How the Sea Affects Buildings in Albania (And What to Do About It)

I get this question a lot—especially from foreign buyers who fall in love with the idea of waking up to the sound of waves and that salty sea breeze. 

“How does the sea affect buildings in Saranda?” 

It’s a fair question. The view is beautiful. The lifestyle is unbeatable. But yes, the sea comes with a price— if you’re not prepared . 

I’ve lived here for years. And trust me, the salt in the air is as real as the raki my uncle insists on serving every Sunday lunch. It’s part of what makes coastal life feel so alive… but it’s also something you need to understand if you’re planning to invest in beachfront property , seaview apartments , or anything close to the water. 

⸻ 

The Beauty (and Brutality) of the Albanian Sea Air 

Let me start by saying this: 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. 

Where else can you find high-quality, affordable properties with views like these? 

But here’s the thing they don’t always write in brochures— salt air is aggressive . 

Salt particles are carried by the wind, especially during the off-season months when the sea is wilder. These particles land on buildings, on balconies, on windows, even on your clothes if you hang them outside. Over time, this salt can corrode metal , fade paint , and clog drainage systems if properties aren’t built or maintained properly. 

Last week, I showed a client around White Residence , one of our newest developments right by the coast. It’s this one right here . When we stepped onto the balcony and the sea was glistening right there in front of us, he turned to me and said, “This is what I’ve been looking for.” 

And that’s exactly why I love what I do. 

But what he didn’t know—yet—is that smart developers in the Albanian Riviera build with the sea in mind. 

⸻ 

What Smart Construction Looks Like on the Coast 

Let me give you some real insight. Here’s what I personally look for when I’m evaluating a coastal building—whether it’s for myself or a client: 

1. Aluminum window frames (not cheap PVC) 

PVC can warp or yellow quickly when exposed to salty wind and intense sun. Aluminum lasts longer and doesn’t corrode if coated properly. 

2. Anti-rust exterior finishes and coatings 

I’ve seen stunning villas lose their beauty within a year just because someone used standard paint instead of marine-grade coatings. Not worth the savings. 

3. Stainless steel railing or galvanized metal for balconies 

Regular iron? Forget it. Give it one winter, and you’ll be scraping rust off. 

4. Well-designed water drainage systems 

A must. Rainwater needs to be directed away from surfaces and foundations. Saltwater plus standing water? Disaster. 

Developments like Residenca 12 really understand this balance—great design, good materials, and careful construction. They’re not just building for now; they’re building for decades. 

⸻ 

Local Tip: Maintenance Is Part of the Deal 

Even the best building can’t survive the Albanian coast without care. Locals know this. 

It’s why you’ll often see someone on their balcony scrubbing their railings with vinegar or washing down their windows after a windy night. 

A lot of people assume you just buy the apartment and forget about it. Not quite. 

• Clean your exterior windows and railings regularly, especially after storms. 

• Consider a yearly sealant for exposed surfaces (you can hire locals to do this affordably). 

• Check AC units and outdoor electrical outlets every season—they take a beating from moisture and salt. 

If you’re planning to use your apartment for Airbnb guests or only visit a few times a year, consider hiring a local caretaker . A good one will do all these checks and keep your property in top shape. 

⸻