If you’ve spent even a short time looking at Saranda apartments for sale, chances are this question has already crossed your mind:
Should I pay in cash or through a bank transfer?
It’s one of the first things almost every foreign buyer asks me. And honestly, it makes sense. Albania works a little differently than most places in Western Europe, and the real estate process reflects that.
I’ve been working in this market for years now. I’ve seen smooth transactions, stressful ones, and a few situations where a simple misunderstanding about payment could’ve been avoided with a five-minute conversation.
So let’s talk about it. Properly. No legal jargon. No marketing tone. Just real-life experience from someone who lives and works here.
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
A few days ago, I was walking a couple through a quiet neighborhood in Ksamil. We had just finished viewing a brand-new apartment — modern lines, calm surroundings, that unmistakable smell of fresh paint you only get in new 2025 buildings.
They loved it. You could see it in their faces.
Then, as we sat down for coffee nearby, one of them leaned in and asked, almost whispering:
“So… how do people usually pay here?”
That moment happens more often than you’d think.
In Albania, both cash payments and bank transfers exist in real estate transactions. But how they’re used — and when — is where things get interesting.
The Cultural Reality Behind Payments
Albania is modernizing fast, but some habits run deep.
For decades, people trusted what they could see and hold. Cash meant certainty. Bank systems weren’t always reliable in the past, and that mindset still lingers, especially among older property owners.
At the same time, today’s market — especially in Saranda, Ksamil, and across the Albanian Riviera — is increasingly international. Foreign buyers, developers, and agencies now expect transparency, traceability, and structure.
That’s where bank transfers come in.
Cash Payments: When They’re Used and Why
Let’s be clear: large, full cash payments are not the norm anymore for serious, properly documented property deals.
That said, cash still plays a role.
Where Cash Is Common
– Reservation deposits
– Small advance payments
– Occasionally, part of the price in older properties
I’ve had clients hand over a small cash deposit at a café near the promenade, right after seeing a seaview apartment they didn’t want to lose. Not because it was required — but because it felt immediate and reassuring.
There’s something very Albanian about that. A handshake, a coffee, a quick agreement.
The Downsides of Cash
This is where I always slow the conversation down.
Cash:
– Is harder to prove later
– Can complicate notary procedures
– Raises questions for foreign buyers’ home banks
– Doesn’t always protect you
And protection matters.
When you’re buying affordable properties or luxury homes alike, you want a clean paper trail. Especially if resale or rental income is part of your plan.
Bank Transfers: The Safer Long-Term Choice
For most buyers today — especially international ones — bank transfer is the smartest option.
Not because it’s trendy.
But because it aligns with how Albania’s real estate market is evolving.
Why Bank Transfers Make Sense
– Fully traceable
– Accepted and preferred by notaries
– Clear documentation for ownership history
– Easier future resale
– Cleaner rental income reporting
I always say this:
If you’re thinking long-term, think like an investor.
This matters whether you’re buying a compact apartment or something more exclusive.
Take, for example, this 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil .
It’s brand new, finished in summer 2025, located in a calm new neighborhood, with a shared private swimming pool for residents and just a seven-minute walk to the beach. The kind of quiet luxury that attracts the right kind of tenant. A clean bank transfer keeps everything aligned for future rental income or resale.
What Happens at the Notary (The Part Everyone Worries About)
Ah, the notary day.
Always emotional. Sometimes tense. Often exciting.
In Albania, the official purchase price must be declared in the notary contract. This is where payment method becomes crucial.
Bank transfers make this process smoother. The amount declared matches what’s transferred. Simple.
Cash-heavy deals?
They raise eyebrows. Sometimes questions. And no one wants surprises at the notary table.
I still remember a deal years ago where everything was ready, but payment structure caused delays. We fixed it, of course — but it was unnecessary stress. Since then, I always guide clients toward clarity from day one.
A Small Tangent (But an Important One)
Sometimes, after viewings, I take clients slightly off-route.
Not to sell them anything — but to show them the rhythm of life here.
A quiet back street in Saranda.
A bakery that locals use at 7am.
A hidden viewpoint above the port where the light hits the sea differently every evening.
Why do I do this?
Because buying property isn’t just about price or payment method. It’s about understanding where your money is going. And once people feel the place, they tend to make better decisions — including financial ones.
Cash vs Bank Transfer in New Developments
In new developments, bank transfer is almost always the standard.
Why?
Because developers think ahead.
Properties like this seaview 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street in Saranda — quiet, safe neighborhood, private pool, uninterrupted sea views — are built for both living and investing. Everything about them is high-end, from construction to documentation.
Bank transfers keep the entire process aligned with that level of quality.
Ksamil, Duplexes, and Smart Structuring
Ksamil has matured fast.
What used to be simple holiday apartments are now refined residences designed for families and serious investors.
Take this luxury duplex in Ksamil .
Two private pools (one exclusive to the duplex), underground parking included, total privacy, and only 300 meters from both the beach and the center. ROI can reach up to 16% annually — but only if everything is structured properly from day one.
That starts with payment clarity.
What About Villas?
Villas are a category of their own.
I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast when it comes to private villas. Especially in quiet residential zones where privacy still exists.
This private villa in Saranda with a swimming pool is a perfect example. Spacious layout, calm surroundings, rare opportunity. Families love these properties. Investors value them even more.
For villas, bank transfer is almost always the right choice. These are long-term assets. You want them clean, documented, and future-proof.
So… What Do I Actually Recommend?
Here’s my honest answer:
– Small reservation? Cash can work.
– Main purchase amount? Bank transfer. Always.
A mix can exist, but it should be structured carefully and transparently.
And yes, I’ll help you through it step by step. That’s part of my job — and part of why I still enjoy it after all these years.
Final Thoughts
Albania is no longer the “wild card” of Mediterranean real estate.
It’s growing up. And fast.
Whether you’re buying beachfront property, seaview apartments, or a private villa, the way you pay matters more than many people realize. Not today — but five years from now.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned walking Saranda’s streets, sitting with clients over long coffees, and watching this market evolve… it’s this:
Good decisions feel calm.
Clear payments create calm.
