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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Albania Property Pack
Properties under 50,000 euros are still available in Albania's secondary cities and coastal areas.
These budget properties are most commonly found in Durres, Vlora, Shkoder, Berat, and smaller inland towns, offering 30-65 square meters depending on location and condition. Foreigners face no major ownership restrictions except for agricultural land, with transaction costs typically running 4-5% of the purchase price.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Albania, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Properties under €50,000 in Albania offer 25-65 m² in secondary cities like Durres, Vlora, and Shkoder, with most requiring minor renovations.
Foreigners can purchase freely with transaction costs at 4-5%, while rental yields range from 5-12% depending on location and property type.
| City | Typical Price Range | Size (m²) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durres | €35,000-€50,000 | 25-45 | Mix of ready/renovation needed |
| Vlora | €35,000-€50,000 | 30-50 | Mix of ready/renovation needed |
| Shkoder | €30,000-€45,000 | 40-65 | Often needs renovation |
| Berat | €25,000-€40,000 | 45-65 | Usually needs renovation |
| Elbasan | €20,000-€35,000 | 50-70 | Often needs major renovation |
How much do apartments or small houses typically cost in Albania under 50,000 euros?
Studio to small 1-bedroom apartments in Albanian secondary cities typically cost between €35,000 and €50,000 as of September 2025.
In Durres and Vlora, you'll find properties ranging from €35,000 to €50,000, while Shkoder offers similar options between €30,000 and €45,000. Berat and Elbasan provide even more affordable options, with properties starting from €20,000 to €40,000.
Specific examples include a 37 m² studio in Vlora for €42,000, a 63 m² 1-bedroom apartment in Vlora for €50,000, and various 1+1 apartments in Durres priced at €50,000. The older the building stock and the further from city centers or beaches, the lower the prices tend to be.
Properties in smaller inland towns like Fier, Golem (near Durres), and outskirts of major cities offer the best value for money. Village houses and detached properties in secondary locations can often be found well below €50,000, though they typically require more extensive renovations.
Which cities or towns in Albania are the most realistic for finding properties under 50,000 euros?
The most realistic locations for finding properties under €50,000 are Durres, Vlora, Shkoder, Berat, Elbasan, and Fier.
Durres offers the best mix of coastal access and urban amenities, with properties ranging from €35,000 to €50,000 for 25-45 m² apartments. Vlora provides similar pricing with slightly larger spaces available, particularly in areas further from the main beach zones.
Shkoder, located in northern Albania, presents excellent value with properties between €30,000 and €45,000, offering 40-65 m² apartments. Berat, known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, has properties starting from €25,000, though many require renovation work.
Elbasan and Fier represent the most budget-friendly options, with properties starting from €20,000 and offering 50-70 m² spaces. These inland cities provide larger living spaces but with less tourist appeal and rental potential.
Avoid Tirana's center and prime coastal areas like Saranda, where prices have risen significantly above the €50,000 threshold for decent properties.
Are these properties usually ready to move into, or do they require renovations, and if so, how much does renovation usually cost?
Properties under €50,000 in Albania are split between move-in ready apartments and older units requiring substantial renovation.
Move-in ready options are more common in apartment blocks built after 2000, particularly near Durres and Vlora. These properties typically feature basic modern finishes and functioning utilities, though they may need minor cosmetic updates.
Properties built before 1990 or village houses usually require significant renovation work. Renovation costs for a 1-bedroom apartment (40-55 m²) start at €8,000 to €15,000 for basic decent finishes, including flooring, painting, bathroom updates, and kitchen improvements.
Older houses may require structural and utility upgrades, which can push renovation costs higher. Budget an additional €3,000 to €8,000 for major electrical, plumbing, or structural work if needed.
It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.
