Investment property: Albania

Updated 5 October 2026

Albania is one of the fastest-growing property markets on the Adriatic and Ionian seas: new builds in Tirana and resort apartments in Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë and on the Albanian Riviera.

Prices are still well below neighbouring Greece, Montenegro and Croatia while tourism grows, so foreigners buy here for themselves and for rental. But the market is young, and legal due diligence matters more here than in most EU countries.

What a foreigner can buy

Where people buy and why

• Tirana - year-round long-term rentals to students, professionals and company staff.
• Durrës - the coast closest to the capital, with summer demand and year-round demand from Tirana residents.
• Vlorë and the Albanian Riviera - seasonal tourist rentals with high summer occupancy and low winter occupancy.
• Sarandë - a resort opposite the Greek island of Corfu, focused on tourists.

The city shapes not only the price but the income model: seasonal rentals earn more in summer but need a manager and tax records.

The main risk: property documents

Since the 1990s much has been built in Albania without permits, and some buildings were legalised later. So before the deposit we check with the State Cadastre Agency whether the seller has an ownership certificate, whether area and boundaries match, and whether there are mortgages, seizures or restitution claims by former owners. For new builds we also check the building permit and the developer's right to sell before completion, and after completion the occupancy permit: without it the apartment cannot be registered to the buyer.

How a purchase works

• Checking the property and seller at the cadastre and with the notary.
• A preliminary contract and deposit; for new builds a contract with a payment schedule.
• The final contract before a notary, payment through a bank and a source of funds check.
• Title registration with the State Cadastre Agency and the ownership certificate.
• For a foreigner, an Albanian tax number and an interpreter at the signing.

Taxes and costs

• Notary and cadastre registration - at state tariffs.
• The seller pays 15% tax on the capital gain.
• The annual tax on a home is small and based on the building's value.
• Rental income is taxed; if the tenant is a company, it withholds the tax itself.

Property prices in Albania are usually quoted in euros. To pay for the deal, money is moved to an Albanian bank account in advance.

Property and residence

Buying a home does not by itself guarantee residence. Residence is based on work, business, retirement, study or family, while owning a home covers the address requirement and helps the application. Many nationals who need no visa can stay in Albania for up to a year without residence - we check the conditions for your citizenship.

Common buyer mistakes

• A deposit for an apartment without an ownership certificate or in a building without an occupancy permit.
• Buying from a developer without checking the building permit.
• Paying cash or into an intermediary's personal account.
• Buying agricultural land in your own name, which is prohibited for foreigners.

What we do

We choose the city and property for your goal: coastal rental, a home in Tirana or preserving capital. We check cadastre documents and developer permits, calculate taxes and costs, open an Albanian bank account, handle the deal before the notary with an interpreter and the title registration, and help with letting and residence.

What we do

• Property shortlist for your investment goal
• Legal due diligence on the property
• End-to-end transaction support
• Ownership structuring (company, trust)
• Property management and letting

See also

Company formation · Business account · Personal account

FAQ