If you had asked me five years ago where the Albanian real estate market was heading, I would’ve said “up”… but honestly, even I didn’t expect this kind of growth.

Now in 2026, things feel different. More international buyers, more serious investors, more people who are not just curious anymore—they’re ready to buy.

And if you’re reading this, I guess you’re somewhere in that process too.

So let me walk you through the top 5 places to buy property in Albania right now, not like a generic guide… but the way I actually explain it to my clients when we sit down over coffee in Saranda.

 

1. Saranda – Still the Heart of the Albanian Riviera

I’ll say it directly:
I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

And I don’t say that lightly.

Every week, I meet clients who arrive with expectations shaped by Greece or Italy… and then they see what €150k–€300k can get them here.

Full seaview apartments. Walking distance to the promenade. Sometimes even a pool.

Just a few days ago, I was showing a penthouse near the center—nothing too flashy from the outside—but when we stepped onto the terrace, the client just went quiet. You could see Corfu clearly, ferries passing, that deep blue Ionian color that you don’t really capture in photos.

That moment happens often here.

Saranda works because it’s alive all year round. Restaurants, cafés, daily life. Not just summer chaos.

And if you’re looking for something ready, I’ll casually mention one option we have:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-penthouse-for-sale-in-saranda-5th-floor-property-near-the-sea
It’s one of those seaview apartments that actually delivers what the photos promise. Which… trust me, is not always the case in this market.

Also, from an investment perspective:

  • Strong Airbnb demand
  • Growing international visibility
  • Still relatively affordable properties compared to neighbors

One small local detail people don’t realize:
In the mornings, the best time to view properties is around 8:30–9:30. Not because of the light… but because you hear the real city. Fishermen returning, cafés opening, that calm rhythm before tourism kicks in.

That’s when you understand if a place feels right.

 

2. Ksamil – Small, Exclusive, and Always in Demand

Ksamil is… different.

Smaller. More intense. And honestly, a bit emotional for buyers.

People don’t just invest here. They fall in love with it.

I’ve had clients who came just to “look” and ended up reserving a property the same day. It happens more than you’d think.

The water is unreal. Those small islands right in front… it almost feels Caribbean, but then you sit down at a local restaurant and someone brings you grilled fish, olive oil from their family, and suddenly you’re very much in Albania again.

The thing with Ksamil is supply.
There isn’t much land left.

So prices have gone up. And they’ll probably keep going.

If you’re looking for beachfront property, this is where it makes the most sense—but you need to move a bit faster here than in other areas.

A small tangent here—because this always comes up:
Parking in Ksamil during July and August? Honestly… a nightmare. But interestingly, properties with parking rent significantly better because of that exact problem.

Back to the point.

Ksamil is perfect if you want:

  • High short-term rental returns
  • A “wow” factor location
  • A smaller, more exclusive feel

But it’s not for everyone. It’s more seasonal than Saranda.

 

3. Borsh – The Quiet Luxury Play

Borsh is where things get interesting.

And a bit more strategic.

If Saranda is energy and Ksamil is emotion…
Borsh is vision.

It’s long. Wild. Still not overbuilt. And that’s exactly why investors are paying attention now.

I had a meeting there recently, and before we even talked business, we stopped at a small family-run spot near the beach—no sign, just a few tables under vines. The owner recognized me, brought raki without asking, and started talking about how the area looked 20 years ago.

Those are the kinds of places you don’t find online.

That authenticity is what people are starting to value more.

In Borsh, you’re not just buying property—you’re buying space.
And that’s becoming rare across the Albanian Riviera.

It’s ideal for:

  • Villas with pools
  • Boutique hotels
  • Long-term appreciation

It’s less about quick Airbnb returns and more about future value.

And personally… I think this area is still underestimated.

 

4. Himara – Balanced, Cultural, and Growing Fast

Himara sits somewhere in between everything.

Not too busy. Not too quiet.

There’s something about Himara that feels… grounded.

You still see older men playing domino near the cafés. Kids running around in the evenings. It hasn’t lost that local rhythm yet.

But at the same time, development is happening.

Carefully, but steadily.

One thing I always tell clients:
Himara attracts a different kind of buyer. More European, more long-term focused.

People who come here don’t just want returns. They want a place they can actually live in.

And the beaches? Some of the best in Albania.

Also—random detail—but if you’re viewing properties here, try to do it late afternoon and then stay for dinner. The atmosphere changes completely. It slows down.

That tells you a lot about what living there actually feels like.

Investment-wise:

  • Solid long-term growth
  • Increasing international interest
  • Still some affordable properties left

 

5. Tirana (Yes, Really) – The Strategic Move

I know… this is supposed to be about the coast.

But hear me out.

Tirana is where the money moves.

It’s not about sea views. It’s about liquidity.

Rental demand is constant. Students, professionals, expats.

And prices are rising steadily.

Some of my clients who bought in Saranda are now asking about Tirana—not because they prefer it… but because they understand portfolio diversification.

Short-term rentals on the coast.
Long-term rentals in the capital.

Simple, but effective.

Also, areas like the Artificial Lake or Komuna e Parisit are becoming very attractive. Especially for modern developments.

 

A Quick Thought Before You Decide

Sometimes people ask me:
“Where should I buy?”

And honestly… I usually answer with another question.

“What do you want this property to do for you?”

Because Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh, Himara—they all make sense. But for different reasons.

There’s no single “best” place.

Just the right place for you.

 

One Last Thing (Worth Looking At)

Before you go, I’ll mention something a bit different.

We’re currently developing a project called:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/projects/slates-by-vivaview

It’s not just a property—it’s more of a hospitality investment. Fully managed, high-end, designed to attract international clients.

And for investors who don’t want to deal with daily management… this model is becoming very attractive.

Also, for those thinking bigger—like full business investments—there are opportunities like this:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/accommodation-business-property-for-sale-in-saranda-apartment-complex-with-penthouse-parking-and-commercial-space

Not for everyone, but if you’re serious about entering the market on a larger scale, it’s worth exploring.

 

Final Thoughts

Albania is changing.

Not overnight. But steadily.

And I see it every day—in conversations, in viewings, in the questions clients ask now compared to a few years ago.

More confidence. More long-term thinking.

If you’re considering investing, you’re not early anymore…
but you’re definitely not late either.

And that’s a good place to be.


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