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
Albania's property market has been one of Europe's fastest-growing in recent years, with Tirana prices jumping by more than 40% in parts of 2024 and coastal areas like Ksamil seeing even steeper gains.
In this guide, we break down Albania's neighborhoods by price, rental yield, Airbnb performance, and long-term appreciation potential, using data from the Bank of Albania, INSTAT, IMF reports, and short-term rental analytics platforms.
We constantly update this blog post as new data becomes available, so you always have the freshest information for your investment decisions.
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.
What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Albania?
Which areas in Albania have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most expensive areas for residential property in Albania are Blloku in central Tirana, Ksamil on the southern Riviera, and the Liqeni Artificial (Artificial Lake) district in Tirana, where prices in prime locations can reach 500,000 to 550,000 ALL per square meter (roughly 4,800 to 5,200 euros).
In these premium Albania neighborhoods, typical asking prices range from around 280,000 ALL per square meter for older stock to over 500,000 ALL per square meter for new-build apartments with sea views, modern finishes, or prime walkability.
Each of these expensive neighborhoods commands high prices for different reasons:
- Blloku, Tirana: Albania's most prestigious address with cafes, embassies, and walkable nightlife.
- Ksamil: Turquoise beaches and proximity to Butrint National Park drive international demand.
- Liqeni Artificial, Tirana: Green space, jogging paths, and high-rise luxury developments attract wealthy locals.
- Saranda seafront: Direct Ionian Sea views and ferry access to Corfu keep prices elevated.
Which areas in Albania have the most affordable property prices in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most affordable residential property in Albania can be found in outer Tirana neighborhoods like Kombinat and Laprakë, secondary cities such as Shkodra and Elbasan, and non-tourist inland areas of Korça, where prices typically range from 70,000 to 130,000 ALL per square meter (roughly 700 to 1,200 euros).
In these budget-friendly Albania neighborhoods, buyers can expect to pay between 70,000 and 180,000 ALL per square meter depending on building age and condition, meaning a 60 square meter apartment might cost 50,000 to 90,000 euros total.
The main trade-offs in these lower-priced areas include longer commutes to Tirana's center in Kombinat and Laprakë, fewer modern amenities and international services in Shkodra and Elbasan, and limited rental demand outside of local tenants in Korça's non-tourist zones.
You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Albania.
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.
Which Areas in Albania Offer the Best Rental Yields?
Which neighborhoods in Albania have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Albania neighborhoods delivering the highest gross rental yields are Don Bosko and Ali Demi in Tirana (around 6% to 7.5% gross for long-term rentals), Saranda's central promenade zone (6% to 10% gross with short-term rentals), and Vlorë's Lungomare district (5.5% to 8.5% gross for seasonal holiday lets).
Across Albania as a whole, typical gross rental yields for investment properties range from 4% to 7% for long-term rentals and can reach 8% to 11% for well-managed short-term vacation properties in tourist hotspots during peak season.
Here is why these Albania neighborhoods outperform others for rental returns:
- Don Bosko, Tirana: Strong tenant demand from young professionals and affordable purchase prices create a favorable yield ratio.
- Ali Demi, Tirana: Value-priced apartments combined with steady local renter demand keep yields above average.
- Saranda central: High summer tourist turnover allows owners to charge 80 to 95 euros per night in peak months.
- Vlorë Lungomare: Growing beach tourism and the upcoming Vlora Airport will boost seasonal rental income.
Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Albania here.
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Which Areas in Albania Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in Albania perform best on Airbnb in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Albania neighborhoods performing best on Airbnb are Saranda's promenade-adjacent zone (averaging around 90 euros per night in August with 40% to 70% annual occupancy for top performers), Ksamil's beach-access streets, Himarë town center, and Tirana's Blloku district for city-break visitors.
In these top-performing Albania Airbnb markets, monthly revenue during peak summer months can range from 1,500 to 2,500 euros for well-managed one-bedroom apartments, with annual totals reaching 7,000 to 10,000 euros for properties that also capture shoulder-season bookings.
Here is what makes each of these Albania neighborhoods stand out for short-term rentals:
- Saranda promenade: Ferry connection to Corfu and walkable seafront restaurants drive consistent bookings.
- Ksamil: Famous turquoise beaches attract Instagram-savvy tourists willing to pay premium rates.
- Himarë: Limited supply of quality units keeps nightly rates higher despite smaller tourist volume.
- Blloku, Tirana: Year-round business travelers and digital nomads provide steadier off-season occupancy.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Albania.
Which tourist areas in Albania are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?