How many square meters can you expect to get for under 50,000 euros in different parts of Albania?
| Location | Price Range | Typical Size (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Durres (center) | €40,000-€50,000 | 25-35 |
| Durres (outskirts) | €35,000-€45,000 | 35-45 |
| Vlora (near beach) | €42,000-€50,000 | 30-40 |
| Vlora (inland) | €35,000-€45,000 | 40-50 |
| Shkoder | €30,000-€45,000 | 40-65 |
| Berat | €25,000-€40,000 | 45-65 |
| Elbasan | €20,000-€35,000 | 50-70 |
What are the ongoing costs like property taxes, utility bills, and maintenance fees for such properties?
Ongoing costs for properties under €50,000 in Albania are remarkably low compared to Western European standards.
Annual property tax amounts to approximately 0.05% of the market value, translating to €25-40 per year for a €50,000 property. Urban zones may charge up to 20% higher rates, but the absolute amounts remain minimal.
Monthly utility costs range from €80 to €150, including heating and cooling. Albania has some of the lowest electricity and water rates in Europe, making year-round living affordable. Internet and cable services add another €20-30 monthly.
Building maintenance fees for managed apartments typically cost €20-50 per month, depending on the building's amenities and age. Older apartment blocks without elevators or common facilities charge less, while newer buildings with elevators and common areas charge toward the higher end.
If you plan to rent out the property, expect management fees around 10% of rental income when using local property management services.
How easy is it for a foreigner to legally buy property in Albania, and what are the main steps in the process?
Foreigners face no major restrictions when buying apartments or urban houses in Albania, making the process relatively straightforward.
The main steps include: choosing the property, signing a preliminary contract, placing a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price), conducting legal due diligence checks, signing the notarized sale contract, and registering the title transfer.
Legal due diligence involves verifying the property's ownership history, checking for any liens or legal issues, and confirming building permits. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks and costs €500-1,500 depending on the property's complexity.
The entire purchase process usually takes 4-8 weeks from initial agreement to final title registration. Having a local lawyer is highly recommended to navigate the Albanian legal system and ensure all documentation is properly handled.
Purchasing property at or above €50,000 may help with obtaining long-term residency status in Albania, though this shouldn't be the primary motivation for property investment.
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Are there any restrictions on foreigners buying land or apartments in Albania?
Foreign nationals can freely purchase apartments and urban residential properties in Albania without significant restrictions.
The main limitation applies to agricultural land, where direct foreign ownership is restricted. However, this restriction doesn't affect apartment purchases or houses in urban and suburban areas, which represent the majority of properties under €50,000.
EU citizens enjoy the same property rights as Albanian nationals for most property types. Non-EU citizens face minor additional paperwork but no fundamental barriers to ownership.
Foreign companies can also purchase property in Albania, which some investors prefer for tax planning purposes. The company registration process adds complexity but provides additional flexibility for larger investments or multiple property purchases.
There are no restrictions on reselling property as a foreigner, and profits from property sales are subject to Albanian capital gains tax rules.
What are the typical legal and notary fees involved in a purchase under 50,000 euros?
Total transaction costs typically amount to 4-5% of the property's purchase price for properties under €50,000.
Purchase tax costs 3% of the declared property value, which represents the largest single expense. Notary fees range from €300-500, or approximately 0.3% of the price, with a minimum fixed fee of €1,000 plus VAT for sales under €50,000.
Property registration fees amount to around €85, while legal due diligence costs between €500-1,500 depending on the property's complexity and the lawyer's fees.
Additional costs may include property survey fees (€200-400), translation services for documents (€100-300), and bank fees if financing is involved. Some lawyers charge flat fees for property purchases, typically €800-1,500 for straightforward transactions.
It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.
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 reliable are property listings online compared to the reality on the ground in Albania?
Online property listings in Albania are generally real but often require careful verification and on-ground inspection.
Listing portals feature legitimate properties, though prices shown are often starting points for negotiation rather than final prices. Many sellers expect 5-15% price reduction through negotiation, particularly for properties that have been listed for several months.
Property conditions frequently appear better in photos than in reality, especially for the cheapest units under €35,000. Lighting, angles, and selective photography can hide maintenance issues, outdated fixtures, or structural problems.
Listing descriptions may be optimistic about property sizes, with some measurements including balconies or common areas. Always verify square footage during property viewings and request official documentation.
