The Rise of the Albanian Riviera: Why 2025 Might Be the Last Year of Low Prices

If you’ve ever stood on the promenade in Saranda as the sun dips behind Corfu, you’ll know what I mean when I say this place feels like a secret that’s slowly slipping out.  

For years, the Albanian Riviera—stretching from Palasë to Ksamil—has been the kind of destination travelers whisper about. Not because it’s unknown, but because those who do discover it, want to keep it that way.  

But things are changing. And fast.  

And if you’ve been thinking about buying property in Saranda, Ksamil, or even quieter spots like Borsh… 2025 might just be the last year to get in before prices truly take off.  

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A Different Kind of Mediterranean  

I’ve lived in Saranda for most of my adult life. Grew up spending summers on the beach here before the cafés got Instagrammable and the yachts started showing up more regularly. Back then, there were maybe three solid places for pizza, and we all knew the best seafood came from the guy who still didn’t have a sign outside his tavern near the harbor.  

Now? Things have evolved—but the charm remains.  

And it’s exactly that balance between raw authenticity and quiet luxury that’s drawing in more and more foreign buyers.  

Just last week, I was walking a Belgian couple through a stunning property in Ksamil—a penthouse with a panoramic sea view, right near the new beach access point. The wife turned to me mid-tour and said, “We’ve been to Santorini, Marbella, Mallorca… but this feels untouched.”  

And she’s right.  

You can still find Saranda apartments for sale under €150,000 with a sea view. Try doing that in Italy or Greece. It’s nearly impossible.  

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What’s Fueling the Price Growth?  

It’s not just the scenery. A few key changes are happening here:  

• New Marina Project in Saranda: This is going to bring in high-end tourism, boost infrastructure, and dramatically increase demand for beachfront property.  

• Tourism Explosion in Ksamil: Even in the shoulder seasons, Ksamil is buzzing. Hotels are full, restaurants are packed, and rental prices on Airbnb are through the roof.  

• No Property Tax for New Developments: Yep, 0%. Foreign buyers are catching on, fast.  

• Improved Road Access + Ferry Connections: You can now get from Corfu airport to Saranda in under 90 minutes door to door. Some even say it’s faster than flying into Tirana.  

Combine all that with the fact that many of these seaview apartments are being bought directly from the developer (which means better pricing and flexible payment plans), and you’ve got a perfect storm.  

Take our White Residence Villas in Borsh , for example—Mediterranean-style villas with private pools, full sea views, and surrounded by olive groves. A few years ago, that price would’ve seemed high. Now? They’re among the last large plots available on that coastline.   

“But Prices Are Already Going Up…” 

They are. And that’s the point. 

A two-bedroom seafront apartment that cost €120,000 in 2022 is now closer to €160,000–€180,000. In some parts of Ksamil, prices have doubled. And it’s not just hype—demand has been outpacing supply. 

Even land plots that sat unsold for years in places like Qeparo and Piqeras are now being snapped up by investors with a five-year plan. 

People often ask me: Is it too late to buy in Albania? 

I tell them this: It’s not too late, but it’s definitely not early anymore. 

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Insider Tip: Where Locals Are Buying 

Let me give you a little insider trick. The locals—especially those who already own in Saranda—are quietly buying in places like Borsh and Lukova. These are spots still slightly under the radar, but with some of the best coastline in the country. 

The beach in Borsh? Long, open, no concrete clutter. There’s a small taverna at the far end of the beach that does grilled fish so fresh you can still smell the saltwater. That’s where I like to meet clients before viewings. 

We recently launched White Residence in that exact area. And I can tell you with confidence: in 2–3 years, this project will look cheap in hindsight. 

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Tangent Time (Bear With Me) 

You ever notice how the vibe shifts in Saranda mid-September? The crowds thin out, the locals relax a bit, and the air starts smelling like fig trees again. It’s my favorite time to walk the hillside neighborhoods—places like Rruga Panorama, where we have listings like this luxury penthouse with wraparound views and private beach access. 

It’s not just a home. It’s that quiet magic September brings. 

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A Personal Note 

I started VivaView with the goal of doing real estate differently here. Not just sell apartments—but really guide people through this landscape. Help them see what I see. 

And what I see is this: Albania won’t stay “undiscovered” much longer. In fact, we’re already being called the “last affordable coastline in Europe” by more than one international publication. 

Once the marina in Saranda is complete, once the 5-star resorts arrive in Borsh, once more flights start landing in Gjirokastra or even Saranda itself… the window closes. 

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So, Is 2025 the Year? 

Honestly? 

Yes. 

If you’ve been on the fence, this is the year to jump. 

Not just because prices are still relatively low, but because inventory is shrinking, fast. Especially for high-quality, sea-facing units in walkable locations. 

Whether you’re eyeing a sleek apartment near the promenade, a boutique villa in Borsh, or a penthouse overlooking the Ionian—2025 is your best shot. 
Final Thoughts (Before You Scroll Away)

I know this post might sound like a pitch—but it’s really not. It’s just… me trying to put into words what I’ve seen unfold here over the past few years. And what I know is coming next.

If you’re curious, even just mildly interested, take a look at a few of our listings:

• White Residence – sea view apartments

• White Villas in Borsh – private pools, amazing land

• Luxury penthouse with private beach access in Saranda

And if you’re ever in Saranda, shoot me a message. I’d love to walk you through a property—or just grab a coffee at the small bar behind the old marina, the one with the faded chairs and the best view in town.

Trust me—there’s still time. But not much.

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Written by someone who’s called Saranda home long before it became a buzzword.