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How to Buy Property in Albania: Prices, Taxes & Tips

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Are you considering real estate investments in Albania? At Globihome we are responsible for preparing reliable real estate market analyses for you in various countries around the world. Today you will learn everything you need to know about buying real estate in Albania, sale of real estate in Albania, rental of real estate in Albania and the profit potential from investing in Albania. The Albanian real estate market in 2025 is developing dynamically, offering apartments in Albania for sale, seafront apartments in Albania and houses in Albania at very attractive prices. Albania is becoming one of the most promising markets for investors seeking high returns and value growth ahead of accession to the European Union.

The real estate market in Albania is growing at a dizzying pace – apartment prices are increasing by 10-15% annually, while average purchase costs still remain significantly lower than in Spain, Greece or Croatia. Prices of real estate in Albania start from around 90,000 EUR on the secondary market, which makes this country an extremely attractive alternative for clients from across Europe.

Is investing in property in Albania worthwhile?

From our observations, investing in Albania is becoming increasingly popular among foreign investors, and the price trends of Albanian real estate indicate a steady increase in value. Investments in Albanian real estate offer a combination of low purchase costs, high profitability and the prospect of significant value growth. Apartments in Albania for rent generate some of the highest rates of return in Europe, and houses for sale in Albania are available at prices significantly lower than in other coastal countries. Below we present a detailed analysis of why properties on the Albanian coast are one of the better investments in 2025.

Apartment for sale in Albania with a terrace and a beautiful panoramic sea view

Why buy property in Albania in 2025?

Prospect of EU accession

Albania was granted EU candidate status in 2014 and began formal accession negotiations in July 2022. Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama set an ambitious goal to complete negotiations by 2027 and full membership in the European Union by 2030. The President of the European Council has confirmed that Albania and Montenegro are the most advanced in the accession process among the Western Balkan countries.

The history of other countries shows that before accession to the European Union, property values can increase by as much as 30-50%.

Rapid growth in property values

According to data from the Albanian market, property prices in prime locations rose on average by 12-15% in 2024. In the capital Tirana, property values can increase by as much as 30% within a year, especially in prestigious central districts. In seaside resorts such as Saranda or Vlora, gains are even more spectacular - sea-view apartments register value increases of 10-15% annually. If you are planning to buy property in Albania, at the end of the article we provide you with contact details for an expert on this market, who helps in creating our articles. You can confidently call and talk about the property you are looking for.

Attractive property purchase prices

The average apartment price in Albania is around 140,000 EUR, which is significantly less than in other European countries. Prices per square meter in Albania start from just 900-1200 EUR/m² in smaller towns, while in popular coastal locations they are 1600-3000 EUR/m². For comparison, similar properties in Croatia cost 3500-4500 EUR/m², and in Greece 2500-4000 EUR/m².

High rental yields

Short-term rentals in Albania generate yields of 8-10% per year, which constitutes one of the highest rates of return on real estate investment in Europe. In the summer season (July-August) the daily income from a two-room apartment in Saranda can reach 85-150 EUR, while in Tirana long-term rental provides a stable income of 6-8% per year.

Balcony of a seaside apartment in Albania with deck chairs and a panoramic view of the beach – ideal for rental

Low taxes and maintenance costs

Albania offers one of the most favorable tax systems in Europe for property owners. The annual property tax is just 0.05% of the cadastral value (in practice often less than 50 EUR per year). Utility costs are also low - monthly electricity bills are 30-50 EUR, water 10-13 EUR, and internet 20 EUR per month.

Developing tourism infrastructure

Albania recorded a 22% increase in tourists in 2024, and the tourist season has extended from three to six months. An international airport is planned in the town of Vlora, which will significantly improve the region's accessibility and increase tourist traffic. Similarly, near Saranda work is underway on a project for a new international airport.

Property Prices in Albania 2025 - Detailed Market Analysis

Modern apartment in Tirana: luxurious living room with kitchenette, marble countertop, large windows and sea view

Apartments in Tirana - prices and investment potential

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is the country's largest business and cultural center, where the real estate market is developing most dynamically. Apartment prices in Tirana in 2025 are as follows:

Tirana city center:

  • New apartments: 1800-2500 EUR/m²
  • Secondary market: 1400-1800 EUR/m²
  • Prestigious districts (Blloku, Skanderbeg Square): 2200-2800 EUR/m²

Tirana suburbs:

  • Detached houses: 1200-1600 EUR/m²
  • New housing developments: 1000-1400 EUR/m²

Properties in Tirana, Albania offer the highest liquidity on the market and stable demand from young professionals, employees of international corporations and students. Long-term rental yields in Tirana amount to 6-8% per year, with apartments in the city center potentially generating even higher returns. Find a detailed analysis of the real estate market in Tirana in our article: Tirana Real Estate - is it worth it?

