the fluctuating real estate market. Right Properties employs several strategies in line with this, including offering enhanced packages (like integrated solar panels and ACs) which provide tangible benefits beyond the basic structure. Direct client interaction also plays a part, and while they do work with real estate agents, they also emphasise direct sales. “We offer properties directly to the client,” George states, allowing for clearer communication and better value.

Apart from that, a consistent focus on delivering a good product at a good price remains fundamental to the team, whilst diversification mitigates risks associated with relying solely on residential sales. Finally, Sean highlights the importance of reputation management, and  actively working to improve the industry's sometimes-negative reputation on the island by delivering quality and taking on restoration projects.

Delving into market challenges and opportunities, the pair affirm that the current market presents both hurdles and potential. George is forthright about the challenges: “Bureaucracy is a massive challenge, long processes and delays impact the entire industry and the economy at large. You can't even take a decision on a property unless you have everything planned down to the smallest detail. This is a serious issue,” he maintains, stressing the ripple effect. “If the real estate sector slows down, the entire country feels it. It’s one of Malta’s main economic pillars.”

Finding solutions to these bureaucratic delays is, therefore, a significant opportunity. Another challenge is affordability, but this also presents an opportunity to offer real estate that meets market price points effectively. Sean adds that competition is fierce, pushing them constantly to innovate and offer better value.

Beyond the bottom line, the Portellis acknowledge wider responsibilities, going on to highlight their efforts in sustainability: “We focus on the energy performance of our buildings. We use double glazing and ceiling insulation, using an array of materials.” They also ensure that their properties have good EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings, which benefits the end-user and reduces the end-user’s long-term environmental impact. “We mitigate our impact by ensuring the energy consumption of the homes is lower,” Sean explains.

They also engage in restoration projects, and aim to incorporate landscaped areas and outdoor recreational spaces into larger real estate projects.

Moving forward, Right Properties’ future focus is clear and consistent. “Our main goal is always to offer an affordable product of quality,” Sean emphasises. And as Right Properties Ltd continues to grow, their blend of traditional real estate experience with a forward-looking approach to sustainability, diversification, and client value positions them as a significant player committed to building more than just structures, but a lasting legacy.