Why Some Sea-View Apartments Are Cheaper Than Others: The Orientation Secret

I get this question a lot:  

“Why is this apartment with full sea view cheaper than that one down the road—with the same view?”  

And honestly… it’s a good question.  

On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. You’re standing on the balcony, looking out at the same turquoise sea, maybe even a similar floor in a similar building. But the price tag? Off by €20,000 or more.  

Well, let me tell you something only someone who’s lived and worked here in Saranda for years would know: orientation changes everything.  

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The South Knows the Sun  

Let’s start with something simple: the sun .  

Here on the Albanian Riviera, we get a lot of it. Honestly, sometimes too much in July and August. And the way your apartment is positioned—north, south, east, west—completely changes how your place feels year-round.  

Take a seaview apartment that faces directly west. Sounds great, right? You’re getting postcard sunsets every night. But here’s the catch: in summer, your balcony is basically an oven by 4 PM. I’ve had clients walk into west-facing units and say, “Wow, amazing view!”—and then 5 minutes later they’re asking if the AC unit is industrial-grade.  

Now compare that with an east-facing apartment. Still full sea view. But now you get the soft morning sun, the cool breeze off the water, and shade during the hottest hours. It’s quieter too—locals nap around 1–4 PM, and if your terrace is calm and cool during that time, that’s gold.  

A few months ago, I showed two apartments in the same building in White Residence—one faced east, the other west. Both had great views, similar finishes. But the east-facing unit? Sold in 2 weeks. The west-facing one? Still waiting. Coincidence? I don’t think so.  

If you want to check out those kinds of options, this is one of the better seaview residences we have —right by the sea, with orientation that actually works with the sun, not against it.  

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Tangent Time: That One Client in Ksamil  

Last week, I showed a family from the Netherlands a few properties around Ksamil. One of them was incredible —panoramic view, modern building, priced under market.  

But… it was west-facing, top floor, no pergola.  

We were standing on the terrace, and the father turns to me and says, “I love it… but it’s like standing in a toaster.” We both laughed, but it made a point.  

Sometimes, the view is only half the story.  

Orientation is the other half.  

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It’s Not Just the Sun—It’s What You See 

Here’s another detail most people overlook: 

Two apartments might both be labeled “seaview.” 

But one might have full frontal sea view. The other might have it angled —like, from the side of your terrace. 

In Saranda, that difference can be thousands of euros. 

For example, if your view includes the entire bay, the old port, and the Greek island of Corfu, you’re looking at prime resale value. But if your view is squeezed between two buildings, or partially blocked by another development? Still beautiful—but not worth the same. 

We’re working on a few newer projects where the architects really paid attention to this—like Ares 4 , where most units are angled just right to catch both morning sun and a full sea panorama. Small details, big value. 

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Cultural Moment: The Albanian “Shëtitje” and Why It Matters 

In the evenings, we Albanians love to walk. It’s a ritual. We call it the shëtitje —a stroll, often by the sea, with friends, family, or just a coffee in hand. 

Why does this matter for your apartment? 

Because if your seaview apartment is on the promenade side , it feels alive . Music from the cafés below, people walking, kids playing. If you love energy, that’s priceless. 

But if you’re someone who values quiet and privacy, you might prefer a unit a few blocks above, on the hill. Still a sea view—but at a totally different price and vibe. 

We’ve got some great hillside options at Residenca 12 —still walkable to the beach, but with less tourist noise and more of that peaceful, mountain-meets-sea vibe. 

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Sea Breeze & Humidity: The Hidden Enemies 

Here’s another reason some sea-facing apartments are cheaper: salt and humidity. 

If your apartment is directly on the coast, that breeze you love in summer? It also brings salt. Over time, salt wears down paint, balcony railings, AC units—everything. You’ll see it in buildings that haven’t been maintained properly: flaking walls, rusty metalwork, even corroded tiles. 

Some people are okay with that. Others realize that just 100 meters back from the beachfront property line, you avoid 70% of that wear. Maintenance becomes easier. Bills go down. And your investment stays stronger. 

That’s why more and more buyers are looking into developments a little off the main promenade but still with clear sea views—like the upcoming White Residence Villas in Borsh . You still get the sea… without the salty punch to your budget. 

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So, Why Are Some Seaview Apartments Cheaper?

Let’s recap:

• Orientation. West-facing can be hotter and less comfortable.

• View angle. Frontal views are more valuable than side glances.

• Proximity to sea. Closer isn’t always better when maintenance costs rise.

• Noise vs. tranquility. Ground floor by the promenade? Lively. Top floor on the hill? Quiet.

• Sunlight. Too much of it can be a problem, especially without shading.

So yes, not all sea views are created equal.

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Final Thought: It’s All About Balance

At the end of the day, buying in the Albanian Riviera isn’t just about the sea—it’s about how you experience it.

You might love the sound of waves crashing just below your balcony, or you might want a quieter morning with the sun rising over your coffee and a breeze from the hills behind Saranda.

That’s why I always tell my clients: don’t just chase the view. Chase the feeling.

And if you ever want to talk about options—whether you’re buying to live, rent, or just invest—I’m always around. Probably sipping a macchiato near the port or walking a client through one of our new listings that just might surprise you.