Real estate in Saranda - How much does a seaside apartment cost?

Saranda is one of the most popular spots on the Ionian Sea, attracting investors thanks to 300 sunny days a year and the dynamic growth of tourism. Saranda property prices in 2025:

Saranda beachfront apartments:

  • Luxury apartments with sea view: 2200-3000 EUR/m²
  • Premium developer projects: 2500-3200 EUR/m²
  • Penthouses with terraces: 3000-3500 EUR/m²

Saranda city center apartments:

  • New turnkey apartments: 1600-1800 EUR/m²
  • 2-bedroom apartments: from 100 000 EUR
  • 3-bedroom apartments with a view: from 120 000 EUR

Saranda seaside properties - secondary market:

  • Second-hand apartments: 1200-1500 EUR/m²
  • Houses in the area: 1000-1400 EUR/m²
Balcony of a seaside apartment with rattan furniture and a table, a bowl of fruit, view of the azure sea and palm trees

Real estate investments in Saranda enjoy particular interest due to the high profitability of short-term rentals (8-10% per year) and the projected value growth associated with the construction of a new international airport. An apartment valued at 100 000 EUR can generate income of 8000-10000 EUR per year from seasonal rentals alone. You can find a detailed analysis of the real estate market in Saranda in our article: Real Estate in Saranda - current prices and market analysis

Durrës Real Estate - port and commercial center

Durrës, the second largest port in Albania and an important transport hub, offers attractive real estate prices:

Durrës apartment prices 2025:

  • Seafront apartments: 1400-1900 EUR/m²
  • City center: 1200-1600 EUR/m²
  • Residential districts: 900-1300 EUR/m²

The annual property tax in Durrës is 2.1 EUR/m², one of the highest rates in Albania, but still significantly lower than in most European countries.

Vlora Apartments - the capital of the Riviera

Vlora, located at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is a rapidly developing resort with a planned international airport:

Vlora real estate prices:

  • Seafront (first line): 1800-2400 EUR/m²
  • New development projects: 1400-1800 EUR/m²
  • Building plots 800 m²: around 50 000 EUR

The property tax in the Vlora, Riviera and Saranda region is 0.9 EUR/m² per year - one of the lowest rates in the country. You can find a detailed analysis of the real estate market in Vlora in our article: Vlora Real Estate - advice for buyers

Cheapest properties in Albania - where to find bargains?

For investors looking for the most affordable properties in Albania, it is worth considering:

Golem (coastal town):

  • Prices from 200 000 PLN (about 47 000 EUR) for an apartment
  • Proximity to Tirana (40 km) and the international airport
  • Developing tourism infrastructure

Northern Albania (mountain regions):

  • Prices from 500 EUR/m²
  • Picturesque landscapes and clean air
  • Potential for mountain tourism development

Secondary market in smaller towns:

  • From 80 000 EUR for an apartment on the secondary market
  • Thorough verification of legal status required
  • Possibility to negotiate the price

How to buy property in Albania step by step?

Beach and seaside apartments in Albania with turquoise water and sun loungers — an attractive location for properties in Albania

Buying property in Albania is a process simpler than in many European countries, but it requires knowledge of the property purchase procedure in Albania and completing certain formalities when buying property in Albania. Below we present a detailed guide that will answer the question: how to buy property in Albania step by step. The whole procedure usually takes 2-4 weeks and can even be carried out without the buyer's personal arrival in the country, which is important information for foreign investors asking: can a foreigner buy property in Albania?

Step 1: Choosing a property and making a reservation

Searching for listings:

  • Working with a real estate agency in Albania
  • Reviewing listings online on international platforms
  • Arrival in Albania and property viewings

Reserving a property:

  • Reservation fee: 5% of the property's value
  • Reservation period: 7-14 days
  • Securing the property against sale to other buyers

Stage 2: Due diligence - legal verification

Before purchasing property in Albania, a thorough legal verification is necessary:

Document checks:

  • Certificate of ownership (Title Deed)
  • Entry in the cadastral property register (RERO)
  • Confirmation of no encumbrances or mortgages
  • Building permit (for new properties)
  • Property ownership history

Working with a lawyer:

  • Cost of lawyer services: 300-800 EUR
  • Verification of compliance with zoning plans

Stage 3: Preliminary agreement

After a positive legal verification, a preliminary agreement is signed:

Key elements:

  • Definition of the final price and payment schedule
  • Property handover date
  • Conditions for withdrawal from the contract
  • Contractual penalties for breach of terms

Payment schedule - primary market Saranda:

  • 5% at reservation
  • 60% after signing the notarial deed
  • 15% according to construction progress (first tranche)
  • 15% according to construction progress (second tranche)
  • 5% after receiving the certificate of ownership

Payment schedule - secondary market:

  • 5% at reservation
  • 95% after signing the notarial deed and receiving the certificate of ownership

Stage 4: Finalization at the notary

Documents needed to purchase property in Albania:

  • Passport or ID card (important: a foreigner can buy property in Albania only with a passport or ID card)
  • Sworn translation of documents into Albanian
  • Confirmation of funds transfer

Cost of notary services:

  • Notary fee: 150-450 EUR (0.5-1% of property value)
  • Sworn translator: 60-150 EUR
  • Transfer of ownership: 100-200 EUR
  • Required certificates: 100 EUR

Key information: In Albania there is no property purchase tax for the buyer - this is a huge saving compared to other European countries, where the transfer tax can be 3-10% of the property's value.

