Seaview Economics: How One Extra Balcony in Albania Can Add 20% to ROI

I’ve been in real estate long enough to know that buyers notice the big things first: the square meters, the number of bedrooms, maybe the pool. But here in the Albanian Riviera, the small things often make the biggest financial difference. And nothing proves this better than one simple feature: an extra balcony with a proper sea view.

Yes, I’ve seen apartments rise in value by 20% or more just because of the way a balcony frames the Ionian horizon. It sounds romantic, and it is, but it’s also cold, hard economics.

Why Sea Views Sell Faster (and Rent Higher)

Saranda apartments for sale move differently when they face the water. A buyer might not admit it right away, but I can tell when their eyes soften the moment they step onto a balcony and see Corfu across the channel. That look almost always translates into a faster decision — and a higher willingness to pay.

Rental markets confirm it too. A seaview apartment in Saranda can command 15–25% more per night on Airbnb compared to one without. And when you multiply that across the four peak summer months, that balcony practically pays for itself.

Last week, for example, I showed a two-bedroom in Ksamil. Nothing over the top — brand new, 2025 finishes, quiet neighborhood. But when my clients stepped onto the balcony and realized they could walk to the beach in seven minutes, I saw the calculation happen in their minds. They knew instantly that renters would pay more for that morning coffee-with-a-view moment. (By the way, that project is White Residence in Ksamil — a residence with its own private pool, built with that understated, quiet luxury buyers are searching for.)

The Math of One Extra Balcony

Here’s where it gets interesting. Let’s say you’re looking at two units in the same building in Saranda. One has a single street-facing balcony. The other has two, one of which opens straight to the Ionian Sea. The second unit can easily rent for €20–30 more per night in peak season. Multiply that by 90 days of summer occupancy, and you’re looking at nearly €2,500 extra revenue in a single season.

Over a five-year holding period, that balcony alone could return an additional €12,000–€15,000. And if you ever sell, buyers are happy to pay 15–20% more for that second balcony. It’s the most underrated ROI booster I know.

Local Secrets You Don’t Read in Guides

Sometimes the view isn’t just about the water. Locals like me notice the angle of the sunset. Apartments on the Rruga Butrinti side of Saranda catch the golden hour that makes every dinner on the terrace feel like a postcard. Buyers fall for that — and renters do too.

In Borsh, there’s another trick. Everyone talks about the endless beach, but the smart investors know that being on the main road with a raised balcony means fewer tourists walking past and more privacy. Our White Villas in Borsh were designed exactly with this in mind: three floors, private pools, large verandas where you hear nothing but cicadas and the sea. Each villa sits on 300m², private parking included, and they’re all built by our own construction company — over 15 years in the field, with 150 skilled professionals. It’s the kind of project I like to call “quiet luxury,” the type that never loses value.

I’ve even had clients tell me they discovered their favorite property not from a brochure but because they stopped at the small taverna near Borsh beach — the one most tourists miss — and asked who owned the villas nearby. That’s how local real estate works here.

When a Balcony Becomes a Private Beach

Some residences push the balcony advantage even further. Take Gold Residence in Saranda. These apartments don’t just have seaview balconies — they come with a private pool for residents and even a private beach a minute away. That’s first-line property in every sense. If you’re calculating ROI, you’ll see instantly why units like these perform differently on the rental market. It’s not just a balcony anymore — it’s a lifestyle buyers and guests are willing to pay a premium for.

Tangent: The Cultural Value of Views

I sometimes think Albanians appreciate balconies more than any other nation. We grow up eating dinner outside, waving to neighbors, drinking raki with uncles who argue about football until midnight. A good balcony isn’t just concrete and railings — it’s part of our way of life. Maybe that’s why foreign buyers sense something special when they step outside and see the Ionian. They’re not just buying square meters. They’re buying into a culture where the balcony is a second living room.

Affordable Properties with Premium Upside

People often ask me if it’s too late to find affordable properties on the Albanian Riviera. I truly believe Saranda still offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Where else can you find a beachfront property with a private pool, or a villa with panoramic sea views, at these prices? Even with rising demand, compared to Montenegro or Greece, Albania remains undervalued.

The truth is, the difference between a standard apartment and a high-performing one often comes down to that single detail: a seaview balcony. It’s why I tell investors not to focus only on price per square meter but also on orientation, layout, and how a balcony frames the sea.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering Saranda apartments for sale or looking into beachfront property along the Riviera, pay attention to the details. That second balcony you almost overlooked could be the reason your ROI beats your expectations by 20%.

And if you ever want to see it with your own eyes, just come visit. I’ll happily show you around the Ionian coast, from the quiet luxury of Borsh villas to the lively energy of Ksamil’s new residences. Just be prepared — once you’ve had your morning coffee on a proper seaview balcony, it’s hard to settle for anything less.