The three Albania tourist areas showing signs of short-term rental oversaturation are central Saranda, Ksamil's main beach zone, and parts of the Vlorë Lungomare, where rapid listing growth has outpaced demand growth in shoulder seasons.
In Saranda alone, AirROI data shows approximately 430 active short-term rental listings competing for bookings, while Ksamil and Vlorë have seen similar surges as new apartment buildings come online.
The clearest sign of oversaturation in these Albania markets is the sharp drop in occupancy rates outside of July and August, with median annual occupancy around 32% in Saranda and some properties sitting empty for six months or more during the off-season.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Albania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which Areas in Albania Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in Albania have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?
The Albania neighborhoods with the strongest long-term rental demand are Komuna e Parisit and Don Bosko in Tirana (popular with young professionals and families), the 21 Dhjetori and Myslym Shyri corridors near Tirana's center, and Durrës city for workers commuting to the capital.
In these high-demand Albania neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically rent within two to four weeks, and vacancy rates remain low because Tirana concentrates most of the country's jobs, universities, and government offices.
Here is the tenant profile driving demand in each of these Albania neighborhoods:
- Komuna e Parisit: Young professionals and some expats seeking modern buildings with parking.
- Don Bosko: Middle-income families and students who want affordable rents near city amenities.
- 21 Dhjetori / Myslym Shyri: Office workers who prioritize walkability to central Tirana jobs.
- Durrës city: Local workers and commuters who cannot afford Tirana prices but need quick access.
These neighborhoods attract long-term tenants because they combine relatively affordable rents with proximity to employment, public transport links, and everyday services like supermarkets and schools.
Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Albania.
What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Albania in 2026?
As of early 2026, average long-term monthly rents in Albania vary significantly by neighborhood, with Tirana's Blloku commanding 650 to 1,400 euros for one and two-bedroom apartments, while outer areas like Kombinat and Astir range from 280 to 650 euros for similar unit sizes.
In the most affordable Albania neighborhoods for long-term rentals, such as Kombinat, Laprakë, and Yzberisht in Tirana, entry-level one-bedroom apartments typically rent for 280 to 450 euros per month.
In mid-range Albania neighborhoods like Don Bosko, Komuna e Parisit, and Selita, average monthly rents for a standard two-bedroom apartment fall between 650 and 1,100 euros depending on building age and amenities.
In the most expensive Albania neighborhoods, including Blloku, Liqeni Artificial, and Pazari i Ri in central Tirana, high-end two-bedroom apartments can rent for 1,000 to 1,400 euros per month, with luxury penthouses exceeding 2,000 euros.
You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Albania here.
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Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Albania?
Which neighborhoods in Albania are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Albania neighborhoods showing the clearest signs of gentrification and investor interest are Pazari i Ri and its adjacent streets in central Tirana, Kinostudio in eastern Tirana, and Orikum near Vlorë, where new developments are replacing older stock and prices are rising faster than surrounding areas.
These gentrifying Albania neighborhoods have typically experienced annual price appreciation of 15% to 25% over the past two years, outpacing the broader market average, as developers target buyers seeking value relative to established prime areas.
Which areas in Albania have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?
The Albania areas most likely to see price increases from infrastructure projects are Vlorë and its surrounding coast (benefiting from the new Vlora International Airport opening in summer 2026), Orikum and Radhimë along the drive-time leisure corridor, and Durrës (where the Durrës Yachts and Marina project is transforming the waterfront).
The Vlora International Airport is a 170 million dollar investment featuring a 3.2 kilometer runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, with Chair Airlines launching the first commercial flights to Zurich on June 26, 2026, and Ryanair expanding routes from Tirana to serve over 4 million passengers annually.
Historically in Albania, areas near major infrastructure completions have seen price increases of 15% to 30% within three years of project completion, as improved access draws both tourists and permanent residents to previously underserved locations.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Albania here.
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.
Which Areas in Albania Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?
Which neighborhoods in Albania with lots of problems I should avoid and why?
The Albania areas that present the most challenges for property investors are locations with unclear cadastral records (common in some older Tirana neighborhoods and rural coastal plots), ultra-seasonal coastal micro-markets with weak off-season demand, and areas with a high concentration of poorly constructed new buildings.
Here are the specific problems affecting risky Albania investment areas:
- Properties without clean cadastre registration: Title disputes can take years to resolve and may void your purchase.
- Parts of Ksamil and outer Saranda: Extreme seasonality means your property may sit empty from October to May.