Modern kitchen with a marble table and a balcony overlooking the sea — apartment for sale in Albania

Step 5: Purchasing a property through a proxy

It is possible to buy an apartment in Albania without being present in person:

Power of attorney procedure:

  • Granting power of attorney to an agent or lawyer
  • Apostille - document authentication for international use
  • The proxy signs the notarial deed on behalf of the buyer
  • A secure and proven process

Step 6: Registration of ownership and handover of keys

Final steps:

  • Registration of the property at the land registry (RERO)
  • Registration cost: 200-500 EUR
  • Receiving the certificate of ownership
  • Handover of keys and handover-acceptance protocol
  • Transfer of utilities to the new owner

Costs of buying a house in Albania - all taxes and fees 2025

When planning real estate investments in Albania, it is essential to understand all the costs of purchasing an apartment in Albania. In this chapter we discuss in detail the taxes and fees when buying property in Albania, which are significantly lower than in most European countries. The analysis below will help accurately calculate the total budget needed to buy an apartment in Albania.

Taxes when buying property in Albania

Transfer tax (Transfer Tax):

  • Rate: 3% of the property's value
  • IMPORTANT: The tax is paid by the seller, not the buyer
  • Basis: market value or sale price (the higher of the two amounts)

VAT:

  • New properties from a developer: 0% VAT
  • Resale properties: exempt from VAT
  • Building plots: may be subject to VAT

Comparison: Albania vs other European countries

Beach and turquoise sea from the balcony of a seaside property, palm trees and camper parking spots — ideal for investment in Albania

Albania vs Montenegro real estate

Prices: Albania is on average 30-40% cheaper Tourism: Similar number of tourists, Albania is more authentic Taxes: Albania more favorable (3% vs 3-5% in Montenegro) Infrastructure: Montenegro slightly more developed Growth potential: Albania higher

Albania vs Bulgaria real estate

Prices: Similar, Albania slightly cheaper on the coast Accessibility: Bulgaria better air connections (for now) Tourism: Bulgaria more developed Law: Bulgaria in the EU – simpler procedures for EU citizens Prospects: Albania higher potential for value growth

Albania vs Greece house prices

Prices: Albania 50-70% cheaper Infrastructure: Greece significantly more developed Stability: Greece as an EU member safer Rental yield: Similar, Albania higher margins Tourism: Greece more popular, Albania growing faster

Albania vs Spain real estate

Prices: Albania 60-75% cheaper Infrastructure: Spain incomparably better Market: Spain mature, Albania emerging ROI: Albania 8-15%, Spain 4-6%.

Practical tips for investors

Choosing a real estate agent

Working with a local, experienced agent is the key to success. Look for an agent who:

  • Speaks the language you can communicate in easily
  • Has references from other clients
  • Shows properties in person (not just photos)
  • Helps with contacting a lawyer and a notary

We at Globihome thoroughly verify agents, jointly create market analyses and at the end of the article we recommend a realtor verified by us free of charge. You can trust them.

Modern, bright living room in an apartment in Albania with a green corner sofa, coffee table, dining table and access to a balcony

Avoiding "super deals"

Properties in Albania offered well below market price often have an unclear legal situation:

  • Lack of complete documentation
  • Unclear ownership
  • Construction issues
  • Legal disputes

It's better to pay the market price for a property with clear documentation than to risk legal problems.

Checking the zoning plan

Before purchase, verify:

  • What can be built on neighboring plots
  • Whether infrastructure expansion is planned
  • Whether the property is not located in a protected zone

This will protect you from unpleasant surprises like a sea view being blocked by a new apartment building.

Property insurance

In Albania it's worth taking out:

  • Earthquake insurance
  • Fire insurance
  • Theft insurance
  • Liability insurance (if you rent it out)

Annual insurance cost: 200-500 EUR depending on the property's value.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about real estate in Albania

Apartment prices in Albania start from around 47 000 EUR (Golem, the cheapest locations) up to 250 000 EUR for luxury apartments on the first seafront line in Saranda. The average apartment price in Albania is about 140 000 EUR. Prices per square meter range from 900 EUR/m² in smaller towns to 3000 EUR/m² for premium sea-view apartments. Home purchase costs in Albania are 40-60% lower than in other coastal countries in Europe.

