Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Albania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Albania Property Pack
If you are wondering whether running an Airbnb in Albania is profitable, this article will give you clear answers with real numbers.
We cover the legal framework, nightly prices, occupancy rates, typical expenses, and the neighborhoods where short-term rentals perform best in 2026.
We also keep this article updated with fresh data, so you always get an accurate picture of Albania's current Airbnb market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Albania.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Albania in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Albania and the government's focus is on formalizing and taxing this growing segment rather than restricting it.
The main legal framework governing accommodation services in Albania is Law No. 93/2015 "On Tourism," which sets out broad definitions of tourism activities and accommodation services, though it does not impose blanket restrictions on individuals renting out their homes on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
The single most important requirement hosts must comply with is declaring their rental income through the DIVA digital tax platform and paying a 15% tax on earnings, with the annual deadline falling on March 31.
Failure to declare income on time can result in financial penalties, audits, or legal complications, though enforcement has historically focused more on education and formalization than aggressive prosecution.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Albania.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Albania.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Albania does not have a nationwide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for short-term rentals, making it significantly more lenient than many Western European cities that impose 90-day or 120-day limits.
These rules do not differ based on property type or host residency status at the national level, so whether you own an apartment in Tirana or a villa on the Riviera, there is no government-mandated restriction on how many nights you can rent per year.
However, individual buildings may have their own bylaws or homeowner association rules that restrict short-term rentals, especially in newer premium apartment blocks in central Tirana or waterfront developments in Sarandë and Vlorë.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Albania right now?
Albania does not impose a residency requirement for operating an Airbnb, meaning you do not have to live in the property or even in the country to rent it out short-term.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Albania, and this applies equally to Albanian citizens and foreign nationals who have purchased property.
There are no additional permits or conditions that apply specifically to non-primary residence short-term rentals at the national level, though you still must declare the income via DIVA and pay the applicable 15% tax.
In practical terms, the main difference between renting a primary residence versus a secondary home in Albania is operational: if you live far away, you will likely need a property manager or local co-host, which adds to your expenses.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Albania
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Albania right now?
Yes, you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Albania, and there is no hard cap on the number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental.
However, there is no official maximum, but the more units you operate, the more likely you cross into what authorities may consider "business activity," which could eventually trigger different accounting and registration expectations.
For hosts with multiple listings, the practical recommendation is to maintain excellent records, work with a local accountant, and ensure all income is properly declared through DIVA to avoid complications.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, individual hosts in Albania who rent out residential properties for short stays generally do not need to open a business tax number (NIPT) or obtain a specific short-term rental license, provided they are not conducting other commercial activity alongside the rentals.
The simplified process requires hosts to declare rental income through the DIVA platform and pay the 15% tax by the annual deadline, which removes the administrative burden that previously discouraged many from entering the formal market.
If you operate at a larger scale or provide hotel-like services (such as daily housekeeping, room service, or reception), you may need additional registrations under Albania's tourism framework, potentially including a categorization certificate from the Ministry of Tourism.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Albania does not have widespread neighborhood bans or government-designated restricted zones that prohibit short-term rentals, making it one of the more permissive markets in Europe for Airbnb hosts.
The more realistic "restrictions" come at the building level, particularly in premium apartment blocks in neighborhoods like Ish-Blloku, Komuna e Parisit, and Myslym Shyri in Tirana, or waterfront developments in Sarandë and Vlorë, where homeowner associations may have rules against frequent guest turnover.
These building-level restrictions exist primarily because of noise concerns, elevator usage, and the desire to maintain a residential atmosphere in luxury properties.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Albania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Albania in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Albania is approximately 75 euros (around 80 USD or 8,250 Albanian lek), while the median nightly price sits closer to 60 euros (around 64 USD or 6,600 lek), reflecting the wide range of listings from budget apartments to luxury villas.
The typical nightly price range that covers roughly 80% of listings in Albania falls between 35 euros and 120 euros (approximately 37 to 128 USD or 3,850 to 13,200 lek), with coastal properties during summer commanding the upper end and city apartments in Tirana sitting closer to the middle.
