0% Transfer Tax for New Constructions in Albania: What Foreign Buyers Should Know

I still remember the first time I explained this to a foreign client — they almost didn’t believe me.
We were standing on a sunny balcony overlooking the Ionian Sea, and I mentioned that in Albania, buyers of new constructions don’t pay any property transfer tax.
“Wait,” they said, “you mean zero percent?”
Yes. Zero.

And that’s one of the quiet but powerful reasons why Albania’s real estate market is gaining attention from serious investors across Europe.

A Law That Makes a Real Difference

In most Mediterranean countries, buying property comes with heavy transfer costs — sometimes up to 10%. But in Albania, when you buy directly from the developer (meaning a brand-new construction that hasn’t been previously owned), the transfer tax is 0%.

That means if you’re buying a €200,000 apartment, you immediately save around €10,000 compared to similar transactions in Greece or Italy.
It’s not a small detail. It’s a strategic advantage.

Of course, it only applies to new builds — those freshly constructed and sold for the first time. If you buy a resale, the standard tax applies. But even then, Albania’s fees remain among the lowest in Europe.

Why It Matters for Foreign Buyers

If you’re coming from abroad, the Albanian market can feel both exciting and confusing at first. The landscape is evolving quickly — new buildings rise every year, especially along the Albanian Riviera, in cities like Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh.

I’ve guided dozens of foreign clients through the process. Some are buying a vacation home, others are thinking long-term — retirement, investment, or rental income. And this 0% rule often becomes the deciding factor.

It makes the math work better. You invest less up front, yet your property holds its value in a market that’s still growing.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Prices are still accessible, views are breathtaking, and the community is warm and safe.

What 0% Transfer Tax Actually Means in Practice

Here’s how it usually works:
When a new building is completed, the developer sells the units directly to buyers. The notary handles the paperwork, and since it’s the first transfer from developer to buyer, the tax is exempt.

You still pay standard notary and registration fees, of course, but those are minimal compared to what you’d expect elsewhere. The whole process is surprisingly straightforward — even if you’re not an Albanian citizen.

In fact, one of my clients from Germany recently purchased a seaview apartment in Saranda, fully furnished, located in a quiet and safe neighborhood just above Skënderbeu Street. They couldn’t believe how easy it was. The residence even has its own swimming pool and full sea views without a single building blocking the horizon. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe differently. You can see it here: Seaview 1-Bedroom Apartment for Sale in Saranda.

An Example from Ksamil

Ksamil is another story entirely — a little village that’s growing into a boutique coastal destination. It’s where I spend many of my mornings showing properties to clients who can’t believe such turquoise water exists this close to mainland Europe.

One of my favorite recent developments is the White Residence in Ksamil — a brand-new 2025 construction.
Luxurious but not loud about it. The kind of place where every detail has been thought through: private swimming pool for residents, clean modern architecture, and a quiet neighborhood only 7 minutes from the beach.

The 0% transfer tax applies here, of course, and that’s what makes it even more appealing. Many of my international clients look for beachfront property or affordable seaview apartments, but Ksamil offers a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere — quiet luxury with rental potential.

Borsh: The Definition of Quiet Luxury

Now, if you’ve never been to Borsh, picture a coastline where olive trees meet crystal-clear water. It’s not like Saranda or Ksamil — it’s quieter, more authentic, and somehow timeless.

I love taking clients there because it still feels like discovering a secret. Sometimes we stop at a small family restaurant hidden behind the main street; they serve grilled fish caught that same morning, and somehow, the owner always remembers your name the next time you visit. That’s Albania.

Our company recently developed White Villas in Borsh — four luxury villas built by our own construction team, a group of over 150 skilled professionals who’ve worked with us for more than 15 years. Each villa sits on about 300m² of land, with three floors, a private swimming pool, large veranda, and parking. They’re surrounded only by nature and offer complete sea views — a rare thing these days.

These villas are just a 7-minute drive from the beach, and honestly, they’re the definition of quiet luxury everyone dreams of but rarely finds. Plus, like all our new projects, they come with 0% commission and 0% transfer tax. That combination makes them one of the smartest investment opportunities on the coast.

Why Albania’s Real Estate Still Feels “Human”

One of the things I love most about working here is how personal the process still feels. You don’t get lost in bureaucracy or massive corporations. You meet real people — builders, architects, families.

When I visit a construction site, I still see the same craftsmen who’ve worked with us for years. They greet you with a smile, offer Turkish coffee, and proudly show the details they’re perfecting that day.

Buying property in Albania isn’t just a transaction; it’s an experience. And the 0% transfer tax, while financial on paper, is also symbolic — it reflects a country that’s encouraging growth, welcoming foreigners, and opening its doors to a new era.

Some Honest Advice

If you’re thinking about buying, don’t rush. Spend time here. Walk the streets of Saranda in winter when the promenade is calm and locals gather for coffee. Visit Ksamil in the early morning before the boats start moving. Drive through Borsh after sunset when the hills turn gold.

That’s when you really understand the Albanian Riviera — not just as an investment opportunity, but as a lifestyle.

And when you do find that property that speaks to you, ask the right questions:
– Is it a first sale from the developer?
– Does the 0% tax apply?
– Who built it, and with what materials?

Transparency is key. A good local agent (like us at VivaView) will walk you through every step — from reservation to final signing at the notary.

A Tangent — But Worth Sharing

Sometimes people ask me why I’m still so passionate after all these years. The truth? Because I’ve watched this region transform in front of my eyes.

Fifteen years ago, Saranda had a handful of modern buildings. Now, it’s full of seaview apartments that rival anything you’d find in Spain or Croatia — but at a fraction of the price.

And yet, despite the growth, there’s something deeply grounded about it all. You still see fishermen fixing their nets by the port. You still hear the church bells on Sunday morning. You still find small, family-run bakeries that open at dawn and sell out by noon.

That mix of progress and tradition — that’s what makes Albania special.

The Bottom Line

The 0% transfer tax for new constructions isn’t just a policy; it’s part of a bigger story. A story about a small Mediterranean country finding its place in the global market, about families investing in their future, and about foreigners discovering a land that feels both familiar and new.

Whether you’re drawn by the calm of Ksamil, the vibrancy of Saranda, or the serenity of Borsh, this advantage makes entering the market easier — and smarter.

If you ever visit, stop by our office. I’ll show you the latest Saranda apartments for sale, maybe take you for coffee by the marina, and who knows — you might find your own corner of the Ionian to call home.

Because once you’ve seen that view… it’s hard to imagine leaving.