What Happens After You Buy? A Local’s Guide to Managing Your Property in Saranda

Buying a property in Saranda is exciting. You’ve probably imagined yourself waking up to the sound of waves, coffee in hand, maybe even hosting friends on a breezy terrace. But once the paperwork is signed and the keys are in your hand, a new question appears— now what?  

This blog is for anyone who’s just bought, or is about to buy, a property in Saranda and is wondering how to take care of it after the deal is done. Whether it’s a beachfront property you’ll visit twice a year, or a seaview apartment you plan to rent out, managing a property here has its own rhythm—something I’ve learned over years of walking up and down every street in this town, meeting builders, clients, neighbors, and plumbers who somehow always arrive an hour later than promised.  

First, Take a Breath  

You did it. You bought a place in one of the most beautiful corners of the Albanian Riviera. That alone puts you ahead of the curve. But don’t rush into furnishing or listing it for rent just yet.  

One of my clients from Sweden closed on a 1-bedroom at White Residence last spring. She was eager to start renting it right away, but I suggested she wait—stay in the apartment for a week, feel the space, figure out how the light hits in the morning, how loud the neighbors are, how close the market actually is. She made a few small changes—extra curtains, a quieter fridge, better outdoor chairs—and now the place is booked through the summer.  

There’s value in taking your time.  

Managing from Afar: Yes, It’s Possible  

Most foreign buyers don’t live here full time. And I get it—life continues back home. So how do you take care of a property when you’re thousands of kilometers away?  

You have two options:  

1. Hire a local property manager  

2. Handle it yourself with some trusted contacts  

Let’s talk about the first one. There are a few good agencies in Saranda that offer property management, but be careful. Some charge high fees and don’t deliver much. Others don’t speak your language, which turns simple updates into confusing phone calls.  

My advice? Find someone who’s already helping other foreigners. Not just someone who says they do management, but someone who can show you real examples—guest reviews, before/after photos, income reports.  

That’s why at VivaView, we started offering post-sale services to our clients. Not because we wanted to build another side business, but because too many buyers were asking us things like, “Do you know someone who can fix a leaking air conditioner?” or “Who can check on my apartment once a month?”  

If you prefer to handle things yourself, at least get a reliable local cleaner and a handyman. I know a retired schoolteacher who now manages two apartments in her building—just helps out with cleaning, watering plants, and giving keys to guests. People like her are gold.   


To Rent or Not to Rent 

Let’s say you bought with rental income in mind. Good choice—especially if you own in Ksamil or central Saranda. 

But don’t just upload some photos on Airbnb and hope for the best. You’ll want: 

• High-quality photos (ideally during sunset, the golden hour here is incredible) 

• A clear, honest description 

• Local recommendations for your guests (yes, even just your top 3 restaurants) 

• Someone to handle check-in and cleaning 

A beachfront apartment will rent well in summer even without much effort. But to earn good reviews—and off-season bookings—you need to give it a bit more heart. 

One of our clients owns a villa up the hill in Borsh ( you can see it here ). It’s not directly on the beach, but the views are unreal. At first, it was hard to rent because of the location. Then they added a hammock, a welcome basket with local honey and olive oil, and listed the nearest hiking trail in the description. Now? Fully booked through September. 

Furnishing Smart (Not Just Stylish) 

Here’s where many buyers go wrong—they furnish for the photo, not for the guest. 

You don’t need to buy the most expensive Italian sofa or a chandelier from Tirana. You need durable materials, a firm mattress, blackout curtains, and a functioning shower with good pressure. 

You’ll also want to think about storage. Guests love places with empty drawers and a wardrobe. It sounds obvious, but I’ve been in countless apartments where everything looks perfect until you try to find where to put your clothes. 

Also, don’t forget small but meaningful touches—like a drying rack for towels, a broom and dustpan, a teapot. Little things that guests won’t mention when they’re there, but will absolutely notice if they’re missing. 

Who Checks In When You’re Not Here? 

This is a big one. Some owners leave the keys with a neighbor or a cousin, and that’s fine—for a while. But what happens if a guest locks themselves out at midnight? Or if the WiFi stops working? 

Having a local contact who can show up quickly makes all the difference. You don’t want your 5-star property getting a 2-star review because the guest couldn’t find the remote. 

I’ve helped several buyers set up key safes, digital locks, and WhatsApp lines for their guests. You can even automate most of the process if you get organized from the start. 

Bills, Taxes, and the Quiet Months 

Owning a property means dealing with bills—even when you’re not there. Water, electricity, building maintenance. In Albania, most of these are manageable, but someone needs to pay them on time. 

You can do online payments for most services now. And for everything else, set up a small buffer fund or use your property manager to take care of it. 

As for property taxes, they’re relatively low here compared to most European countries. But make sure you’re registered correctly—especially if you’re earning rental income. There are still gray zones in local regulation, so always double-check with a lawyer or someone experienced. 

And don’t forget: October to April is much quieter. Some restaurants close. The beach empties out. But the sunsets? Still just as stunning. 

Final Words from Someone Who’s Seen It All

I’ve lived in Saranda long enough to see it transform—from sleepy fishing town to rising Mediterranean destination. And I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire coast. But what makes it special isn’t just the prices or the views. It’s the lifestyle, the people, and the chance to build something personal.

So if you’ve just bought a place—or are thinking about it—don’t stop at the sale. That’s only the beginning. The real work (and reward) starts with how you take care of it, how you share it, and how you make it feel alive, even when you’re not here.

If you need help figuring it out, reach out. Or just come by the office for a coffee. I’ll probably be talking to someone about curtains or WiFi or where to buy the best olive oil—and I’m always happy to help.