The single factor with the biggest impact on nightly pricing in Albania is location relative to the coast or city center: a sea-view apartment in Ksamil or Sarandë during July can easily fetch double or triple the rate of a similar-sized unit in a Tirana suburb.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Albania.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Albania can vary by 1.8 to 2.5 times between the most expensive and most affordable neighborhoods, with premium areas like Ksamil (80 to 180 euros, approximately 85 to 192 USD or 8,800 to 19,800 lek per night) significantly outpacing peripheral locations like Kombinat in Tirana (30 to 55 euros, approximately 32 to 59 USD or 3,300 to 6,050 lek per night).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Albania are Ksamil (averaging 100 to 150 euros or 107 to 160 USD in peak season), Sarandë waterfront (75 to 140 euros or 80 to 149 USD), and Lungomare in Vlorë (70 to 150 euros or 75 to 160 USD), all driven by sea views and beach proximity.
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices include Kombinat in outer Tirana (30 to 55 euros or 32 to 59 USD), Orikum near Vlorë (45 to 90 euros or 48 to 96 USD), and Golem near Durrës (40 to 80 euros or 43 to 85 USD), though all three still attract budget-conscious travelers and families looking for value.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Albania ranges from 45% to 55% on an annualized basis, with Tirana showing the most stable year-round occupancy at approximately 50% to 62%.
The realistic occupancy rate range that covers most listings in Albania falls between 35% and 65%, with coastal properties experiencing dramatic swings (85% or higher in July and August, dropping below 20% from November to March).
Compared to the regional average in Southern Europe, Albania's occupancy rates are competitive, though they tend to be slightly lower than established destinations like Croatia or Greece due to Albania's shorter peak season and less developed off-season tourism infrastructure.
The single factor with the biggest impact on achieving above-average occupancy in Albania is offering year-round appeal: listings with good heating, cozy interiors, and positioning for shoulder-season travelers (digital nomads, cultural tourists) consistently outperform summer-only properties.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Albania is approximately 900 to 1,150 euros (around 960 to 1,230 USD or 99,000 to 126,500 Albanian lek) for a well-located, well-managed whole-home property.
The realistic monthly revenue range that covers roughly 80% of listings in Albania falls between 500 euros and 1,800 euros (approximately 535 to 1,920 USD or 55,000 to 198,000 lek), with Tirana apartments on the lower-middle end and Riviera villas during summer at the top.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Albania, particularly sea-view villas in Ksamil or Dhërmi during peak season, can achieve monthly revenues of 2,500 to 4,000 euros (approximately 2,670 to 4,270 USD or 275,000 to 440,000 lek). For example, a two-bedroom villa charging 150 euros per night with 80% occupancy in July would generate roughly 3,600 euros that month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Albania.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue for coastal Airbnbs in Albania ranges from 250 to 700 euros (approximately 267 to 747 USD or 27,500 to 77,000 lek) during low season to 1,800 to 3,500 euros (approximately 1,920 to 3,740 USD or 198,000 to 385,000 lek) during high season, while Tirana shows milder variation from 600 to 800 euros in slow months to 900 to 1,300 euros in busy periods.
Low season in Albania runs from November through March, with the slowest months being December through February, while high season spans June through September, with July and August being the absolute peak when coastal occupancy can exceed 85%.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Albania falls between 250 euros and 650 euros (approximately 267 to 694 USD or 27,500 to 71,500 Albanian lek) for a typical whole-home listing, depending on location, turnover frequency, and whether you self-manage or use a property manager.
The single expense category that typically represents the largest share of monthly costs in Albania is cleaning and turnover, which can run 120 to 450 euros (approximately 128 to 480 USD or 13,200 to 49,500 lek) per month for properties with frequent guest changes, followed closely by utilities during summer when air conditioning drives electricity bills significantly higher.
Hosts in Albania should typically expect to spend 30% to 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the lower end applying to self-managed city apartments and the higher end to professionally managed coastal villas with frequent turnovers.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Albania.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Albania ranges from 350 to 700 euros (approximately 374 to 747 USD or 38,500 to 77,000 Albanian lek) for a well-located whole-home listing, which translates to a profit per available night of roughly 12 to 23 euros (approximately 13 to 25 USD or 1,320 to 2,530 lek).
The realistic monthly net profit range that covers most listings in Albania falls between 200 euros and 1,500 euros (approximately 213 to 1,602 USD or 22,000 to 165,000 lek), with the wide spread reflecting differences between low-season city apartments and high-season coastal properties.
