The Best Strategies to Increase Your Property’s Value Before Selling

By someone who’s been walking Saranda’s coastline for years  

Let me start with something simple:  

First impressions sell.  

And I don’t just mean a fresh coat of paint (though, yes, we’ll get to that too). In real estate, especially here in Saranda and across the Albanian Riviera, your property is part of a lifestyle. People aren’t just buying square meters—they’re buying the dream of waking up to the Ionian, hearing seagulls in the morning, walking barefoot to a beach taverna. And when your property reflects that dream, you can ask for more—and you’ll get it.  

I’ve helped dozens of homeowners sell faster and at higher prices just by making a few smart changes. So if you’re thinking of selling, here’s what really works around here—from one local to another.  

1. Clean is good. But curated is better.  

We all know cleanliness matters. But in Saranda, where buyers often walk in off the beach in sandals, your apartment or villa needs to feel fresh —as in, “ready to live in today” fresh.  

Last week, I showed a client a 1-bedroom apartment with a stunning view near White Residence. On paper, it wasn’t that different from others in the area. But the owner had staged it just right: neutral tones, local touches (handmade ceramic bowls from Gjirokastër), and curtains that moved gently in the sea breeze. It sold after one visit.  

Tip: Think minimalism with warmth. Remove clutter. Add textures. A bowl of fresh lemons. A framed photo of Butrint at sunset. These small things whisper “This is home.”  

Curious to see how a well-prepared property looks? Check out this seaview apartment in White Residence . It’s the kind of space that feels easy to love.  

2. Fix the little things—because buyers notice everything.  

You’d be surprised how many people skip this step.  

That tiny rust spot on the balcony railing? The loose tile in the shower? The door that squeaks a little too much? In a competitive market like ours—especially when you’re up against polished new developments—these details matter.  

One of my clients was ready to sell a 2+1 apartment near Rruga Butrinti, but hadn’t fixed the air conditioning unit that had a slightly loud hum. The first three visitors pointed it out. After we repaired it and replaced the bathroom mirror (which was foggy around the edges), the fourth visitor made an offer on the spot.  

Moral of the story: don’t give buyers a reason to hesitate.  

3. Enhance the outdoor space—even a little.  

In the south, balconies are sacred.  

If your property has even a small outdoor space, maximize it . I’m talking cushions, a small table, maybe even a hanging plant. If it has a sea view—congratulations—you’re already 10 steps ahead. Now, frame that view .  

I once helped stage a 3-floor villa in Borsh with just a few pieces of rattan furniture and a couple of lanterns. The price we ended up selling it for shocked even the owner. You can still see it here, by the way: Villa 1 & 2 in Borsh . That project has taught me how important “ambience” can be in pushing a property’s value.  

Also… pro tip: never photograph your balcony at noon. Wait for late afternoon when the light softens. Or early morning with coffee steam rising in the frame.   

4. Invest in good lighting (and throw in the fixtures). 

Lighting in many Albanian apartments is… let’s say, functional. But if you want to stand out—especially in listings for Saranda apartments for sale—your lighting should elevate the space, not just brighten it. 

Warm LED strips under the kitchen cabinets, pendant lights in the dining area, a small reading lamp in the bedroom—these add coziness and character. Buyers walk in and imagine themselves already living there. 

And if they ask whether the lights are included in the price? Smile and say yes. It’s worth it. 

5. Update the kitchen and bathrooms—but be smart about it. 

No need for a full renovation (unless your kitchen screams 2005). But changing faucets, installing a modern sink, or updating cabinet handles can go a long way. 

I often tell sellers: spend 1,000 euros wisely, and you might earn 5,000 more in the offer. It’s not about gutting the space—it’s about freshening it up so buyers don’t immediately start calculating how much they’ll need to spend after buying. 

One of the most memorable transformations I’ve seen was a bathroom in an older apartment behind Mango Beach. Just by adding a walk-in shower, swapping the mirror for a backlit one, and using beige tiles that resembled beach stone, it went from “meh” to magazine-worthy. 

6. Highlight the lifestyle—because that’s what sells. 

Look, people aren’t just buying a property in Saranda. They’re buying a lifestyle. 

So, if your apartment is walking distance from the promenade, say it. If you can see Corfu on a clear day, say it. If there’s a bakery nearby that still sells warm byrek at 7AM—say it. 

A lot of foreign buyers don’t know what life here really feels like. They’ve seen drone shots, maybe a few TikToks. But they don’t know the joy of a quiet evening on Rruga Skënderbeu with a glass of homemade raki and some olives from the neighbor’s garden. 

Paint that picture. 

7. Professional photos. Always.

I’ve said this a hundred times and I’ll say it again: photos sell.

Dark, blurry phone pics are not enough in 2025. If you’re listing beachfront property or seaview apartments, your photos need to make people feel something.

At VivaView, we sometimes shoot properties at sunrise, or just before sunset, to catch that golden Ionian glow. And when needed, we’ll edit gently—never to mislead, but to capture the emotion of the space.

A quick side note…

One time, I had a buyer from the Netherlands who wasn’t even planning to buy anything. He was visiting friends in Ksamil. But after touring a villa with us—just for fun—he turned around and said, “You know, I think I’ll stay longer.” That villa wasn’t just beautiful. It felt ready. Warm. Complete.

That’s what you want to create.

In Conclusion – Small changes, big difference.

You don’t have to break the bank to increase your property’s value before selling. You just need to be strategic. Think like a buyer. Or better yet—think like a vacationer falling in love with the coast.

Because here in Saranda, and all along the Albanian Riviera, that moment of falling in love happens fast. But only when the property helps tell the story.

Want to see examples of well-prepared properties? Take a look at:

• White Residence seaview apartments

• Luxury villas in Borsh with private pools

And if you’re thinking of listing your property soon, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to take a look and give you my honest advice—just like I would for a neighbor.