Is Albania Ready for Luxury? A Look at the New Generation of Buyers

I still remember when the idea of “luxury” in Albanian real estate meant a big living room and imported tiles. That was maybe 10 years ago, back when Saranda had just a few residential buildings along the coast and the promenade was still a quiet evening stroll, not a full-blown social media backdrop.  

But fast forward to now—and it’s a different world.  

We’ve got sea-view penthouses with panoramic glass walls, minimalist villas in Borsh with private pools, and developers talking about underground parking and smart home systems like it’s the norm.  

So, is Albania ready for luxury?  

Short answer: Yes.  

But the better question is— who is driving this shift?  

A New Wave of Buyers  

It’s not just retirees anymore. Over the last year alone, I’ve worked with remote workers, crypto investors, boutique hotel owners, young families relocating from Germany, even a social media content creator who wanted a modern villa with sea views and a garden for her dog.  

These are people who aren’t just looking for cheap property. They’re looking for quality. Comfort. Something that feels like them .  

Last week, for example, I showed a client a stunning property in Ksamil. It had clean lines, tons of natural light, and a rooftop terrace with views that honestly looked like a postcard. Her reaction?  

“This feels like something I’d find in Greece—only better because it’s quieter.”  

That stuck with me.  

What Luxury Means Here (And What It Doesn’t)  

Now, let’s be clear. Luxury in Albania still isn’t the same as Monaco or Dubai.  

We’re not talking about gold elevators or penthouses with helipads.  

But a new kind of luxury is emerging here. It’s more… intentional.  

People want:  

• Wide balconies where they can drink coffee and see the sea.  

• Natural materials —stone, wood, clay roofs.  

• Privacy , not just space.  

• A place that feels peaceful , not crowded with noise or overdevelopment.  

That’s why places like White Residence in Saranda or the 3-villa project in Borsh are getting attention. These are not massive hotel blocks. They’re modern, but rooted in the landscape. You can feel the difference the moment you walk through.    

The Shift Happening in Saranda  

I’ve lived in Saranda long enough to remember when the port barely had activity and when the first floor of every new building was just a generic bar-café.  

Today? We’re talking fully furnished 2-bedroom apartments with wraparound balconies , just 150 meters from the beach, with high-end interior finishes that rival anything you’d find in Croatia or southern Italy.  

And more interesting— people are actually asking for more.  

They want design. They want function. They ask about materials, energy efficiency, security systems.  

One client from Sweden even asked me how many olive trees were on the property. He wasn’t joking—he wanted that Mediterranean authenticity built in .  

The Influence of Instagram and Airbnb  

Let’s be honest: Instagram helped put Saranda and Ksamil on the map .  

People see the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, the white-sand beaches, the laid-back cafés—and they want to be part of it. But they don’t want just any apartment.  

They want a canvas —a space that looks good on camera, that feels like vacation even when you live there full-time.  

And Airbnb has changed the game, too.  

More and more buyers ask me:  

“Can I rent this when I’m not here?”  

“What’s the ROI if I buy a modern apartment and list it for 90 days in summer?”  

Spoiler: the numbers make sense, especially in prime areas. Our Residenca 12 units are a great example—modern design, seaview, elevator access, and walkable to everything.  

The Borsh Factor  

Let me go off-track for a second.  

A few weeks ago, I drove down to Borsh to check on a plot of land we’re listing. On the way back, I stopped by a small taverna that most tourists miss—it’s near the old castle road, no sign, just the smell of grilled lamb and fresh tomatoes.  

While I was there, the owner told me, “Next year, this whole road will be built out with villas. People are already reserving plots.”  

And he’s right.  

Luxury buyers are moving south—not just to Saranda or Ksamil, but to places like Borsh, Qeparo, and Lukova. Places where you can still build your dream without the chaos , with sea views that honestly rival anything in Amalfi or the Balearics.  

We’ve even listed a few rare land plots for sale with amazing development potential—and they’re going fast, because people see the long-term value.   

Are We Ready? 

Yes. And no. 

We’re ready in the sense that the demand is here. 

The mindset is shifting. 

Albania is finally seeing itself as more than just “affordable.” 

It’s seeing itself as beautiful , liveable , worth investing in . 

But we still need to catch up on the service side—design consistency, legal clarity, and infrastructure in some zones. That said, companies like ours at VivaView are doing things differently: 

• Clear ownership 

• Turnkey finishes 

• Smart layouts 

• Support for foreigners who don’t know the legal steps 

We’ve built a team that combines local knowledge with international standards . And I’m proud of that. 

Final Thoughts 

Luxury isn’t just a price tag. 

It’s about feeling at ease the moment you walk in . 

It’s about waking up to the sound of the sea, not traffic. 

It’s about sitting on a wide terrace, watching the light change over the Ionian, and thinking, 

“Yeah… this is mine.” 

Albania is more than ready. 

The buyers are here. The builders are improving. And if you ask me, the best time to get in is now , before prices in places like Borsh and Saranda catch up with the rest of the Mediterranean. 

Take a look around. 

Maybe your next home is already waiting for you—just a few clicks  away.

If you’re curious where to start, these are a few I recommend checking out:

• White Residence – beachfront lifestyle in central Saranda

• Borsh villas – modern, private, unforgettable views

• Residenca 12 – smart investment in a growing neighborhood

• Sea view land near Saranda – ideal for custom projects

• Furnished 2+1 apartment 150m from the beach

Or just come by the office—we’ll have coffee (the strong kind) and talk dreams.

Because around here, dreams tend to come with a sea view.