Hosts in Albania typically achieve net profit margins between 35% and 55% of gross revenue, with self-managed properties in stable markets like Tirana at the higher end and professionally managed seasonal properties closer to the lower end.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Albania sits around 25% to 35%, meaning that even during slow months, most properties can cover their fixed costs if they maintain reasonable bookings.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Albania, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Albania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Albania as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 21,000 to 23,000 active Airbnb listings in Albania, concentrated primarily in Tirana, along the Albanian Riviera, and in coastal cities like Vlorë, Durrës, and Sarandë.
This number represents a significant increase from previous years, with listings growing nearly 40% compared to 2023 and more than 70% compared to 2022, indicating that the Albanian short-term rental market is expanding rapidly as tourism arrivals continue to climb.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Albania are Ish-Blloku and Pazari i Ri in Tirana, Sarandë waterfront and Ksamil, the Lungomare area in Vlorë, and Plazh i Durrësit near Durrës, where the density of listings is highest.
These neighborhoods have become saturated because they combine the highest tourist foot traffic with Airbnb-friendly housing stock (newer apartments with elevators, easy self check-in, and proximity to restaurants and beaches), making them natural magnets for both tourists and hosts.
Neighborhoods in Albania that are relatively undersaturated and may offer better opportunities for new hosts include heritage towns like Berat and Gjirokastër (where traditional stone house rentals face less competition), emerging coastal areas like Borsh and Himarë (which are less developed than Ksamil but growing), and Tirana suburbs like Komuna e Parisit or areas near the Artificial Lake that appeal to longer-stay guests.
What local events spike demand in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Albania are the Kala Festival in Dhërmi (June 3 to 10, 2026), the peak beach season along the entire Albanian Riviera (July and August), and various cultural festivals in Tirana, Berat, and Gjirokastër throughout the year.
During major events like Kala Festival, hosts in the surrounding area typically see a 50% to 100% increase in nightly rates and near-complete occupancy, with similar but less dramatic spikes during August beach season when coastal properties can command premium pricing.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least four to six weeks before major events in Albania, with Kala Festival in particular requiring even earlier planning since it attracts international visitors who book well in advance.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Albania typically achieve occupancy rates of 60% to 70% on an annualized basis, which is 10 to 20 percentage points higher than the market average of 45% to 55%.
By comparison, average hosts in Albania tend to hover around 45% to 55% occupancy, with many coastal properties dropping well below this during the off-season due to lack of year-round appeal.
New hosts in Albania typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, with the learning curve involving building reviews, optimizing pricing, improving photos, and understanding the seasonal rhythms of the Albanian market.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Albania.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Albania right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of listings in Albania is 40 to 70 euros (approximately 43 to 75 USD or 4,400 to 7,700 Albanian lek), which is where most budget and mid-range entire-home apartments compete, especially in Tirana center and along the main coastal promenades.
The most crowded price points where "white space" opportunities exist for new hosts are at the higher end (100 to 180 euros or 107 to 192 USD per night) for genuinely premium experiences, and in the shoulder-season-friendly segment where properties with good heating, cozy interiors, and year-round appeal are underrepresented.
Property characteristics that would allow a new host to successfully compete in the underserved segments include strong heating and insulation for off-season appeal, family-friendly 2BR layouts with honest parking and kitchen setups, traditional stone house experiences in Berat or Gjirokastër, and genuinely distinctive design that stands out from the generic apartment listings dominating the mid-market.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Albania right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Albania as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom apartments and compact two-bedroom units get the most consistent bookings across Albania, matching the typical traveler profile of couples, solo travelers, and small families.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Albania shows studios and one-bedrooms capturing roughly 45% of bookings, two-bedrooms taking about 35%, and three-bedrooms or larger properties accounting for the remaining 20%, though larger properties can command significantly higher total revenue per booking.
One-bedroom and compact two-bedroom units perform best in Albania because the dominant tourist segments are couples on beach holidays (coastal areas) and business travelers or digital nomads (Tirana), neither of which typically needs more than two bedrooms.
What property type performs best in Albania in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments perform best for year-round reliability and consistent occupancy in Albania (especially in Tirana), while villas and standalone homes deliver the highest peak-season revenue on the Albanian Riviera, and traditional stone houses in heritage towns like Berat and Gjirokastër offer strong ADR relative to local operating costs.
Occupancy rates across property types in Albania show apartments averaging 50% to 62% annually (with minimal seasonal swing), villas averaging 35% to 50% (high summer, weak winter), and traditional stone houses averaging 40% to 55% (driven by cultural tourists with more even seasonal distribution than beach properties).