Yes, a foreigner can buy property in Albania without any restrictions. All EU citizens have the same rights to acquire residential and commercial properties as Albanian citizens. The only limitation is the direct purchase of undeveloped land, which requires meeting additional investment conditions. A passport or ID card is sufficient for the purchase. The property purchase procedure in Albania takes 2-4 weeks.

Definitely yes! Property investments in Albania offer a unique combination of benefits: (1) low purchase prices (2) high rental yields of 8-10% per year, (3) value growth of 10-15% per year, (4) no purchase tax for the buyer, (5) a growth prospect of 30-50% before accession to the European Union. The profit potential from investments in Albania is one of the highest in Europe.

This is one of the biggest advantages - in Albania there is no purchase tax for the buyer when buying real estate! The transfer tax of 3% of the property's value is paid by the seller. Total costs of buying an apartment in Albania (notary, registration, translations) amount to approximately 1200-2000 EUR.

Short-term rentals in coastal resorts (Saranda, Vlora, Durrës) generate yields of 8-10% per year, which is among the highest rates in Europe. In Tirana, long-term rentals provide a 6-8% annual return. Considering also property value appreciation of 10-15% per year, Albanian real estate investment and rental returns mean the total rate of return on investment can be 15-25% per year. This is significantly more than in mature European markets.

How to buy property in Albania step by step: (1) Choose the property and pay a 5% reservation deposit, (2) Due diligence - legal verification with a local lawyer (300-800 EUR), (3) Sign a preliminary agreement with a payment schedule, (4) Prepare documents and translations into Albanian, (5) Finalize at the notary and transfer funds (150-450 EUR), (6) Register ownership in RERO (200-500 EUR) and hand over the keys. The entire property purchase procedure in Albania takes 2-4 weeks. It is possible to buy through a power of attorney without personal attendance (requires Apostille).

Foreigners can apply for a mortgage at Albanian banks, but the process is difficult and requires residency or a stable income in Albania. The down payment is a minimum of 30-40%, and interest rates are 5-8% per year. Most foreign investors buy properties in Albania with cash due to low apartment purchase prices in Albania (80 000-150 000 EUR) and flexible payment schedules offered by developers (installments: 5%-60%-30%-5%).

Property maintenance costs in Albania are very low compared to Europe. The annual property tax in Albania is 50-150 EUR (0.9-2.1 EUR/m² depending on the region). Monthly utility bills (electricity 30-50 EUR, water 10-13 EUR, internet 20 EUR) total 60-80 EUR. Condominium fee: 25-35 EUR per month. In total, the annual maintenance costs for an apartment are about 1400-2500 EUR - significantly less than, for example, in Spain (4000-7000 EUR).

The best regions to buy property in Albania in 2025 are: (1) Saranda - the highest rental yields 8-10%, 300 days of sunshine, a planned airport, prices 1600-3000 EUR/m², (2) Vlora - strategic location, new international airport, prices 1400-2400 EUR/m², growth forecast 40-60% by 2028, (3) Tirana - the highest value growth 12-15% per year, stable long-term rental 6-8%, business center, prices 1800-2800 EUR/m², (4) Durrës - proximity to Tirana and the airport, the longest beach, prices 1200-1900 EUR/m², (5) Ksamil - exclusive resort, "Albanian Maldives", limited supply, prices 2000-2800 EUR/m².

Short-term vs. long-term rentals in Albania - comparison: Short-term rental generates higher income (6000-10 000 EUR per year, ROI 8-10%), but requires active management by an agency (cost 20-30% commission) and is seasonal. Best locations: Saranda, Vlora, Ksamil, Durrës. Long-term rental in Albania offers stability (3600-7200 EUR per year, ROI 6-8%), minimal management and no seasonality.
Coastal investment in Albania: hotel pool, apartments and a bay at sunset

Summary: Is it worth investing in real estate in Albania in 2025?

According to all the analyses we conduct at Globihome, the Albanian real estate market in 2025 is at a unique moment that may not repeat. Buying an apartment in Albania offers a combination of affordable prices, high rental yields and excellent prospects for value appreciation linked to the planned accession to the European Union.

For investors Albania may prove to be one of the most profitable decisions for the coming years.

The Albanian real estate market in 2025 is a market of opportunity – but like any investment, it requires a thoughtful strategy, thorough analysis and a professional approach. The key to success is a deep understanding of the local market, cooperation with trusted partners and realistic expectations. If you are planning to buy property in Albania and have any questions, call and speak for free with a professional agent.

EZ

Ertigen Zoga

Real estate agent & co-author

I have been serving clients for 4 years
Location:
Albania, Tirana
Languages:

Professional real estate agent in Tirana

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