Working with local real estate agents provides better access to accurate information and properties that match your budget and requirements. Many of the best deals never reach online platforms and are sold through local networks.
What kind of rental income could you realistically expect from a property under 50,000 euros in Albania?
Small apartments in coastal towns like Durres and Vlora can generate 5-8% annual yields for long-term rentals, with short-term vacation rentals potentially reaching 12% in prime locations.
Long-term rental income for a €45,000 apartment in Durres typically ranges from €200-300 per month, translating to €2,400-3,600 annually. Vlora offers similar rates, particularly for properties within walking distance of the beach.
Short-term rental income through platforms like Airbnb can significantly exceed long-term rates during summer months (June-September), when daily rates of €35-60 are achievable for well-located properties. However, this requires active management and seasonal vacancy periods.
Inland cities like Shkoder, Berat, and Elbasan offer lower rental yields of 3-6% annually due to limited tourist demand and lower local purchasing power. These markets are better suited for very long-term capital appreciation rather than immediate rental income.
Management costs, vacancy periods, and maintenance expenses typically reduce gross rental yields by 1-2 percentage points, so factor these into your investment calculations.
Which areas in Albania are considered safe, with good infrastructure, if you want to live there full-time?
Tirana's safe districts, Durres, Vlora, Shkoder, Saranda, and Berat offer the best combination of safety, infrastructure, and expat community for full-time living.
1. **Durres** provides excellent infrastructure with its port city status, reliable utilities, good healthcare facilities, and easy access to Tirana's international airport within 45 minutes. 2. **Vlora** offers a coastal lifestyle with adequate infrastructure, growing expat community, and reasonable healthcare services, though some areas lack consistent high-speed internet. 3. **Shkoder** features good urban infrastructure, cultural attractions, and proximity to Montenegro, making it popular with Northern European expats seeking mountain and lake access. 4. **Berat** provides UNESCO World Heritage charm with basic but reliable infrastructure, though healthcare options are more limited than in larger cities. 5. **Tirana suburbs** offer the best infrastructure overall, including international-standard healthcare, education, and business services, though property prices often exceed €50,000 in desirable areas.Avoid remote villages or unrenovated old housing stock if planning year-round residence, as infrastructure reliability and emergency services access become more challenging.
How quickly are property prices in Albania rising, and is there a risk that the under-50,000-euro options will disappear soon?
Albanian property prices are rising rapidly, with coastal areas experiencing 25-40% annual growth and Tirana averaging 17% yearly gains, putting significant pressure on the under-€50,000 market segment.
Coastal areas like Vlora and Saranda have seen the most dramatic price increases due to international tourism growth and foreign investment. Properties that sold for €35,000 in 2023 now commonly list for €45,000-50,000 in these locations.
Secondary cities experience more moderate price growth of 5-8% annually, but even these markets are seeing reduced inventory under €50,000 as demand from foreign buyers increases. Berat, Shkoder, and Elbasan still offer opportunities, but with diminishing selection each year.
Foreign demand, particularly from Italian, German, and British buyers, continues driving prices upward across all market segments. Government infrastructure investments in roads, airports, and tourism facilities further support price appreciation.
As of September 2025, genuine under-€50,000 opportunities in desirable locations are becoming scarce, suggesting that this price threshold may represent the final window for budget-conscious investors in Albania's emerging real estate market.
It's something we develop in our Albania property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Properties under €50,000 remain available in Albania's secondary cities, offering 30-65 m² apartments with renovation potential and 5-12% rental yields.
However, rapid price appreciation of 5-40% annually across different regions means this price threshold represents a closing window for budget-conscious property investors in Albania's emerging real estate market.
Sources
- HolProp Albania Properties Under 50k
- HolProp Durres Properties
- Realty Albania Price Range
- Realting Albania Property Listings
- Duan JoFtime Property Listings
- InvestRopa Albania Market Trends
- InvestRopa Albania Property Purchase Guide
- Expatra Living in Albania
- InvestRopa Albania Real Estate Market
- Indomio Albania Property