- Some fast-built developments in Golem and Mali i Robit: Lower construction quality and oversupply hurt resale values.
- Remote rural plots marketed to foreigners: Infrastructure gaps and zoning uncertainty create hidden costs.
For any of these Albania areas to become viable investment options, they would need verified cadastral registration through Albania's iKadaster system, stronger year-round rental demand, and stricter enforcement of building quality standards.
Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Albania.
Which areas in Albania have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Albania areas showing price stagnation or soft performance are parts of the Durrës coastal strip (Golem, Mali i Robit) where oversupply has dampened appreciation, and some non-tourist inland towns where local demand growth cannot match new construction.
These underperforming Albania areas have experienced price growth of only 0% to 5% annually over the past two years, compared to 15% to 40% gains in Tirana's prime neighborhoods and the southern Riviera hotspots.
Here are the underlying causes of stagnation in these Albania markets:
- Golem and Mali i Robit (Durrës coast): Too many similar mid-range resort apartments competing for limited shoulder-season renters.
- Non-tourist inland cities: Weak local wage growth means fewer buyers can afford asking prices.
- Older Soviet-era stock in outer Tirana: Buildings without elevators or modern utilities struggle to attract tenants.
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Which Areas in Albania Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?
Which areas in Albania have historically appreciated the most recently?
The Albania areas that have appreciated most strongly over the past five years are Tirana's Blloku district, the Liqeni Artificial zone, Ksamil on the southern coast, and Saranda's seafront strip, all of which have seen cumulative price gains of 80% to 140% since 2020.
Here are the approximate appreciation figures for Albania's top-performing markets:
- Blloku, Tirana: Around 100% to 140% total appreciation since 2020, with some prime units doubling.
- Ksamil: Approximately 90% to 130% total gains driven by international tourism discovery.
- Saranda seafront: Roughly 80% to 110% appreciation as the Riviera brand attracted more foreign buyers.
- Liqeni Artificial, Tirana: About 90% to 120% gains from luxury new-build demand.
The main driver behind this above-average Albania appreciation has been a combination of strong tourism growth (over 10 million visitors in 2024), EU accession momentum, low entry prices compared to neighboring Mediterranean markets, and a surge in foreign investor interest from diaspora Albanians and international buyers.
By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Albania.
Which neighborhoods in Albania are expected to see price growth in coming years?
The Albania neighborhoods expected to see the strongest price growth in coming years are Vlorë's Lungomare and Uji i Ftohtë (benefiting from the new airport), Orikum and Radhimë as the "second ring" of the Riviera, and Tirana's Selita and Kinostudio districts where prices still lag behind prime central areas.
Here are the projected growth rates for these high-potential Albania neighborhoods:
- Vlorë Lungomare / Uji i Ftohtë: Projected 10% to 15% annual growth as airport operations begin.
- Orikum / Radhimë: Expected 8% to 12% annual appreciation as spillover from Vlorë intensifies.
- Selita / Kinostudio, Tirana: Forecast 6% to 10% annual gains as these areas catch up to central prices.
- Himarë town: Anticipated 7% to 11% growth due to constrained buildable land and rising demand.
The single most important catalyst expected to drive future price growth in these Albania neighborhoods is the opening of Vlora International Airport in summer 2026, which will dramatically improve access to the southern coast and unlock tourism-led demand that was previously constrained by the long drive from Tirana.
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.
What Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Albania?
Which areas in Albania do local residents consider the most desirable to live?
The Albania areas that local residents consider most desirable to live are Blloku in Tirana (for its cafe culture and walkability), Komuna e Parisit (for family-friendly amenities), and the neighborhoods around Liqeni Artificial (for green space and modern high-rises).
Here is what makes each of these Albania neighborhoods attractive to locals:
- Blloku: Prestigious address with trendy restaurants, embassies, and central nightlife.
- Komuna e Parisit: Good schools, new apartment buildings, and safe streets for families.
- Liqeni Artificial area: Jogging paths, park access, and high-quality new developments.
- Selita: Quiet residential feel with improving infrastructure and reasonable prices.
These locally-preferred Albania neighborhoods are typically home to upper-middle-class Albanian families, successful business owners, and professionals who prioritize quality of life and proximity to their children's schools.
Local preferences in Albania largely align with what foreign investors target, though locals tend to place more weight on school quality and family networks, while foreign buyers often prioritize walkability, modern finishes, and rental potential.
Which neighborhoods in Albania have the best reputation among expat communities?
