0% Tax, Sea Views & Rental Income: What Makes New Builds in Saranda a Smart Buy

If you’ve ever stood on one of the balconies in Saranda at golden hour — when the Ionian Sea turns soft blue and the Corfu lights start blinking in the distance — you’ll understand why people fall in love so quickly here.  

And honestly, I get it. I live it.  

But what many people don’t know (especially those just starting to explore real estate in Albania) is that buying a new build in Saranda comes with serious benefits — and I’m not just talking about the sea views or proximity to the beach. I’m talking about 0% property transfer tax , much lower maintenance costs, and higher rental income potential.  

It’s why, lately, most of my clients — especially those coming from countries like Italy, Germany, or the UK — are turning their attention to new developments .  

A Quick Walk Through the Numbers (Don’t Worry — I’ll Keep It Light)  

Let’s start with this: if you buy a resale property in Albania, you usually pay a 2% property transfer tax .  

But with a new build, especially when you buy directly from the developer (like we do at VivaView), you pay 0% tax .  

That might not sound like much at first… until you do the math. On a €150,000 apartment, that’s €3,000 saved upfront — not to mention all the legal steps are usually smoother, since it’s a clean title with no previous owners or complications.  

And speaking of new builds, let me just show you an example:  

👉 White Residence Villas in Borsh — a project we’re personally involved in. Each villa is designed for long-term value: private pool, 300 m² land, 3 floors, and high-end finishings, all without any additional transfer tax for the buyer. That’s a rare deal, even for the Albanian Riviera.  

Why Sea Views Are More Than Just a Pretty Feature  

I’ve been working in Saranda real estate for over a decade, and trust me — a good sea view isn’t just for Instagram. It’s one of the strongest value boosters for both rental income and resale potential .  

I remember last summer, a Belgian couple came to visit one of our penthouses. When we opened the sliding door and they stepped out onto the balcony, they were completely silent for about ten seconds. Then she said, “You don’t get this in Nice for less than a million.”  

That stuck with me.  

Saranda might still be underrated on the global stage, but anyone who’s lived here knows: we offer the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast .  

A newly built seaview apartment at Residenca 12 — which is literally a 5–7 minute walk to the beach — can generate 7–9% annual ROI on Airbnb, especially during the May–October season.   

Clients Ask Me All the Time: “Is It Too Late to Invest?” 

My honest answer? Not yet — but it’s getting close. 

Saranda is going through that exciting but fleeting phase where infrastructure is catching up, foreign buyers are increasing, but prices are still relatively affordable compared to Montenegro or Greece. 

Take Rruga Butrinti, for example. Ten years ago, it was mostly quiet — a few summer houses and not much else. Now? Some of the highest demand in town. We just finished a unit there with high-quality ceramic, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an infinity view. The client was from Oslo. She bought it unseen, just from a video call. That’s the level of trust this area is starting to build. 

And it’s not just Saranda anymore — Ksamil, Borsh, Qeparo… they’re following fast. 

Location Still Matters (Even in a Small Town) 

Here’s the thing most first-time buyers don’t realize: not all sea views are created equal . 

Some apartments may say “partial sea view” — but if you have to stand on your toes in the balcony corner and tilt your head left, that doesn’t count. I’m talking about wide, unobstructed views , where you can watch the ferries in the morning and the pink sky at sunset. 

We focus heavily on projects that guarantee this. Like White Residence , which sits elevated with full panoramic views over the bay of Saranda. That’s the kind of view that not only adds emotional value, but also increases booking rates — it’s one of the most saved listings on our website. 

Also, being close to the promenade (but not directly on it) is key. I often tell clients: you don’t want to hear club music every night in August, but you do want to be close enough to walk for ice cream at 9 PM. 

There’s a little taverna behind Hotel Butrinti where I often take clients after viewings — it’s quiet, the owner grills fresh catch himself, and the wine is surprisingly good. Those small experiences are what make people feel the value of living here, beyond the numbers. 

Tangent — But Stay With Me for a Second 

A few weeks ago, I took a short boat trip from Saranda to Kakome Bay with some clients. It was their first time in Albania. As we pulled into the quiet cove, the wife turned to me and asked, “Why haven’t we heard more about this place before?” 

I smiled. That’s the magic of Albania right now. 

There are still corners of the Riviera untouched by mass tourism, still places where you can buy land with a sea view without needing a billionaire’s budget. 

Borsh is one of those places. We’re currently finishing a few villas there — private pools, olive trees in the yard, gated entrances — and every time I visit the site, I think: this is what Corfu was like 30 years ago. 

So, Who Is a New Build Really For? 

If you’re looking for: 

• A low-maintenance property 

• With modern materials and finishings 

• No hidden renovation costs 

• And a 0% tax bill on the day of transfer 

…then a new apartment or villa in Saranda (or surrounding areas) is one of the smartest real estate choices you can make in 2025. 

And if you’re buying for investment? Even better. You can start renting it right away — short-term or long-term — and many of our clients recover 6–8% of their investment annually just through Airbnb. Some even more. 

Final Thoughts — and One Friendly Tip

I always tell people this: don’t just look at the price per square meter. Look at the whole picture — location, view, quality of construction, rental demand, and legal clarity.

And if you can, come visit. Walk around in the late afternoon. See how the light hits the sea. Have a coffee near the port. Talk to people.

That’s how you’ll really feel whether Saranda is right for you.

We have several new projects in the pipeline — sea-view apartments, boutique villas, and even beachfront property. If you’re curious, feel free to message us or browse our full project list. No pressure. Just happy to help.

Because for me, this isn’t just a job.

It’s home.

And if I can help more people find their place here — even better.