Can a Villa Be an Investment and a Family Legacy? The Albanian Approach to Property

I’ve been in the real estate world here in the south of Albania for long enough to notice something: people rarely buy a property just for themselves. Whether it’s a small apartment overlooking the sea in Saranda or a villa tucked away in Borsh, there’s always that bigger picture — family, children, grandchildren. In Albania, property isn’t just about today. It’s about what stays behind.

I often think about how we view land and homes here. They’re not simply assets. They’re roots. And in many ways, they’re a kind of legacy that says, this is where we belong.

A Multi-Generational Perspective

When I sit with clients, especially Albanians living abroad who return looking for something by the sea, the conversation always turns to family. They’ll ask: Will this villa still be valuable for my children? or Can this apartment provide income now but also be a place my grandchildren will enjoy?

It’s very much the Albanian approach. We think long-term. Property is rarely sold quickly — it’s passed down. I know families in Saranda who still live in houses built by their grandparents, back when this town was just a sleepy fishing village. The view hasn’t changed, but the value surely has.

And yes, foreigners feel this too. I had a couple from Scandinavia last month — we were walking through a three-bedroom villa with a full sea view in Borsh. The wife turned to me and said, almost whispering, “This is where I imagine our children coming back every summer, even when we’re gone.” That’s when it clicks. An investment is one thing. A family legacy is another. When both come together — that’s powerful.

An Insider’s View

I live here, so I notice the details others might overlook. For example, in Borsh, there’s a small family taverna right near the beach, one that never makes it into guidebooks. I sometimes bring clients there after a viewing. We’ll sit down for grilled fish and a glass of cold white wine. And almost always, they tell me that moment — not the glossy brochure — is what convinced them the property “felt right.”

It’s funny how legacy can start with something so small: a dinner, a memory, a place that feels like yours.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now. Not just because of the prices (though compared to Greece or Italy, our seaview apartments are incredibly affordable properties). But because here, buying is also about belonging.

Investment Meets Lifestyle

Of course, we can’t ignore the numbers. And this is where the Albanian Riviera shines. Villas and apartments here are more than family homes — they can be strong income-generating assets.

Think about Ksamil, for example. The demand for holiday rentals there is intense, especially during June, July, and August. A two-bedroom apartment just 7 minutes’ walk from the beach can rent out all season long, covering annual costs and more. We recently finished a brand-new development, White Residence in Ksamil. It’s a quiet neighborhood, designed for privacy, with a private swimming pool just for residents. When I walk clients through, what strikes them most is the balance: luxury and simplicity, both in one place.

That’s how a legacy property should feel. Not flashy, not temporary — but something built to last.

A Tangent (But Worth Saying)

Sometimes people ask me: Why here, in the south of Albania? Why not move inland, where land is cheaper? I get the logic. But the truth is, when you stand on a balcony in Saranda, looking out over the Ionian, the question answers itself.

And yes, land inland can be cheaper, but will your children want to spend their summers there? Will your grandchildren fly across Europe for a house with no view? Legacy, to me, is also about attraction. If the next generation doesn’t feel pulled to the property, it won’t serve its purpose.

That’s why beachfront property or seaview apartments always carry more weight. They’re not just investments — they’re magnets for memory.

Building for the Future

In Borsh, I’ve been showing more clients our White Residence Villas. These are three-floor villas, each with a private pool, parking, and wide verandas. I always say, Borsh is not for everyone — it’s quieter, more natural, a little raw compared to Ksamil. But for the right family, it’s perfect.

One client from Belgium told me she didn’t just want to buy; she wanted to plant something for her grandchildren. That’s the Albanian way. Even as a foreigner, she understood it. Build now, enjoy it today, and leave it standing for the next generation.

A Bit of Local Reality

Not everything is polished here, and maybe that’s part of the charm. Roads are being improved but still uneven in places. Internet can be patchy in smaller villages. Bureaucracy takes patience. I always tell clients the truth, because that’s part of the story too.

But I’ve also seen how quickly things change. Ten years ago, the promenade in Saranda was nothing like it is now. And yet, the apartments along it have doubled, even tripled, in value. I can only imagine what Borsh will look like in another ten years.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, buying property here isn’t just about ROI. Though yes, the ROI is strong. It’s also about connection. About giving your children and grandchildren a place that feels like theirs, even if they live far away.

For me, that’s what makes this work special. I’m not just matching square meters with budgets. I’m helping people anchor themselves — in a country, in a coastline, in a future.

And maybe that’s why I still love showing properties after all these years. Last week, I walked a young family through a new apartment in Saranda. The little boy ran straight to the balcony, leaned on the rail, and shouted, “The sea is ours!” His parents laughed, but I knew in that moment — that’s the legacy right there.

Final Thought

So can a villa be both an investment and a family legacy? Here in Albania, it almost always is. The numbers make sense. The rentals work. But beyond that, the sunsets, the verandas, the traditions — they’re what stay in the family.

If you’re curious about exploring, I’d suggest starting with something simple: maybe an affordable apartment in Ksamil like this one. Or, if you’re dreaming bigger, a villa in Borsh. Whatever you choose, remember this: in the Albanian Riviera, property is never just walls. It’s memory. It’s belonging. And it’s tomorrow.