Investor Case Studies: Real ROI from Saranda and Ksamil Apartments

I’ve been working in real estate in Saranda for years now, and I still get excited every time I walk into an apartment with a sea view. Maybe it’s the smell of the air, or the way the sun hits the balconies in the morning — but honestly, I think it’s the stories. 

Because behind every smart investment on the Albanian Riviera, there’s a story. Some are lucky. Some are strategic. And some… are both. 

If you’ve ever wondered what a real return on investment looks like in Saranda or Ksamil, not just the shiny Instagram version — this one’s for you. 

Let’s get into it. 

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Case Study #1: Seaview Simplicity That Pays for Itself 

Not long ago, I helped a foreign couple find a simple 1-bedroom apartment here in Saranda. Nothing flashy. But it had a full, uninterrupted sea view and was just a few minutes’ walk to the promenade — not the noisy end, the quieter side near the old bakery where locals go for byrek early in the morning. 

They didn’t go crazy with furnishing. Just enough to make it feel fresh and clean. Light tones, a touch of local craftwork — and a balcony that catches the morning sun. 

They listed it short-term, and the bookings started coming in almost immediately. Between May and October, they were booked most nights. The income? Easily covered their purchase costs within just a few years. And now, every season, it brings in a steady stream of guests who leave glowing reviews about the “peaceful view” and “authentic local feel.” 

Even better? Units like theirs in the same area have increased significantly in value. The kind of appreciation that makes you wish you had bought two instead of one. 

That’s Saranda for you. 

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Case Study #2: Ksamil – Early Entry, Big Potential 

There’s something about Ksamil. It’s still young in its development cycle — you can feel it in the air. Buildings going up, cafés expanding, small local markets turning into polished minimarkets with organic corner shelves and craft beers. It’s growing fast, but it hasn’t lost its charm. 

One of my clients recently toured a brand-new apartment in White Residence . Even before stepping inside, he paused at the balcony, looked out over the olive trees and down toward the turquoise stretch of beach, and just smiled. That was the moment. 

He’s already planning to turn it into a boutique holiday rental — something with thoughtful design and a personal touch. Based on similar apartments nearby, the expected rental income during the summer season alone can outperform annual returns in many Western European cities. And what’s interesting is the demand: families, couples, remote workers — all looking for something with privacy, a bit of luxury, and access to the beach on foot. 

The property hasn’t even hit peak occupancy yet, but it’s already getting attention. Visitors ask to buy in the same building before they’ve even checked out. 

Real ROI Isn’t Always in Spreadsheets

Look, I love numbers. I’ve made my living by helping people make the math work. But let me tell you — the best investments I’ve seen weren’t always the ones with the cleanest spreadsheet.

One buyer, a quiet woman from Austria, specifically asked for a south-facing unit. I asked why, expecting some technical answer. She said: “So the light will hit the balcony when I drink my morning coffee.”

That apartment? It rents better than anything else in her building. Guests love it for the exact same reason.

Sometimes, it’s the little details — the smell of the fig tree nearby, the way the wind flows through the corridor, the sound of the waves just audible at night — that create an emotional connection. And emotional connection? That’s what gets you five-star reviews and returning guests.

Side note — there’s this little roadside taverna just before Borsh beach, not the big ones you see on Google Maps, but the one with the plastic chairs and handwritten menu. I always take my land buyers there. It has a way of resetting expectations. Slows everything down. Makes you think long-term.

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Case Study #3: A Quiet Winner Near the Action

Another couple — this time from Kosovo — recently explored a unit in Residenca 12. Nothing over the top. A well-laid-out 1+1 with two balconies, finished and ready, in a peaceful pocket of Saranda.

It’s not right on the main promenade, but that’s the point. It’s perfect for families, retirees, and couples who want to enjoy the city without the nightlife noise. The kind of place that gets longer bookings — two weeks, sometimes more.

And when you calculate it? That kind of stability pays off. Less turnover. Fewer headaches. And steady, reliable income. Plus, the area is appreciating. You can already see it in the surrounding buildings. Better finishes. Cleaner streets. Local cafés investing in new decor and menus.

It’s the kind of investment that won’t make headlines — but will quietly outperform expectations.

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Final Words from the Ground

I’ve walked almost every street in Saranda. I’ve helped people buy their first summer home, and others grow a full portfolio. What I’ve learned is this:

✔ A good sea view is worth more than square meters.

✔ Light, airflow, and quiet matter more than most people think.

✔ Parking is gold. Trust me.

✔ And always — always — check the property at night before buying.

Real estate in the south of Albania isn’t just about price per square meter. It’s about vision. Timing. Understanding where the city is going and where people actually want to live.

I genuinely believe Saranda still offers some of the best value on the Mediterranean. The weather, the food, the culture — they’re not trends. They’re timeless. And Ksamil? It’s still blooming. A few smart early investors are already seeing the results.

So if you’re thinking of stepping in — not just to invest, but to be part of something — let’s talk. We’ve got new opportunities coming up at White Residence and Residenca 12, and more coming soon.

But more importantly, we’ve got local insights, honest guidance, and a deep love for this coastline. Come visit. Walk the neighborhoods. Let the place speak to you.

And if it does? Well, you’ll know.

-VivaView Real Estate

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