Why Buying in Albania Feels Personal: The Role of Family and Trust in Every Deal

I’ve been in the real estate world for a while now. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned showing properties across Saranda, Ksamil, and the rest of the Albanian Riviera, it’s this: buying property here isn’t just a transaction. It’s personal. 

That might sound like a cliché, but let me explain. 

Last week, I showed a client a stunning beachfront apartment just 100 meters from the sea. The sun was setting over the Ionian, and the view from the balcony stopped them in their tracks. 

They turned to me and said, “This feels like home already.” 

And that’s exactly what keeps me doing this every single day. 

⸻ 

It Starts With Family 

In Albania, everything starts with the family. 

It’s our anchor. Our reference point. 

Buying an apartment—whether it’s a modern 2-bedroom like this one in White Residence Ksamil or something closer to the center of Saranda—is rarely just about the buyer. You’ll often find parents, cousins, or even a lifelong friend tagging along for viewings. Not because they’re nosy (well, maybe a little), but because they care. A lot. 

I remember a young couple from Tirana who wanted to relocate to the south. Their entire family joined the visit. While I was explaining the layout of the apartment, the grandma was busy checking how much sunlight came into the kitchen in the morning. 

That’s Albania for you. 

And I love it. 

⸻ 

Trust Is Everything Here 

Look, I’ve worked with many international clients too. From Germany, Sweden, India—you name it. They often tell me how surprised they are by how things work here. 

There are no faceless corporate agents or cold transactions. People want to know who they’re working with. They’ll ask where you’re from, what your family name is, if you know someone from their village—even if they haven’t lived there in 20 years. Trust is built over coffee, not contracts. 

That’s why, at Viva View, we don’t just hand over listings. 

We build relationships. We listen. We guide. 

And that’s why most of our business comes from word-of-mouth and referrals. 

Actually, just last month, a friend of a previous client called me from Italy. 

He said, “You helped my cousin buy a seaview apartment in Saranda last year. I want to do the same. I trust you.” 

That kind of phone call? Means everything to me. 

⸻ 

Local Knowledge Makes All the Difference 

There are some things you just can’t Google. 

Like how the tiny taverna near Borsh beach makes the best grilled octopus—perfect spot to sit after a long day of viewings. 

Or how some of the best value seaview apartments in Saranda are hidden on the quieter hills, where you get panoramic views and a peaceful neighborhood. 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. 

Where else can you find fully furnished 2-bedroom apartments like this one for under €220,000, just steps from the beach? 

And don’t even get me started on Ksamil. In the summer, it feels like you’re living inside a postcard. In the winter, it’s calm and magical in its own way. 

You’d never know that from Instagram alone—you’ve got to feel it. 

⸻