The Albania neighborhoods with the best reputation among expat communities are Blloku and Pazari i Ri in Tirana (for walkability and international dining options), Saranda's central seafront (for lifestyle-focused foreigners), and Vlorë's Lungomare (for those seeking a beach town with services).
Here is why expats prefer these Albania neighborhoods over others:
- Blloku: English-speaking services, international cafes, and easy access to embassies.
- Pazari i Ri: Renovated historic center with artisan shops and a European village feel.
- Saranda seafront: Ferry to Corfu, seaside restaurants, and a growing digital nomad scene.
- Vlorë Lungomare: Beach access combined with year-round urban services.
The typical expat profile in these popular Albania neighborhoods includes digital nomads and remote workers in their 30s and 40s, retired Europeans seeking affordable Mediterranean living, and diaspora Albanians returning to invest or live part-time.
Which areas in Albania do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?
The Albania areas that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are Ksamil (where summer crowds contrast with winter emptiness), parts of Dhërmi and Palasë (where prices approach mature Mediterranean levels), and some luxury new-builds in Tirana marketed primarily to diaspora investors.
Here is the main reason locals believe these Albania areas are overvalued:
- Ksamil: Beautiful in August but nearly abandoned from October to May, making year-round living impractical.
- Dhërmi / Palasë: Premium prices for beach access, but limited services and extreme seasonality.
- Diaspora-targeted Tirana towers: High asking prices based on foreign purchasing power, not local fundamentals.
Foreign buyers are typically drawn to these Albania areas by stunning Instagram photos, the "Albanian Riviera" brand, and comparisons to more expensive Greek or Croatian coastlines, while locals understand that year-round infrastructure and services remain underdeveloped.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Albania.
Which areas in Albania are considered boring or undesirable by residents?
The Albania areas that residents commonly consider boring or undesirable are far-periphery Tirana belts like outer Kashar (with weak public transport), mono-functional resort strips like parts of Golem outside summer, and inland towns with limited job opportunities and outmigration patterns.
Here is the main reason residents find these Albania areas unappealing:
- Outer Kashar and distant Tirana periphery: Long commutes, limited services, and car-dependency.
- Golem (off-season): Empty resort buildings and closed restaurants make winter months isolating.
- Smaller inland towns: Young people leave for Tirana, creating aging populations and fewer amenities.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Albania Financial Stability Report | Albania's central bank flagship report on housing market indicators and methodology. | We used it to anchor nationwide and Tirana-specific price trends using the official Fischer index. We also cross-checked mortgage and credit conditions affecting buyer demand. |
| INSTAT Building Permits Report | Albania's national statistics office and the official source for construction activity. | We used it to quantify the construction pipeline and identify where oversupply risk is most plausible. We also tracked permit trends by municipality. |
| IMF Albania 2025 Article IV Consultation | IMF reports are the standard macro baseline used by investors and policymakers. | We used it to anchor the 2026 economic backdrop that underpins housing demand. We also cross-checked tourism-led growth spillover into rental markets. |
| World Bank Albania Country Factsheet | A top-tier source for comparable macroeconomic and social indicators. | We used it to frame 2025 to 2026 growth expectations and labor market context. We kept demand assumptions consistent with official economic projections. |
| Colliers Albania Market Overview 2024 | Colliers is a global real estate consultancy with professional standards and local presence. | We used it to triangulate institutional-grade narratives on supply pipelines and prime segments. We also sanity-checked which submarkets qualify as prime versus secondary. |
| AirDNA Short-Term Rental Analytics | A widely used STR analytics provider with transparent, data-driven methodology. | We used it to define what good Airbnb performance means in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR terms. We also guided neighborhood comparisons for short-term rental potential. |
| AirROI Tirana and Saranda Data | A dedicated STR analytics portal publishing market-level stats and listing counts. | We used it as a cross-check on Tirana's and Saranda's STR supply and typical performance levels. We also triangulated seasonal occupancy patterns. |
| Albania State Cadastre (iKadaster) | The official cadastre system for property registration workflows in Albania. | We used it to ground ownership practicality and title verification for foreign buyers. We also shaped the due diligence checklist around registration requirements. |
| RTSH (Albanian Public Broadcaster) | Albania's national broadcaster with high accountability for infrastructure updates. | We used it to identify the Vlora Airport catalyst and its timeline. We also supported infrastructure-led upside discussions for specific coastal submarkets. |
| UN Tourism Global Update | The UN's official tourism body and primary source for international travel trends. | We used it to support the broader tourism cycle feeding Albania's short-term rental demand. We also contextualized coastal STR seasonality and supply dynamics. |
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