From Communism to Coastal Villas: Albania’s Surprising Real Estate Evolution

It still amazes me how quickly things change here.

If you had told my grandparents—who lived through the grey uniformity of communist Albania—that one day people would be buying beachfront villas in the south, they would’ve laughed. Back then, owning private property wasn’t even a concept. Everything belonged to the state. Your home, your land, your dreams—they were shared, or more accurately, controlled.

Fast forward to today, and I’m walking clients through modern seaview apartments in Ksamil that wouldn’t look out of place in the south of France.

Crazy, right?

From Closed Borders to Open Doors

When the regime fell in the early ‘90s, everything shifted overnight. People were suddenly allowed to own land again. But here’s the thing—it wasn’t just a policy change. It was a mindset change. Albanians, especially in the south, had to figure out what it meant to build something of their own, not just physically, but emotionally too.

I remember the first real estate transaction I ever handled in Saranda. It was almost a decade ago. The paperwork took forever (don’t get me started on old land titles), but the look on the seller’s face when the deal was done—that pride—was unforgettable. It was more than just a sale. It was a symbol.

Now, people from all over Europe—and beyond—are discovering what we locals have always known: this place is special.

Why the Albanian Riviera?

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. You can still find beachfront property at prices that would be unthinkable in Greece or Italy. I’m not just saying that because I work in real estate—it’s something I see every day.

Last week, I showed a client a stunning property in Ksamil and their reaction reminded me why I love this job. They stepped onto the balcony, saw the Ionian Sea glowing blue beneath the sun, and just whispered, “This is paradise.”

And it is.

The beaches here are crystal-clear. The seafood is fresh from the dock. And if you know where to look (and believe me, I do), you can grab a coffee in a tucked-away taverna for less than a euro. There’s one just past the olive groves near Borsh Beach—most tourists walk right past it. But it’s perfect for quiet meetings or just taking a breather between viewings.

Real Estate Then vs. Now

In the early 2000s, the market was all over the place. Construction was booming, but the quality? Hit or miss. Today, things are different. Buyers are smarter. Developers are more sophisticated. Materials are higher quality. And the competition? Fierce—in the best way.

Take the White Residence, for example. It’s right on the waterfront in Saranda, built with modern finishes and wide balconies that give you that open-air Mediterranean feel. Or Residenca 12—a newer development that balances price and quality beautifully. Properties like these are changing the game.

I’ve had international clients tell me it feels like they’re buying a lifestyle, not just a home. And they’re right.