What Happens After You Buy? A Local’s Guide to Managing Your Property in Saranda

Buying a property in Saranda is exciting. You’ve probably imagined yourself waking up to the sound of waves, coffee in hand, maybe even hosting friends on a breezy terrace. But once the paperwork is signed and the keys are in your hand, a new question appears—now what?

This blog is for anyone who’s just bought, or is about to buy, a property in Saranda and is wondering how to take care of it after the deal is done. Whether it’s a beachfront property you’ll visit twice a year, or a seaview apartment you plan to rent out, managing a property here has its own rhythm—something I’ve learned over years of walking up and down every street in this town, meeting builders, clients, neighbors, and plumbers who somehow always arrive an hour later than promised.

First, Take a Breath

You did it. You bought a place in one of the most beautiful corners of the Albanian Riviera. That alone puts you ahead of the curve. But don’t rush into furnishing or listing it for rent just yet.

One of my clients from Sweden closed on a 1-bedroom at White Residence last spring. She was eager to start renting it right away, but I suggested she wait—stay in the apartment for a week, feel the space, figure out how the light hits in the morning, how loud the neighbors are, how close the market actually is. She made a few small changes—extra curtains, a quieter fridge, better outdoor chairs—and now the place is booked through the summer.

There’s value in taking your time.

Managing from Afar: Yes, It’s Possible

Most foreign buyers don’t live here full time. And I get it—life continues back home. So how do you take care of a property when you’re thousands of kilometers away?

You have two options:

1. Hire a local property manager

2. Handle it yourself with some trusted contacts

Let’s talk about the first one. There are a few good agencies in Saranda that offer property management, but be careful. Some charge high fees and don’t deliver much. Others don’t speak your language, which turns simple updates into confusing phone calls.

My advice? Find someone who’s already helping other foreigners. Not just someone who says they do management, but someone who can show you real examples—guest reviews, before/after photos, income reports.

That’s why at VivaView, we started offering post-sale services to our clients. Not because we wanted to build another side business, but because too many buyers were asking us things like, “Do you know someone who can fix a leaking air conditioner?” or “Who can check on my apartment once a month?”

If you prefer to handle things yourself, at least get a reliable local cleaner and a handyman. I know a retired schoolteacher who now manages two apartments in her building—just helps out with cleaning, watering plants, and giving keys to guests. People like her are gold.