Apartments outperform on consistency in Albania because they align with the year-round demand in Tirana (business, digital nomads, city breaks) and require lower maintenance, while villas outperform on peak revenue because families and groups pay premium rates for space, privacy, and sea views during the summer months.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Albania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| INSTAT (Albania's National Statistics Office) | It's the official national source for border movements and tourism-related flows in Albania. | We used it to ground demand analysis in real arrivals data rather than platform estimates. We also used it to explain why demand is seasonal and why summer-coast versus year-round-city dynamics matter for Airbnb profitability. |
| Ministry of Tourism & Environment - Tourism Strategy 2025-2030 | It's a government strategy document approved via Council of Ministers decision and sets national tourism priorities. | We used it to anchor which regions Albania is explicitly trying to grow and to justify which locations are likely to keep seeing demand (capital plus Riviera plus key coastal nodes). |
| Law No. 93/2015 "On Tourism" | It's the primary national legal framework governing tourism activities and accommodation services in Albania. | We used it to frame what "accommodation services" means in Albania and to separate individual home renting from tourism entrepreneur obligations. |
| HLB Albania | HLB is a recognized international accounting network with a local Albania member firm writing on compliance. | We used it to explain what changed from 2026 for individuals doing short-term rentals and what the reporting flow through DIVA looks like. |
| Euronews Albania | It's a major news brand and the article directly cites Tax Administration clarifications and deadlines. | We used it to corroborate the practical rule most hosts care about (DIVA declaration and tax payment timing) and to add context about enforcement as of 2026. |
| Airbnb Help Center - Short-term Rental Regulations | It's Airbnb's official compliance hub for hosts and is updated as rules change. | We used it to set expectations that Airbnb does not replace local law and that hosts must check local and building rules. |
| Airbnb Help Center - Service Fees | It's the official reference for how Airbnb fees are charged. | We used it to estimate platform fee impact in expense calculations and to explain fee structures clearly. |
| AirDNA - Tirana Market Snapshot | AirDNA is one of the most widely cited STR data providers with consistent methodology across markets. | We used it to estimate Tirana's typical nightly price and year-round occupancy baseline, then converted ADR times occupancy into revenue estimates. |
| AirDNA - Vlorë Market Snapshot | Same reason as above: consistent, market-level STR performance tracking. | We used it to represent "coastal city with strong seasonality" economics and triangulated against other sources. |
| AirDNA - Durrës Market Snapshot | Same reason: reputable private-sector STR dataset. | We used it to benchmark Durrës pricing and occupancy versus Tirana and Vlorë for comparative analysis. |
| AirROI - Sarandë Market Report | It's a specialized STR analytics provider publishing market reports with explicit listing counts and KPIs. | We used it as a cross-check on Riviera-heavy markets and to discuss saturation and seasonality in Sarandë and Ksamil-type demand. |
| Kala Festival (Official Site) | It's the primary official source for one of the Albanian Riviera's biggest demand spikes. | We used it as a concrete example of event-driven compression that pushes rates up and makes the demand discussion specific to Albania. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Albania | It's a standardized, widely used reference compiled by a major professional services firm. | We used it to cross-check Albania's personal income tax framework at a high level and avoid unreliable interpretations from lesser sources. |
| Bank of Albania - Financial Stability Report | It's published by the central bank and is one of the most reliable sources on macro and finance conditions. | We used it to ground mortgage, credit, and risk context that can affect profitability even when Airbnb revenue is stable. |
| Airbtics - Tirana Market Data | Airbtics is a reputable STR data provider tracking listings and performance metrics across global markets. | We used it to cross-check Tirana-specific revenue, occupancy, and listing count data against AirDNA figures. |
| Expatax Albania | It's a tax advisory firm specializing in Albania with practical guidance for expats and property investors. | We used it to confirm the 15% tax rate and DIVA declaration process for short-term rental hosts in Albania. |
| Lodge Compliance - Albania | It's a dedicated short-term rental compliance resource covering regulations in multiple countries. | We used it to verify the overall regulatory environment and confirm Albania's position as a relatively lenient STR market. |
| Travel and Tour World | It's a respected travel industry publication reporting on tourism statistics and trends. | We used it to confirm the 7% growth in visitor arrivals for 2025 and Albania's trajectory toward year-round tourism. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Albania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.