Resort Investments vs. Residential Flipping in Southern Albania – What’s Right for You?

I’ve lived in Saranda most of my life. Every morning I wake up to that sweeping view of the Ionian, and honestly, it never gets old. Over the years, I’ve seen this town grow from a sleepy coastal gem into one of the most exciting spots on the Albanian Riviera for both tourists and real estate investors.  

But lately, I keep getting asked the same question from clients—especially foreigners who are just getting to know the area:  

“Should I invest in a resort-style property or flip a residential apartment?”  

Now that’s a great question—and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on what kind of investor you are, how involved you want to be, and what kind of return you’re after.  

Let’s talk it through.  

What Exactly Is “Resort Investment” in Albania?  

When I say resort investment , I’m not just talking about massive hotel complexes. In southern Albania, especially places like Ksamil, Borsh, and Saranda, resort investment usually means buying into a property that’s designed for tourism from the ground up .  

Think beachfront villas with private pools. Boutique apartment hotels. Seaview apartments fully furnished and ready to rent out on Airbnb from day one.  

For example, we recently launched a villa project in Borsh— Vila 1 & 2 —and let me tell you, it’s the kind of thing most foreign investors dream about. Full sea view, a peaceful plot of land tucked between the green hills and the coast, and designed specifically for short-term holiday rentals.  

It’s not just a beautiful home—it’s a business in a box.  

And What About Residential Flipping?  

On the other hand, residential flipping is more like a hands-on, local game.  

Here’s how it usually works: you find an older apartment—maybe something from the early 2000s, not quite modern, not quite neglected. You buy it under market value (which, believe me, is still possible if you know where to look), renovate it, furnish it smartly, and either rent it out or resell at a profit.  

Last week, I showed a client a property just off Rruga Butrinti. It wasn’t much to look at at first—beige walls, a tired old kitchen, and that weird 80s floor tile. But the bones were good, and the view? Stunning. You could see all the way to Corfu on a clear day.  

The client is already planning a modern renovation with minimal white interiors, black fixtures, and warm wood touches. They’ll probably double the value in six months. 

   

The Pros and Cons – Let’s Be Honest 

Here’s where the differences really come into play: 

Resort Investments 

Passive Income Potential: Once set up, you can hire a local manager and let the bookings roll in 

Higher Daily Rates: Tourists pay more for a well-designed seaview villa than a basic apartment 

Turnkey Ready: Many come furnished, landscaped, and already branded for Airbnb 

But… 

Higher Upfront Cost: Especially if you’re buying something beachfront or newly built 

Limited Off-season Income: Outside the May–September window, bookings drop off unless it’s a year-round destination 

Residential Flipping 

Lower Entry Cost: Great for investors with smaller budgets 

Faster Turnaround: You can buy, renovate, and resell within months 

Urban Appeal: Year-round rental demand in Saranda for long-term tenants 

However… 

  More Involvement Needed: Renovations in Albania require a hands-on approach 

Risk of Over-renovation: Not every upgrade adds value—ask me how I learned that the hard way 

What Locals Don’t Always Tell You 

Here’s something you won’t read in fancy investor guides: 

• That little taverna near the beach in Borsh? The owner’s brother is also the local builder. 

• The quietest months in Saranda for renovation work are actually October and November—before the heavy rains but after the tourist buzz. 

• And properties near Hasan Tahsini street are usually snapped up before they even go online. Locals have their own word-of-mouth networks. 

In other words, local knowledge makes all the difference . 

So… What Kind of Investor Are You? 

If you’re someone who’s looking to build a lifestyle business , something you can manage remotely and visit with your family once or twice a year, then resort-style investments make a lot of sense. 

Take White Residence , for example. It’s located just outside the Saranda city center, with modern architecture and panoramic sea views. Investors love it because it balances privacy with proximity—and it’s the kind of place guests remember and rebook. 

But if you’re more of a numbers-first kind of investor , someone who wants to see fast ROI, manage a few contractors, and reinvest quickly—flipping might be your game. Especially now, with property prices rising steadily, there’s real opportunity in getting in before a neighborhood gets trendy. 

 

My Take? (If You Asked)

Honestly, I love both strategies. I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now—and that’s not just hometown pride talking.

There’s still untapped potential in neighborhoods that overlook the bay. Ksamil is blowing up every year, but it still has that intimate village energy. And Borsh… well, if you haven’t taken a walk along its endless beach at sunset, you really should. That’s where I take my mind when I need a break from deals and deadlines.

Final Thoughts – Go With Your Gut, But Back It Up with Local Expertise

Real estate isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about rhythm. The rhythm of a place, its seasons, its people. That’s what makes southern Albania special—it’s not polished and perfect like Italy or Greece, but it’s real, alive, and growing fast.

If you’re still deciding between buying a beachfront villa or flipping a city apartment, let’s talk. I’ve walked these streets, sat in the same cafés for 15 years, and helped people from all over the world find their own version of “home” here.

And hey, sometimes the right investment is the one that just feels right.

Let’s find it together.

Explore properties you can invest in:

• Vila 1 & 2 in Borsh – full sea view, private pool, perfect for Airbnb

• White Residence – stylish seaview apartments near Saranda

(The photo on this blog is captured in Berat, Albania)