Why Investors Feel Safe in Southern Albania

There’s something powerful about walking through a land that has seen centuries pass—and realizing it’s also where the future is being built.

That’s what southern Albania is today.

A region where ancient ruins sit quietly behind modern beachfront apartments. Where castles whisper stories just a short drive from contemporary villas with infinity pools. For investors, especially those from abroad, this mix of legacy and potential feels rare. Tangible. Reassuring.

A Landscape Layered with Time

You can stand on the balcony of a seaview apartment in Saranda and spot the old Venetian walls of Lekursi Castle up on the hill. Or take a boat from Ksamil and land near Butrint—a UNESCO World Heritage site with layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influence.

I often tell clients: this place doesn’t have one identity. It has many. And that’s part of the charm.

Last spring, I walked a couple from Austria through one of our villas in Borsh, just minutes from the beach. As we explored the olive grove behind the property, they asked what the small stone wall was. Turns out it dated back to the late 1800s, likely used by shepherds. That detail stuck with them. They said it made the land feel "real" – not just a blank plot, but part of a longer story.

Modern Growth, Grounded in Heritage

Now, let’s talk business.

The southern coast is booming, yes. But it’s not booming blindly. Local regulations have become tighter. Building permits, stricter. The good projects—like our White Residence or hillside villas with sea panoramas—are the ones that respect the surroundings.

And buyers notice. They want design that fits the coast, not dominates it. They want materials that last. Payment plans that are clear. Legal paperwork that matches European standards. Albania is offering all that now, especially in places like Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh.

So yes, it's still affordable. But it’s no longer the "wild west" of Balkan real estate. And that’s a good thing.

Real Value Beyond the View

Of course, the views help. (Let’s not lie to ourselves.)

There’s nothing like waking up to the Ionian. That endless blue stretching from Corfu to the horizon. But beyond that, what makes buyers feel confident is the sense of roots. The feeling that they’re buying into something that has both a past and a future.

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you stories of how the coastline used to be in the 90s—dirt roads, fishermen, homemade raki on every table. Some of that charm is still here. But now it comes with fiber internet, boutique hotels, and international flights arriving an hour away.

A Few Insider Signs of Smart Growth

If you’re thinking about buying, here are a few things only locals tend to notice (and trust me, they matter):

• The small road behind the monastery in Ksamil has started getting paved. That usually means infrastructure is coming soon—and property prices follow.
• Borsh has seen two boutique resorts open in the last year. Quietly. Without fuss. Investors are moving early.
• The municipal office in Saranda now processes foreign-buyer paperwork faster than ever before. (Small thing, big impact.)

These aren’t headlines. But they’re the kinds of shifts that signal: the region isn’t just growing, it’s maturing.

Final Thoughts

Southern Albania isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a place where history and opportunity meet.

For the buyer who wants more than just a holiday apartment—for someone looking for a property with a story, with solid footing and long-term value—this is the moment.

If you're curious, take a look at what’s available right now on our site: VivaView Projects. And if you ever find yourself near the castle or the ruins or just on a quiet beach road, let us know. We'll meet you there—and maybe write the next chapter together.