What Are Foreign Buyers Really Looking For in Albania?

There’s this funny moment that keeps happening.  

A foreign client steps onto a terrace overlooking the Ionian. They pause. Say nothing. Just… breathe.  

And then, without fail:  

“This can’t be real.”  

That’s when I usually smile, let them soak it in, and casually point out, “It’s real — and it’s available.”  

Now, don’t get me wrong. People don’t fly to Albania just for that moment (though it helps). What really drives them here? That’s a bigger story — one I’ve come to understand after years of working with buyers from Italy, Germany, Poland, the UK, even as far as Canada and Dubai.  

So let’s talk about what foreign buyers actually want when they come to Albania.  

It’s not always what you think.  

1. A Simple Life — but Not Too Simple  

Many of the people I work with are done with noise. They’ve had the fast life — London traffic, Berlin rents, Milan chaos. They’re not coming here to find a replica of that. They’re searching for peace .  

But also… they still want decent coffee and fiber optic internet.  

The trick is balance. They want to hear the waves at night but also order a pizza that doesn’t take 90 minutes to arrive. In places like Borsh or Lukovë , you’ll find that sweet spot. And in Saranda? You’ve got both worlds.  

Side note: There’s this hidden taverna in Qazim Pali , right before Borsh, that serves grilled fish better than some restaurants in Split or Corfu. No menu, no fuss. Just ask what they caught that morning. It’s places like this that seal the deal emotionally — not the bathroom tile.  

2. Seaviews That Don’t Break the Bank  

Let me be blunt: Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.  

I’m not just saying that to hype up a listing.  

When you compare square-meter prices to similar destinations — think southern Italy or the Greek isles — we’re still far below. And yet, the views? Often better.  

A couple from Kraków once told me: “We thought we’d be buying a small studio near a noisy road. Instead, we found a brand-new apartment with panoramic sea views and a shared pool.”  

They were looking at this property at the time.  

That’s what makes the Albanian Riviera special — not just that it’s affordable , but that it feels like you’re cheating the system . In a good way.   

3. Legal Security, But Low Bureaucracy 

Foreigners often walk in bracing themselves for Balkan-level bureaucracy. And yes — Albania still has paperwork, but it’s come a long way. 

Today, buyers can own property in their name without needing residency. 

They ask: “Will I have full ownership?” 

Yes. 

“Is it safe to invest?” 

If you work with the right people — absolutely. 

What most people appreciate is how personal the buying process feels. It’s not like in other countries where you’re handed off to five departments. Here, we often sit at the same café where the owner knows your name, reviewing plans together with a coffee in hand. 

Just last month, I met a Belgian woman who was stunned at how human the process felt. 

“It’s the opposite of Brussels,” she said. 

She was looking at this villa project in Borsh. 

She’s now building a life here. 

4. Rental Potential Without the Hassle 

Airbnb has changed the game — and foreign buyers know it. 

Most don’t want to live here full-time. But they do want their property to work for them. That’s why I always explain: 

“If you pick the right location and layout, it can easily rent 100+ nights per year.” 

Properties close to beaches, with 1–2 bedrooms, and balconies with views — those are gold. Like this apartment collection we just added near the Saranda promenade. 

Plus, you don’t need to manage it yourself. There are trusted property management teams in town that handle everything. Cleaning, check-ins, listings. You collect the income. 

For many, that’s the dream: enjoy it when they visit, rent it when they don’t. 

5. Culture — Not Just Sun 

Here’s something you won’t read on travel blogs: 

Many buyers fall for Albania not because of the price, but because of the people . 

They’ll mention how the neighbor brought them tomatoes from their garden. Or how the local butcher insisted on giving them a free portion of qofte “just to try.” That’s Albania. 

It’s not polished — but it’s warm. 

And foreign buyers notice. 

They’re tired of feeling like just another number. Here, they’re greeted. Welcomed. Offered raki before signatures. (Yes, that’s happened more than once.) 

It’s why some of them return — not for a second viewing, but to say hi. 

 

Final Thoughts (and a Little Tangent)

A few days ago, I walked by the old castle in Lëkurësi just before sunset. There were two tourists sitting on the wall, sipping cold beer, watching the sun melt into the sea. They weren’t taking photos. They weren’t rushing.

That’s when it hit me:

This is what they want.

Not just a house. Not just investment.

But a life that feels like theirs again.

So, what are foreign buyers really looking for in Albania?

They’re looking for:

• A place to slow down

• A view that moves them

• An experience that feels real

• A good investment that makes sense — and feels right

And when they find it… they don’t just buy property.

They find home.

Interested in exploring properties that tick all these boxes?

Start with these local favorites:

White Residence,

our newest villas in Borsh,

and a full list of available options here.

If you ever find yourself in Saranda, let’s grab a coffee by the port. I’ll show you around — the properties, the hidden bakeries, and everything in between.

Trust me. There’s more to discover than you expect.