Could Albania Become the Next Dubai for Smart Investment? Let’s Compare

I’ll admit — at first glance, the comparison sounds bold.

Dubai is the city of gold, towering skyscrapers, and futuristic living. Albania? We’re more olive groves, homemade raki, and beachfront barbecues. But if you’re an investor looking at smart returns, rising value, and long-term potential… hear me out.

Because lately, I’ve been asking myself this a lot: Could the Albanian Riviera, especially places like Saranda and Ksamil, become the next Dubai — not in style, but in strategy?

Last week, I showed a client a stunning duplex apartment near the beach in Ksamil. It was one of those clear, breezy mornings where the Ionian sea looks unreal — like a screensaver. As soon as they stepped onto the balcony and saw the pool glistening below, they turned to me and said, “I’ve been to Greece, to Croatia… but this? This feels untouched.”

That’s the moment I thought — they get it.

Let’s Talk Numbers First

Dubai’s real estate boom didn’t start with Burj Khalifa. It started when foreigners were given incentives, taxes were lowered, and big developments turned sand into skylines. The early investors made millions because they acted before the spotlight hit.

Albania is at a similar tipping point, especially down here in the south.

Property prices? Still ridiculously affordable by European standards.

I’m talking beachfront apartments starting at €110,000. In Ksamil, you can still find sea view apartments in new buildings that offer crazy potential for Airbnb or seasonal rentals. Here’s one I love right now.

And the ROI? In Saranda, during high season, a well-located apartment can bring in €5,000–7,000 in just 2-3 months. That’s not me guessing — that’s based on what my clients earn.

We have zero property tax for the first year in most cases, no capital gains tax if you reinvest, and foreign buyers face no restrictions.

Sure, Dubai has luxury on steroids. But we have something else:

Authenticity. Warmth. Space to grow.

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We’re Not Dubai… and That’s a Good Thing

Let’s be honest.

Albania’s charm lies in what hasn’t been touched.

You won’t find 50-story towers along the Ionian coast (thank God). Instead, you’ll discover luxury villas perched on cliffs in Borsh, overlooking beaches where you might be the only person for miles. Like these beauties here.

People don’t just buy properties here — they buy a way of life.

They want to escape. Slow down.

Take long lunches by the sea. Chat with locals at the small taverna just before Borsh beach — the one that doesn’t even have a name on Google Maps, but serves the best grilled squid you’ll ever taste.

That’s not something you can build in steel and glass.

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What Investors Are Starting to Realize

You know what’s interesting? Over the past year, I’ve seen more inquiries from unexpected places.

India, Poland, Sweden, even Belgium. They’re not just curious — they’re serious. And I ask them all the same question:

What do you want this investment to do for you?

If it’s passive income — we’ve got seaview apartments with year-round rental potential.

If it’s capital appreciation — new constructions in Ksamil and Saranda are seeing 15–25% price increases per year.

And if it’s a lifestyle upgrade with ROI on the side?

Well, I’ll personally take you to this luxury villa in Saranda — one of the most breathtaking panoramic views I’ve seen. Ever. (I still stop there sometimes just to breathe for a few minutes.)

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