When an Investment Becomes a Home: How Buyers Change Their Plans After Discovering Saranda

I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. Someone comes to Saranda with one clear goal: to find a smart real estate investment. Nothing too personal. Just numbers, rental returns, and a solid seaview apartment to rent out during summer.  

But then… something shifts.  

They spend a few days here. Maybe a week. They walk the promenade at sunset, eat fresh seafood at a little place near the port, chat with locals at the bakery in the morning—and suddenly, the tone of our conversation changes.  

The apartment is no longer just for Airbnb.  

Now they’re asking if the building has heating. If there’s room for a proper desk. If they could imagine spending a few months a year here themselves. Sometimes they ask it casually, like it’s just an idea. But I know that look. Saranda has already started to feel like home.  

It Starts With the View, But Stays With the Feeling  

One of my clients—let’s call her Marianne—came from Belgium last year. She had researched everything, made a spreadsheet, knew which areas gave the best return. We viewed a few places, including one in White Residence that was perfect for rentals: 1-bedroom, balcony with sea view, steps from the beach.  

But on the third day, I took her to a small café above Rruga Skënderbeu. Nothing fancy. Plastic chairs, a quiet view of the bay. A local family owns it and they make byrek fresh every morning. We sat down for coffee. She looked at the water, the hills across the bay, and then said:  

“I could actually live here.”  

We still closed the deal on the apartment. But now, she stays there from March to June. She rents it in peak season, then comes back in fall when it’s quiet. That’s not unusual. A lot of investors end up becoming part-time locals.  

From Rental Potential to Personal Escape  

I get it. On paper, investing in Saranda is smart. Prices are still low compared to anywhere else on the Mediterranean. You can still find affordable properties with stunning views—real seaview apartments, not just a glimpse between rooftops.  

And if you’re looking at Saranda apartments for sale with rental income in mind, that strategy absolutely works. But I always tell people: stay a few days before you decide. Let the place breathe a little. You’ll see.  

There’s something about walking up the stone paths in the old quarter, where grandmothers still sweep the steps and greet you with a smile. Or buying figs from a roadside stand in Borsh, from a man who grew them himself and throws in a few extra just because you stopped to chat.  

And once people feel that rhythm, it’s hard to go back to looking at their investment like a spreadsheet.  

Real Estate With a Side of Life  

Of course, not everyone turns their purchase into a home. But many start dreaming. I’ve had clients from Germany, Sweden, the UK, and the US say the same thing:  

“We came to buy for the numbers. We stayed because we felt something here.”  

Even those who don’t move in full-time usually end up keeping a few weeks blocked off each year for themselves. They use the property in May or September—outside the peak—and let tourists take over in summer. That way, they get the best of both worlds.  

One of our clients recently bought a three-floor villa with a pool in Borsh. You can see it here . Originally, it was going to be purely for short-term rentals. But the owners fell in love with the view—the olive trees on the hillside, the curve of the coastline below—and now they’ve already planned two months of personal use each year.  

Can you blame them?   

Why Saranda Has This Effect on People 

It’s not just the sea or the prices. It’s the pace. 

Life moves differently here. People take their time. You see neighbors chatting on balconies at 11 PM. No rush. No noise. Even in summer, when the tourists arrive, there’s still a core group of locals doing what they’ve always done—coffee, market, beach, repeat. 

And for people coming from cities where everything is fast, loud, and expensive, that’s a revelation. 

Saranda also has just enough infrastructure to be livable year-round. The internet is fast. Most buildings now have good heating and cooling. There are supermarkets, pharmacies, a growing number of gyms and yoga studios. 

There’s even a French couple who opened a small bookstore just off the main square. It’s tucked between a bakery and a tailor. You won’t find it unless someone tells you about it—but that’s kind of the charm. 

The Numbers Still Matter 

Look, I’m not saying forget the financials. If you’re buying here, you should consider rental demand, resale value, maintenance costs, and all the rest. 

But I also think it’s okay if your property becomes more than just an investment. In fact, it usually does. 

We’re still seeing strong interest in beachfront property, especially from international buyers. But the ones who get the most value are those who buy places they’d actually enjoy staying in themselves. Because they often do. 

And the best properties—those that hold value and bring consistent returns—are also the ones that feel good to be in. That’s not just a gut feeling. It’s what guests want too. 

What to Look For if You Think You Might Stay 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “maybe I’ll use it too,” then keep a few things in mind: 

• Choose a location that’s quiet but walkable. 

• Look for buildings with elevators if you’re not on the ground floor. 

• Make sure the kitchen is usable, not just decorative. 

• Balconies matter more than you think. 

And ask about things like insulation, natural light, water pressure—these sound minor but they matter if you’re spending more than a weekend here. 

Don’t fall into the trap of buying something that only looks good in photos. Ask someone local what it’s like to live there in January. That’s when you really know what you’ve bought. 

Final Thoughts 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. 

But beyond the affordability, the beauty, the sea—it’s a place where people feel welcome. Where you can go from tourist to neighbor in a matter of weeks. 

So if you came here looking for a smart investment, don’t be surprised if you find something more. It’s happened before. It’ll happen again. 

And if you ever want someone to walk you through the options—with honesty, local insight, and a few coffee stops along the way—drop by the office. We’ll talk properties. And maybe a little bit about life, too. 

(The photo on this blog is captured in Saranda , Shpella e Pëllumbave)