Why So Many Foreign Buyers Come Looking for Small Homes in Saranda—But End Up Buying More Than They Planned

There’s a funny pattern I’ve seen over the years working in real estate here in Saranda.

A client reaches out from Germany, Sweden, or the UK. They say they’re just “curious,” looking for a small seaview apartment—nothing big, nothing fancy. Just a place to spend the summer. Something easy.

They land in Saranda, we have a coffee near the port, and by the end of the week… we’re walking through a 2-bedroom with a terrace twice the size of what they imagined. Or worse (or better?)—they’re considering a villa in Borsh.

So, what happens? What changes between the inbox and the in-person visit?

Let me explain. And if you’ve ever been to Saranda, you’ll probably get it before you reach the end.

It Starts Small: “We just want a 1-bedroom, close to the sea”

Most foreign buyers come in with modest expectations. They’re used to the high prices of Spain, Greece, or even Montenegro. So when they hear about affordable properties in the Albanian Riviera, their first instinct is to be cautious.

“Let’s see if it’s real,” they tell me.

They look at Saranda apartments for sale—usually a 1-bedroom around 55–65m². They want something low-maintenance. Maybe to use for the summer, maybe rent out short-term.

One of my clients from Denmark came with exactly this mindset. “We’re not ready for a big investment,” they told me. “We just want something small with a balcony.”

Three days later, we were going back to see a 90m² apartment with two bedrooms and a sea-facing terrace that caught them completely off guard.

Why? Let’s break it down.

The Sea View Is Bigger Than the Plan

Something happens when people actually see the Ionian Sea for the first time from a Saranda balcony.

Photos don’t do it justice. The air is warm, the light hits the water in a way that makes you feel like you’re somewhere much more expensive.

Buyers start to think…

“If I’m already here, why not have space for guests?”

“What if I spend more time here than I thought?”

“Maybe I do want that second bedroom after all.”

And honestly, I get it.

When you’re standing on the balcony of an apartment just above the port, watching the ferries from Corfu roll in and the sky turn soft pink at sunset, 15 extra square meters start to feel like a very small price to pay.