Navigating Hidden Costs: A Layman’s Guide to Albanian Property Taxes and Fees

So there I was, sitting on a sun-warmed bench by the old synagogue ruins in Saranda, sipping a coffee so strong it could probably fuel a small boat, when a question hit me.

“Why doesn’t anyone talk about the real costs of buying a home here?”

It’s true. You scroll through listings—seaview apartments, a few dreamy beachfront properties, and you think, wow, what a deal. And it is a deal. I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. But there’s more to the story.

And if no one’s going to lay it out simply and clearly… I guess I will.

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Let’s Start with the Basics

If you’re buying property in Albania, especially down here on the Albanian Riviera, you’re not just paying for the home itself. There are taxes. Fees. Some small, some annoying, some surprisingly manageable.

The good news? Compared to places like Greece or Italy, Albania is still incredibly affordable.

The better news? If you know what to expect, nothing will catch you off guard.

Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye on:

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1. The 3% Property Transfer Tax

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off. When the sale is finalized, the buyer pays a 3% transfer tax based on the declared property value—not necessarily the market value.

That’s good news in many cases. Why? Because the value used for tax purposes (called the “reference price” locally) is often lower than the actual sale price, especially for Saranda apartments for sale. It’s legal, standard practice, and often a pleasant surprise for buyers used to more aggressive systems elsewhere.

Small note here: If you’re buying in Ksamil, prices are rising quickly, but the reference prices haven’t fully caught up yet. So that 3% might be more forgiving than you’d expect.

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2. Notary Fees: Worth Every Lek

In Albania, all real estate transactions go through a notary. They draft the contract, verify documents, handle the registration with the Immovable Property Registration Office, and make sure everything’s legit.

Fees vary slightly depending on the notary and the complexity of the deal, but plan for around €300–€500 for a standard apartment purchase.

And yes, it’s always the buyer who pays.

Honestly? This part of the process is underrated. A good notary (and we know the good ones) is worth their weight in burek.

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3. Registration Costs

Once the contract is signed, your property needs to be officially registered under your name. This is handled by the Cadastral Office (the new version of what Albanians used to call “Hipoteka”).

The fee is small—usually €100 or less—but the wait time? That can vary.

Sometimes it’s done in a week. Other times, well… grab another coffee.

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4. Translator and Legal Representation (Optional but Smart)

If you don’t speak Albanian, the contract must be translated by a certified court translator. That’ll cost you around €50–€100, depending on length and detail.

Legal support? Not required, but smart—especially if it’s your first time buying abroad. Some lawyers charge flat fees, others go hourly, but a good real estate agent (hi, that’s us) can help you navigate this without overpaying.

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