No More Middlemen: How Buying Directly from Developers in Albania Saves You Money

I’ve been working in real estate here in Saranda for years now, and if there’s one piece of advice I keep giving, it’s this: cut out the middleman when you can. Especially if you’re buying in the Albanian Riviera, where things move fast and everyone knows someone who knows someone.

Last week, I showed a client a stunning villa in Ksamil. The kind of place where you walk in, and your whole body just relaxes. Big glass doors, endless sea view, birds chirping… you get the idea. The client turned to me and said, “Why isn’t this double the price?” And honestly? It should be—if it were being sold through five layers of middlemen like it often is in bigger markets.

That’s the thing about buying directly from developers in Albania. You skip the chain of commissions and markups, and the difference in price can be dramatic.

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The Hidden Costs of Middlemen

Let’s be real. In many parts of Europe, buying property can feel like a maze. Agent after agent, each taking a cut, each adding a layer of confusion or cost. Here in Albania, especially in places like Saranda and Ksamil, you can still find that raw, direct connection between buyer and builder—but only if you know where to look.

There’s a joke we make sometimes: “By the time you’ve spoken to your third cousin’s friend’s real estate guy, the apartment is already sold.” It’s funny because it’s true.

And it’s not just about cost. It’s about clarity, control, and trust. When you deal directly with a developer like Klajdi Construction—who we proudly work with at VivaView—you get the full picture from day one. No misinformation. No hidden surprises.

Take our White Residence Villas in Borsh, for example. Check them out here. These aren’t just beautiful properties. They’re being built with modern standards by locals who care about quality—not someone flipping apartments for a quick buck.

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A Personal Connection You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

I remember this one time I met a couple from Germany. They came to Saranda looking for a second home but were completely overwhelmed by contradictory info online. We had a coffee at the small taverna near Borsh beach—yes, the one with the blue chairs and surprisingly good grilled octopus—and I showed them how buying through us meant buying directly from the source.

By the end of the trip, not only did they find their dream property (a seaview apartment in White Residence Ksamil—you can see it here), but they also gained peace of mind. No hidden costs. No long email chains with three translators. Just transparency.

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Why Direct Is the New Smart

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. No exaggeration. You get beachfront property, modern construction, and those endless Ionian sunsets—for a fraction of what you’d pay in Greece or Italy.

And when you go direct, you get even more for your money.

Think about it:

• You deal with people who actually know the project—down to the tiles and water pressure.

• You can sometimes negotiate customizations before completion.

• You get better post-sale support, because you’re not just a number in a chain of agents.

• And sometimes, you even build relationships. I’ve seen developers invite buyers to local dinners, offer help with furniture, and share tips like where to find the best burek in town.

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A Few Things Only Locals Know

If you’re reading this from abroad, you might not realize:

• The neighborhood above Mango Beach in Saranda? Quiet, green, and underrated.

• That road connecting the beach to the Monastery of Forty Saints? Gorgeous for morning walks—and a hotspot for new developments.

• Ksamil isn’t just for tourists in July. Off-season, it’s peaceful and poetic. Locals go for mussels, not the nightlife.

This is the kind of info you don’t get through agencies that are just reselling listings. When you buy directly, you’re closer to the ground. You learn things. You’re part of it.

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