Why Some Foreigners Regret Buying in Albania—and How to Avoid It

You’d think that buying a beachfront property in Albania is always a dream come true. And for many people, it really is.  

But not everyone walks away with that feeling. Some walk away frustrated, disappointed, or worse—completely disillusioned.  

Now, I don’t say that to scare you. I say it because I’ve seen it happen—and as someone who’s been helping people find homes and investments in Saranda and along the Albanian Riviera for years, I think it’s important to be honest about both the good and the not-so-good .  

Because, let’s face it—buying property in a foreign country is a big deal. And when it’s done right? It’s amazing. Life-changing, even.  

But when it’s rushed, or guided by the wrong people, or done without understanding how things really work here… that’s where regrets begin.  

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Not All Regrets Are Big  

Sometimes, it’s small things. Like expecting a finished apartment, and walking into what locals call “developer standard” —white walls, tiled floors, yes, but no kitchen, no AC units, no lights.  

I had a British couple a few summers ago who fell in love with an apartment based on the view. And who could blame them? The sea was sparkling, the breeze was perfect, and the balcony looked like it belonged on a postcard. But no one had explained the actual finishing status.  

They messaged me later that fall: “Where’s the kitchen?”  

I helped them sort it out, of course. But that moment could’ve been avoided if someone had taken the time to explain the difference between developer standard and turnkey.  

That’s what I try to do now—get real with people. Early and clearly.  

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A Quick Tangent About the View… 

And speaking of views—don’t always trust the word “seaview” in ads. Some agents will show you a peek between two buildings and call it panoramic. 

To me? A proper seaview is like what you get at White Residence in Saranda . Wide, open, breathtaking. Not something you need to lean out a window to see. 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the Mediterranean coast— but only if you know what you’re looking at . 

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The Three Most Common Regrets I Hear (And How to Dodge Them) 

1. Not Understanding the Legal Process 

Albania is still developing its systems. Not everything is centralized. Sometimes titles are clear, other times… well, let’s just say you really want someone local reviewing everything. 

Some foreigners rush. They fall in love with the view, the price, the sunshine—and they skip steps. Or they work with someone who promises things they can’t deliver. 

I’ve seen it all: double-sold plots, unclear permits, or properties built just slightly outside of legal zones ( yes, that’s a thing ). That’s why it matters who you work with—and whether they actually live here or just show up for the summer. 

2. Choosing Price Over Location 

I get it. A 2-bedroom for €80,000 sounds great. But what if it’s a 25-minute uphill walk from the sea, in an area with no roads yet, and 15 other buildings going up around it? 

That’s not the dream most people picture. 

We recently helped a client find a better deal in Residenca 12 —closer to the beach, still affordable, and most importantly, in a zone that’s actually developing . She was thrilled. No regrets. 

When clients ask me what makes a good location, I usually say: 

• Walkability to the sea 

• Paved roads 

• Shops or cafés nearby 

• And if you’re lucky? A small taverna run by a family, like the one near Borsh beach where I take clients after viewings. Nothing fancy, just great fish and cold beer. 

3. Assuming It’s Like Buying in Western Europe 

It’s not. And that’s not a bad thing—it’s just different. 

The process here is more personal. More fluid. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes beautiful. It helps to go with the flow and work with someone who knows the current, so to speak. 

We don’t have fancy mortgage options for foreigners. But we do have staged payment plans, developers open to negotiation, and off-market deals that never make it online. Like this villa project with panoramic sea views —these are the kinds of opportunities that come with local connection and trust. 

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A Bit of Culture: “Besa” Still Matters Here

If you’ve spent any time in Albania, you’ve probably heard of besa—the unspoken code of honor. A promise is a promise.

In the real estate world, this still exists. Maybe not on paper, but in handshake deals, long coffees, and slow-building relationships. That’s why the human part of the deal matters as much as the legal one.

And it’s also why some foreigners regret going straight to online listings or agencies with slick English websites, instead of talking to locals who’ve been in the business here for years.

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So, How Do You Avoid Regret?

Here’s my honest advice:

• Don’t rush. If a deal feels too good to be true, ask more questions.

• Visit in person, or work with someone who can video-call you from the property, show the surroundings, the street, the neighbors.

• Ask to see the paperwork early.

• Work with people who answer your texts after the sale is done.

And most importantly? Trust your gut.

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Final Thought: It’s Worth It, When It’s Done Right

Yes, some foreigners regret buying in Albania.

But far more fall in love and never look back.

They buy seaview apartments, spend summers with their kids by the Ionian, rent out during the tourist season, and sip coffee on their balconies every morning wondering why they didn’t do it sooner.

If you’re thinking about it, browse a few current projects we’re working on. Nothing fancy—just real homes with real value, at the right stage of construction, with clear documentation and views that speak for themselves.

And if you ever want to chat—no pressure, no sales pitch—just message me. I’ll probably be somewhere between a site visit and a macchiato at my usual café in Saranda.

Maybe next time, you’ll join me.