0% Tax, Sea Views & Rental Income: What Makes New Builds in Saranda a Smart Buy

If you’ve ever stood on one of the balconies in Saranda at golden hour — when the Ionian Sea turns soft blue and the Corfu lights start blinking in the distance — you’ll understand why people fall in love so quickly here.

And honestly, I get it. I live it.

But what many people don’t know (especially those just starting to explore real estate in Albania) is that buying a new build in Saranda comes with serious benefits — and I’m not just talking about the sea views or proximity to the beach. I’m talking about 0% property transfer tax, much lower maintenance costs, and higher rental income potential.

It’s why, lately, most of my clients — especially those coming from countries like Italy, Germany, or the UK — are turning their attention to new developments.

A Quick Walk Through the Numbers (Don’t Worry — I’ll Keep It Light)

Let’s start with this: if you buy a resale property in Albania, you usually pay a 2% property transfer tax.

But with a new build, especially when you buy directly from the developer (like we do at VivaView), you pay 0% tax.

That might not sound like much at first… until you do the math. On a €150,000 apartment, that’s €3,000 saved upfront — not to mention all the legal steps are usually smoother, since it’s a clean title with no previous owners or complications.

And speaking of new builds, let me just show you an example:

👉 White Residence Villas in Borsh — a project we’re personally involved in. Each villa is designed for long-term value: private pool, 300 m² land, 3 floors, and high-end finishings, all without any additional transfer tax for the buyer. That’s a rare deal, even for the Albanian Riviera.

Why Sea Views Are More Than Just a Pretty Feature

I’ve been working in Saranda real estate for over a decade, and trust me — a good sea view isn’t just for Instagram. It’s one of the strongest value boosters for both rental income and resale potential.

I remember last summer, a Belgian couple came to visit one of our penthouses. When we opened the sliding door and they stepped out onto the balcony, they were completely silent for about ten seconds. Then she said, “You don’t get this in Nice for less than a million.”

That stuck with me.

Saranda might still be underrated on the global stage, but anyone who’s lived here knows: we offer the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

A newly built seaview apartment at Residenca 12 — which is literally a 5–7 minute walk to the beach — can generate 7–9% annual ROI on Airbnb, especially during the May–October season.