Why Albania’s Real Estate Market Is Safer Than You Think

I get it. When people first hear “Albania real estate,” they don’t immediately think stability. Some still imagine a wild market with unclear rules or hidden risks. But after years of showing properties here in Saranda, Ksamil, and along the Riviera, I can tell you—our market is much safer, more transparent, and more rewarding than most investors assume. Let me walk you through why.

The Property Registry: Stronger Than You’d Expect

Every property in Albania is recorded in a centralized cadastre system. That means titles aren’t floating around in someone’s drawer—they’re registered, digital, and traceable. When you buy, a notary steps in. Their job is to confirm ownership and verify every document.

I’ve sat at countless notary tables where buyers came in nervous, expecting surprises. But when the notary lays everything out—title, history, debts (or the lack of them)—you see the relief on their face. The process is actually safer than in some Western countries where hidden mortgages can pop up later.

No Mortgage Bubble Hanging Over Us

Here’s something that shocks a lot of foreign clients: in Albania, most buyers pay in cash or through installment plans with the developer. Mortgages are rare.

And that’s huge. Because unlike Spain or Greece in 2008, where easy credit inflated bubbles that eventually burst, our price growth has been slow, steady, and organic. Families save, pay, and buy. Developers often build only once the money is secured.

That’s why when you see Saranda apartments for sale today, the values are real—backed by genuine demand, not speculation.

Yes, Foreigners Can Buy (Safely)

I often get this question: “But can foreigners actually buy property in Albania?” The answer is simple: yes.

Foreigners can buy apartments, seaview properties, and tourism-related real estate without restriction. And because most sales are direct developer transactions, there’s usually 0% commission. The notary makes sure everything is legal, and the buyer has full ownership.

To give you an idea, just last month I guided a German family through a purchase in Ksamil. They were surprised by how streamlined it felt. One meeting at the notary, signatures, registry confirmation, and it was theirs.

Tourism Creates Stable Demand

Tourism in Albania isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. Saranda and Ksamil are now on the radar of every Mediterranean traveler. Airbnb and Booking rentals here easily generate 8–12% annual ROI if managed well.

Seasonality works in our favor. Summers are packed, and even the shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) are getting stronger each year. This consistent rental cash flow keeps property values rising steadily.

Take a look at the White Residence in Ksamil. These brand-new 2025 apartments have a private pool for residents, are just 7 minutes’ walk from the beach, and sit in a quiet, up-and-coming neighborhood. That combination—location, new build, and lifestyle—makes them perfect for both living and rentals.

Rising Prices… But Still Affordable

Let’s be honest. Prices here are going up. I’ve watched Saranda’s beachfront property go from €800 per m² to €2,000+ in just a few years. But when you compare that with Greece, Montenegro, or Croatia? We’re still affordable.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. You can still buy a luxury seaview apartment for half of what you’d pay across the border. And the appreciation potential remains strong.

For example, there’s a rare listing at Gold Residence in Saranda. First line, private pool, private beach just one minute away. Properties like this don’t just hold value—they grow.

Infrastructure Is Catching Up

This is another reason I feel confident about long-term stability. The government is finally investing heavily in the south.

• Vlora International Airport is opening up, cutting travel times dramatically.

• The Riviera Road is being expanded, making drives from Himara to Saranda smoother.

• And the Saranda Port is getting an upgrade, welcoming larger cruise ships each year.

Infrastructure doesn’t just make life easier—it pushes property values up. When it’s easier to reach, more people come, and demand rises.

Lifestyle and Safety

Let’s not forget lifestyle. People don’t only buy here for ROI. They buy because Albania is safe, welcoming, and Mediterranean through and through.

I can’t count the times clients told me: “We felt more comfortable walking around Saranda at night than in many Western European cities.” And it’s true. Safety is a big selling point here.

Add in the lifestyle—fresh seafood dinners by the Ionian, long evenings on the promenade, family-run tavernas where the owner still brings the raki himself—and you start to see why buyers fall in love.

Just the other day, while showing a property in Rruga Butrinti, we stopped at a café that overlooks the bay. Watching the ferries come and go from Corfu reminded me why so many people decide to settle here. And the apartment itself? A new build at The Wave Residence. Two bedrooms, sea view, and in one of the city’s best neighborhoods. Perfect balance of lifestyle and investment.

Quiet Luxury in Borsh

Not everyone wants the buzz of Saranda or Ksamil. Some clients ask for peace, space, and nature. That’s where Borsh comes in.

We’ve developed the White Residence Villas in Borsh. Imagine four luxury villas, each with 300 m² of land, three floors, private pools, big verandas, and private parking. Surrounded only by nature, just a 7-minute drive from the beach.

This is what I call “quiet luxury.” No noise, no crowds—just sea views, olive groves, and timeless Mediterranean living. For families who want a vacation property or investors eyeing long-term rentals, these villas are a rare opportunity. And yes, they’re all sold with 0% commission.

A Final Thought

I’ve lived here long enough to see both hesitation and excitement on the faces of foreign buyers. But time and again, they realize what I already know: Albania’s real estate market is safer, steadier, and more rewarding than they expected.

Yes, there are still affordable properties. Yes, tourism keeps demand high. And yes, the lifestyle is unbeatable.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, I’ll just say this: don’t wait too long. The Albanian Riviera is still one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—but not for much longer.