How Payment in Installments is Changing the Buying Game in Albania

Buying property in Albania used to be pretty straightforward—at least on paper. You find a place you love, pay in full (often in cash), sign, and that’s that.  

But if you’ve lived here as long as I have—or if you’ve ever helped a family weigh the decision between a seaview apartment in Saranda or a beachfront property in Ksamil—you know real life isn’t that simple.  

Thankfully, things are changing. And payment in installments? It’s one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in our market in years.  

Let me explain why it matters.  

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The Old Way Wasn’t Built for Everyone  

For decades, real estate deals in Albania were “cash first, questions later.” Not because Albanians are obsessed with cash, but because banking systems and legal frameworks weren’t always investor-friendly. Especially for foreigners.  

So if someone wanted to buy an apartment in Saranda, they’d better have the full €100,000 ready—and fast. And that pushed a lot of great people out of the market. Young couples. First-time investors. Foreigners who fell in love with the Albanian Riviera but weren’t ready to liquidate everything at once.  

Now? That model is evolving.  

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Why Installment Plans Are a Game Changer  

Here’s what’s exciting: more developers—ourselves included—are offering flexible payment plans based on construction phases.  

For example, at Fabeno Residence in Saranda , clients can secure a luxury apartment with just a 30% down payment. The remaining payments are spread out across key construction milestones—foundation, facade, interior works, and so on.  

This has opened doors for so many.  

Last week, I showed a client a stunning property in Ksamil. New building, pool, 171.8m², just minutes from the beach. Their face lit up when I told them they didn’t need to pay the full price upfront. I’ll never forget it. That’s the kind of reaction that reminds me why I love this job.  

You can see that property here , by the way—if you’re curious.  

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Who Benefits Most?  

Honestly? Everyone.  

• Foreigners who want to invest but need more time to move funds across borders.  

• Albanian expats working in Germany, Italy, the UK—who want to return and have a place ready by next summer.  

• Locals who’ve saved for years but want something better than just a basic apartment.  

Installment payments give people a chance to buy more than they thought they could afford—and in better locations.  

Take White Residence in Ksamil . It’s not just another building. It’s a place you’d actually want to spend your summers. You can walk to the water barefoot. The view at sunset? Unreal.  

Now imagine being able to secure one of those apartments without draining your entire savings overnight.  

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But Let’s Be Honest: It’s Not Just About the Money  

Buying a home—especially here in the south of Albania—is emotional.  

We don’t just talk numbers. We talk about family. About where your kids will eat breakfast. About walking down to the beach after a long day.  

And there’s this beautiful little taverna near Borsh Beach—hard to spot unless you know where to look. I always take clients there after viewings. Not because it’s part of the deal, but because it reminds people why they’re buying in the first place. Good food. Sea breeze. No stress.  

That’s what makes our region different.  

So yes, paying in installments helps people financially. But it also gives them space to dream. To picture a life here, not just a transaction.  

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The Developer’s Side (And Ours) 

Let me be transparent: offering installment plans isn’t always easy on us developers. Construction costs are rising. Managing cash flow takes discipline. 

But at VivaView and Klajdi Ndërtim, we’ve built a system that works because we believe in long-term trust over short-term profits . 

We’ve been here 15+ years. This isn’t a side hustle for us. It’s our home, and it shows in how we work. 

One of our proudest projects is this luxury villa in Saranda . Panoramic views, full sea exposure, and absolutely perfect for Airbnb. And yes—installments are possible there too. 

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Quick Tangent: What Makes Saranda Special 

Can I just say—I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. 

You’ve got crystal-clear water, Greek island views, a growing international crowd, and yet prices are still a fraction of what you’d pay in Italy or Croatia. 

People are starting to notice. And those who lock in properties now, especially with flexible payment terms, are going to thank themselves in a few years. 

I remember when the promenade had more fishing boats than cafes. Now? You can get a handcrafted cocktail at Haxhi’s and watch the ferry lights from Corfu blink in the distance. 

It’s wild how fast things are changing. 

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So What’s the Catch? 

Well, not all installment plans are created equal. 

You have to make sure: 

• The property is fully legal 

• The developer is reputable 

• There’s a clear contract outlining payment stages and delivery timeline 

We walk every client through this personally. No fine print. No surprises. Because in Albania, word-of-mouth is still gold. If we mess up once, people will talk. But when we do things right? They bring friends, cousins, entire families. 

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Final Thoughts (If You’ve Made It This Far) 

If you’ve been dreaming about owning property on the Albanian Riviera—whether it’s an apartment in Saranda, a beachfront property in Ksamil, or a hillside villa with a seaview—the time to move is now. 

Installment plans are giving people the freedom to invest without fear. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step. 

And hey—if you ever want someone local to grab coffee with and talk options (not sales pitches), my door’s open. Probably somewhere between a construction site and that little taverna in Borsh. 
You know where to find me.

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Written by Klajdi | VivaView Real Estate & Klajdi Ndërtim

Helping you find more than a home. Helping you find a lifestyle.