Your Guide to Investing in New Construction on the Albanian Riviera

So, you’re thinking about buying property in Albania—specifically, new construction on the Albanian Riviera. First of all, excellent choice. Second, let’s make sure you do it the right way (aka, without stress, regrets, or accidentally buying a place that turns out to be a “sea-view” basement).

Buying new construction is like getting a front-row ticket to the best investment show in town. Prices start lower, you get a brand-new place with zero maintenance headaches, and by the time it’s finished, it’s probably already gone up in value. Sounds pretty good, right?

But before you dive in, let’s go over why new builds are a smart move, where to invest, and how to do it without losing your mind.

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Why Buy New Construction Instead of an Older Place?

Here’s the deal—old properties can sometimes be a good buy, but new construction wins almost every time. Why?

✔ Lower Prices at the Start – Developers price new projects low at the beginning to attract buyers. Once the building is complete, prices go up. Buy early = instant value increase.

✔ No “Surprise” Issues – With an older property, you might move in and suddenly realize the plumbing is from 1972, the roof leaks when it rains, and the “fully furnished” kitchen still has appliances from another decade. New builds? Everything is fresh, modern, and ready to go.

✔ Higher Rental Income – Tourists and renters love modern apartments. Big windows, sleek finishes, and energy-efficient features? That’s what gets you premium rental rates.

✔ Less Maintenance, Fewer Headaches – No need to worry about replacing an old water heater or fixing ancient wiring. Everything is new and built to last.

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Best Places to Invest on the Albanian Riviera

Not all locations are created equal. If you’re investing, you want a place that’s in demand, growing fast, and still affordable (for now). Here are the top spots:

1. Saranda – The Hotspot for Investors

If you want year-round demand, Saranda is the best choice. It’s the most developed city on the coast, full of tourists, expats, and digital nomads who need places to stay.

 Best for: Rental income + long-term appreciation

 Prices: Starting from €80,000 for a modern apartment

 Airbnb rental rates: Up to €100+ per night in summer

2. Ksamil – Where Tourists Spend Big

Ksamil is what happens when you mix Maldives-like beaches with affordable property prices. It’s a summer hotspot, meaning if you buy here, your Airbnb will be booked solid for months.

Best for: Airbnb & short-term rentals

Prices: Rising fast due to limited availability

Rental potential: Peak season rates can hit €300 per night!