What Real Estate Agents Won’t Tell You About Buying Beachfront Property in Albania

I’ve been living and working in Saranda long enough to know that most real estate conversations around here sound pretty similar—“sea view,” “great investment,” “minutes from the beach.”

But the truth? Not every beachfront property is as perfect as it looks in the photos. And not every agent is going to tell you the full story.

So if you’re seriously thinking about buying a place by the sea in the Albanian Riviera, here’s what you should know—straight from someone who’s walked these hills, dealt with builders, listened to buyers’ regrets, and helped others find homes they truly love.

Let’s get into it.

Not All “Sea Views” Are the Same

It sounds simple, right? You want a place with a view of the sea. That’s the dream.

But here’s something most agents don’t explain: not all sea views are created equal.

Some are full, wide, postcard-worthy views that you can enjoy from your bed or balcony. Others are more like… glimpses. A sliver of blue between rooftops if you lean out at the right angle.

I once showed a client an apartment that said “sea view” on the listing. When we got there, we had to go all the way to the corner of the balcony and tilt our heads to see the water.

You can imagine their reaction.

That’s why when I talk about White Residence, I mention very clearly which units face the sea directlyand which face the side streets. Still great apartments—but it makes a difference.

Always ask to see the view for yourself. Don’t trust the photos. Some are taken with wide-angle lenses that make a 3-meter balcony look like a terrace at a luxury resort.

“10 Minutes from the Beach” Can Mean Two Very Different Things

One of the most common phrases in any beachfront property ad is “just a few minutes from the sea.”

But here in Saranda or Ksamil, 10 minutes by foot can mean 10 minutes downhill… and then 20 minutes climbing back up.

I’ve had clients fall in love with properties up in the hills above the city—amazing views, quiet atmosphere, modern finishes. But after spending a few days walking back from the beach with kids, or groceries, they realized it wasn’t for them.

There’s a difference between being above the beach and being next to it. Know your priorities. If you’re planning to rent the property to tourists, that walking distance matters even more.

I usually advise clients looking at the rental market to consider places within a flat, five-minute walkfrom the beach. Some of the listings in VivaView’s White Residence hit that sweet spot—and you won’t need a car or a hiking stick.