Albania Real Estate Guide - Complete Overview

Albania Real Estate Guide

Your Complete Overview of the Albanian Property Market

Tenant and Rental Issues

Did You Know?

Albania's rental market is governed by tenant-friendly laws that protect both landlords and tenants

Legal Framework

  • Governed by Law No. 9670 "On Renting Dwellings"
  • Albanian Civil Code provides detailed regulations
  • Written lease agreements are mandatory
  • Minimum lease term typically one year

Tenant Rights

  • Right to habitable living conditions
  • Protection against arbitrary eviction
  • Privacy protection with notice requirements
  • Rent adjustment caps based on inflation
  • Protection from retaliatory eviction

Landlord Rights

  • Right to collect rent as per agreement
  • Property inspection with proper notice
  • Maintenance obligations enforcement
  • Eviction for valid legal reasons

Rental Costs

  • Security deposit: 1-2 months' rent
  • Utilities: ~€100/month (2-bedroom)
  • Maintenance fees: ~€40/month
  • Agency fees: Usually one month's rent

Buying and Selling Properties

Process Overview

Key Steps

  1. Property search and due diligence
  2. Legal verification of ownership
  3. Sign preliminary agreement (10% deposit)
  4. Notarized final contract
  5. Property registration

Costs & Taxes

  • Notary fees: €150-€450
  • Legal fees: €100-€300
  • Property transfer tax: 3-4%
  • Registration fees: Minor admin costs

Professional Assistance

Lawyer

Essential for title checks, contract review, and legal compliance

Real Estate Agent

Helps find properties, negotiate terms, and handle paperwork

Translator

Recommended if you don't speak Albanian for contract understanding

Development Projects & Prices

Market Overview

Albania's real estate market is booming with 40%+ year-on-year growth and €1.1 billion in foreign investment

Property Prices by Region (2024)

Region Price per m² (€) Key Features
Tirana (Central) €2,000 - €2,500+ Capital city, economic center
Tirana (Suburban) €1,000+ More affordable, growing areas
Durrës €800 - €1,500 Coastal city, port area
Vlorë €1,000 - €1,800 Seaside, new airport 2025
Sarandë €1,500 - €2,500 Tourist hotspot, Ionian coast
Secondary Cities €500 - €900 Heritage sites, affordable

Major Development Projects

Completed

Downtown One Tirana

Rruga e Elbasanit

Developer: Kastrati Group

Price: €525,600

140m tower, seismic standards, iconic design

Partial

Eyes of Tirana

Skanderbeg Square

Developer: Ideal Construction

Price: €87,000

Mixed-use, sustainable design, 24 floors

Completed

West Residence Tirana

Blloku

Developer: Invest Society

Price: €565,000

Premium district, green terraces

Completed

Lakeview Tirana

Kristo Luarasi Street

Developer: Gener 2

Price: €211,000

Lakeside luxury, high security

Coastal & Infrastructure Projects

  • Durrës Yachts & Marina: €2 billion UAE-backed luxury waterfront redevelopment
  • Vlorë International Airport: Opening 2025, will boost southern coast real estate
  • International Hotels: Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott planning resorts

Foreigner Eligibility to Buy

Good News!

Foreigners enjoy broad property rights in Albania with minimal restrictions

What You Can Buy

  • Apartments and houses
  • Commercial buildings
  • Land through local companies
  • No minimum investment required

Restrictions

  • No direct agricultural land ownership
  • Must use local company for land purchases
  • Property purchase ≠ automatic residency

Residency & Citizenship

  • Separate residency application required
  • Property ownership supports residency applications
  • Citizenship requires years of residency
  • Language and cultural knowledge needed

Taxes & Fees

  • Annual property tax (value-based)
  • Income tax on rental earnings
  • Capital gains tax on property sales
  • Same rates as local citizens

Recommendations for Foreign Buyers

Hire Local Lawyer

Essential for legal compliance and title verification

Use Reputable Agent

Ensures verified properties and smooth transactions

Check Treaties

Verify bilateral agreements with your home country