How Payment in Installments is Changing the Buying Game in Albania

Buying property in Albania used to be pretty straightforward—at least on paper. You find a place you love, pay in full (often in cash), sign, and that’s that. 

But if you’ve lived here as long as I have—or if you’ve ever helped a family weigh the decision between a seaview apartment in Saranda or a beachfront property in Ksamil—you know real life isn’t that simple. 

Thankfully, things are changing. And payment in installments? It’s one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in our market in years. 

Let me explain why it matters. 

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The Old Way Wasn’t Built for Everyone 

For decades, real estate deals in Albania were “cash first, questions later.” Not because Albanians are obsessed with cash, but because banking systems and legal frameworks weren’t always investor-friendly. Especially for foreigners. 

So if someone wanted to buy an apartment in Saranda, they’d better have the full €100,000 ready—and fast. And that pushed a lot of great people out of the market. Young couples. First-time investors. Foreigners who fell in love with the Albanian Riviera but weren’t ready to liquidate everything at once. 

Now? That model is evolving. 

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Why Installment Plans Are a Game Changer 

Here’s what’s exciting: more developers—ourselves included—are offering flexible payment plans based on construction phases. 

For example, at Fabeno Residence in Saranda , clients can secure a luxury apartment with just a 30% down payment. The remaining payments are spread out across key construction milestones—foundation, facade, interior works, and so on. 

This has opened doors for so many. 

Last week, I showed a client a stunning property in Ksamil. New building, pool, 171.8m², just minutes from the beach. Their face lit up when I told them they didn’t need to pay the full price upfront. I’ll never forget it. That’s the kind of reaction that reminds me why I love this job. 

You can see that property here , by the way—if you’re curious. 

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Who Benefits Most? 

Honestly? Everyone. 

• Foreigners who want to invest but need more time to move funds across borders. 

• Albanian expats working in Germany, Italy, the UK—who want to return and have a place ready by next summer. 

• Locals who’ve saved for years but want something better than just a basic apartment. 

Installment payments give people a chance to buy more than they thought they could afford—and in better locations. 

Take White Residence in Ksamil . It’s not just another building. It’s a place you’d actually want to spend your summers. You can walk to the water barefoot. The view at sunset? Unreal. 

Now imagine being able to secure one of those apartments without draining your entire savings overnight. 

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But Let’s Be Honest: It’s Not Just About the Money 

Buying a home—especially here in the south of Albania—is emotional. 

We don’t just talk numbers. We talk about family. About where your kids will eat breakfast. About walking down to the beach after a long day. 

And there’s this beautiful little taverna near Borsh Beach—hard to spot unless you know where to look. I always take clients there after viewings. Not because it’s part of the deal, but because it reminds people why they’re buying in the first place. Good food. Sea breeze. No stress. 

That’s what makes our region different. 

So yes, paying in installments helps people financially. But it also gives them space to dream. To picture a life here, not just a transaction. 

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