What’s Driving Property Prices in the Albanian Riviera?

If you’ve been paying attention to real estate in the Albanian Riviera , you’ve probably noticed one thing: prices are climbing fast . Just a few years ago, you could find a beachfront apartment in Saranda for €50,000 —now, that same property is double the price or more .  

So, what’s going on? Is it still a good time to invest, or has the ship sailed? Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense— no boring market reports, just real reasons why property prices in Albania’s south are on the rise.  

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1. The Secret’s Out—Albania Is No Longer a Hidden Gem  

For a long time, Albania was one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets —turquoise waters, untouched beaches, and prices that made Greece and Italy look ridiculously expensive.  

Well, that secret’s out.  

✔ Tourism is booming – Over 10 million visitors came to Albania in 2024, and most of them headed straight for the Riviera.  

✔ Social media is putting Albania on the map – Travel bloggers and influencers are obsessed with Ksamil, Himara, and Saranda.  

✔ Foreigners are starting to buy – Investors from Italy, Germany, the UK, and even the U.S. are seeing the potential.  

When a destination becomes this popular, property prices naturally go up . Simple supply and demand.  

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2. Foreign Buyers Are Snapping Up Property  

Walk around Saranda, Ksamil, or Himara , and you’ll hear Italian, German, Polish, and English everywhere. More and more foreigners are buying homes in the Albanian Riviera , and here’s why:  

✔ Holiday homes at half the price of Greece or Spain  

✔ Airbnb-style rentals make great income  

✔ It’s still one of the cheapest places to own property on the Mediterranean  

And let’s be honest—when foreign buyers enter a market, prices always go up. It’s happening in Albania right now .  

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3. There’s Only So Much Land to Build On  

Unlike some areas in Albania where new buildings pop up constantly, the Riviera has a limited amount of space —and that’s driving prices higher.  

✔ Ksamil and Himara are filling up – Beachfront land is becoming rare.  

✔ New developments are selling out fast – Some are gone before construction even finishes .  

✔ Stricter building regulations – The government is controlling new construction more carefully, limiting the number of new properties.  

Less supply + more demand = rising prices .  

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4. Albania Is Investing in Infrastructure  

The Albanian government knows the Riviera is a goldmine , so they’re making it easier than ever to visit and invest .  

✔ New roads – The route from Tirana to Saranda is being improved, making travel faster and easier.  

✔ New airports – The Vlora International Airport is opening soon, bringing even more tourists and investors.  

✔ Easy property laws for foreigners – Unlike some countries, foreigners can buy property in Albania with no restrictions.  

As Albania gets more connected to the rest of Europe , more people will want to live, work, and invest here —pushing prices up even more.  

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5. Airbnb Is Exploding in the Riviera  

If you’ve ever tried booking an Airbnb in Ksamil or Saranda during summer , you already know— it’s expensive and books out fast .  

Tourists are willing to pay premium prices for short-term rentals, and property owners are making serious profits .  

Here’s what you can expect in peak season:  

✔ €80–€150 per night for a small apartment in Ksamil  

✔ €150–€300 per night for a sea-view apartment in Saranda  

✔ €300–€700 per night for a private villa in Borsh or Himara  

And guess what? The summer season in Albania keeps getting longer —tourists now visit from April to October , not just July and August. More tourists = more demand for rentals = higher property prices .  

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Is It Too Late to Buy in the Albanian Riviera?  

Nope. Prices are going up, but compared to the rest of the Mediterranean, Albania is still ridiculously affordable .  

✔ Beachfront apartments in Saranda start around €80,000  

✔ Luxury penthouses with sea views can be found for under €200,000  

✔ Private villas in Ksamil or Borsh start at around €400,000  

Real estate here is still a fraction of the price of similar properties in Greece, Italy, or Croatia. But that won’t last forever.  

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Final Thoughts: Why Buying Now Is a Smart Move  

If you’ve been thinking about investing in Albanian real estate , now is the time to make a move.  

✔ Prices are rising, but still much lower than in Greece or Italy  

✔ Tourism is growing fast, driving up rental demand  

✔ Foreign buyers are increasing competition for properties  

✔ Infrastructure is improving, making the Riviera more accessible  

If you wait a few more years, you’ll likely be paying a lot more for the same property.    
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Want to Invest in the Albanian Riviera? Let’s Find Your Perfect Property.  

At Viva View , we specialize in luxury villas, beachfront apartments, and investment properties in Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh.  

Thinking about buying? Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect property for you!