Is buying a property in the center of Durrës a good investment?

Last updated on December 7, 2023

Yes, the analysis of Durrës' property market is included in our pack

If you've ever strolled through the historic center of Durrës and admired the charming architecture, you may have contemplated investing in a piece of this historical beauty to make it your second home in Albania's coastal city.

Is it a good idea though? How is the real estate market there? Are prices going up or going down? Do people make profits on their real estate investments? What about the rental demand?

We'll answer all these questions for you! When building and updating our property pack for Albania, our team has been researching and surveying this area. Actually, lots of customers are interested in investing there. So we thought it would be a good idea to add some information about it in our pack.

Why do property buyers like investing in the center of Durrës?

Durrës City Center in Albania has garnered significant attention from property buyers, and for good reasons.

Its appeal lies in a blend of historical charm, strategic location, and burgeoning economic potential, distinguishing it from other real estate markets.

Firstly, Durrës City Center is steeped in history. As one of the oldest cities in Albania, it offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and modern development.

This historical aspect provides a distinct cultural and aesthetic appeal that's hard to find elsewhere. This contrast of old and new makes it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate a city with a story.

The location of Durrës City Center is another key factor. Situated on the coast, it provides beautiful sea views and easy access to beaches, which is a luxury not available in many inland real estate markets.

The city's port, one of the largest in the Adriatic Sea, is a hub for trade and tourism, enhancing its economic stability and growth potential. This strategic position has been a major draw for both domestic and international investors.

The rise in popularity of Durrës City Center as a real estate hotspot is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining momentum over the last decade. This surge is linked to Albania's overall economic growth and the government's focus on improving infrastructure and tourism. These developments have made the city more accessible and attractive to a broader audience.

However, whether this popularity will sustain itself is contingent on continued economic and infrastructural development. As long as these factors keep pace, the hype around Durrës City Center is likely to remain.

The type of people attracted to Durrës City Center is diverse. It appeals to history enthusiasts, beach lovers, and those seeking a blend of tranquil coastal life with urban amenities.

Additionally, its growing economy attracts business investors and professionals looking for opportunities in tourism, trade, and services.

However, like any location, Durrës City Center has its drawbacks. The rapid development can sometimes lead to urban congestion, and with increased popularity, property prices may rise, potentially making it less accessible for some buyers.

Also, as a historic area, certain parts of the city may have aging infrastructure that needs updating.

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Why is Durrës City Center a nice place to live?

Living in Durrës City Center you'll find a lifestyle that beautifully blends historical charm with modern conveniences, making it a desirable place for many.

The city's culture is rich and vibrant, rooted in its ancient history as one of Albania's oldest cities. You'll experience a unique mix of traditional Albanian customs and a growing influence of modern European styles.

The expat community in Durrës is growing, thanks to the city's welcoming atmosphere and its status as a key economic and tourist hub. This community adds to the city's cultural diversity, bringing together people from different backgrounds and contributing to a cosmopolitan vibe.

When it comes to living costs, Durrës is relatively affordable compared to many European cities. Of course, the cost can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences, but generally, you'll find that housing, food, and entertainment offer good value for money. This affordability is one of the factors that make Durrës attractive to both locals and expats alike.

Safety is a consideration wherever you live, and in Durrës City Center, you'll find a generally safe environment. Like any urban area, it's wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, but the city is known for its friendly locals and a low crime rate, contributing to a secure feeling for residents.

Regarding amenities and facilities, Durrës City Center is well-equipped. For healthcare, there are facilities like the Durrës Regional Hospital. Educational needs are met by various schools, including the Ismail Qemali High School.

Shopping and leisure are catered to by centers like the TEG Shopping Center, offering a range of shops and entertainment options. These amenities enhance the quality of life in the city.

The infrastructure in Durrës is constantly improving. The roads are generally in good condition, utilities are reliable, and internet connectivity is comparable to other European cities, supporting both daily life and remote work needs.

Accessibility is another strong point for Durrës City Center. It's well-connected to other parts of Durrësa, making travel within the country easy.

For international travel, the city is not far from the Tirana International Airport, Albania's primary international gateway. This proximity to the airport adds to the convenience of living in Durrës.

Public transportation options in Durrës include buses and taxis, which are both affordable and efficient. These services make navigating the city straightforward, even if you don't own a vehicle.

How much does it cost to buy real estate in the center of Durrës?

If you need a detailed and updated analysis of the prices, rents and yields, you can get our full guide about real estate investment in Albania.

Buying a property in Durres City Center you'll find a range of options from apartments and houses to luxury villas.

The high demand in this area is primarily for apartments, particularly due to their affordability and practicality for both locals and expats. These apartments offer a blend of modern living in a historically rich area, making them attractive for those who want to enjoy city life with a touch of historical charm.

In terms of property types, you'll find both new developments and resale properties in Durres City Center. The new developments often come with modern amenities and are designed to meet the growing demand for contemporary living spaces.

Resale properties, on the other hand, can offer a more traditional feel and sometimes come with a lower price tag.

The price range for properties in Durres City Center varies, but you can generally expect to find prices ranging from around 800 to 1,500 euros per square meter. This range depends on various factors like the property's size, condition, and exact location within the city center.

Some premium properties, especially luxury villas or new developments with additional amenities, might be priced higher.

Over recent years, property values in Durres City Center have seen a steady increase. This trend is largely attributed to the city's growing popularity as a tourist destination and its economic development. The increase in demand for both residential and vacation properties has driven up prices.

Looking at future developments, there are plans for new residential and commercial projects which could further influence property values. Developments like the planned expansion of the port and improvements in infrastructure are expected to boost the city's economic growth and, in turn, could lead to an increase in property values.

Predicting the real estate market's future in Durres City Center, it seems poised for growth. With ongoing city development projects and increasing interest from both domestic and international buyers, property values are likely to continue their upward trajectory.

Several factors indicate this potential increase in value. The city's growing reputation as a tourist hotspot, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and the continuous influx of foreign investment are key indicators.

Additionally, the city's strategic location as a major port and its rich cultural heritage make it an attractive option for long-term investment in real estate.

So, if you're considering buying property in Durres City Center, it's a promising investment with a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. The ongoing developments and the city's growing appeal suggest that investing here could be a wise decision for the future.

Where is the best area to buy a property in the center of Durrës?

When looking for the best area to buy a property in Durres City Center, it's important to understand the nuances of different neighborhoods within the city.

Each area has its own unique atmosphere, types of properties available, and price ranges.

One of the most sought-after areas in Durres City Center is the waterfront or beachfront zone. This area is known for its scenic views of the Adriatic Sea and proximity to beaches.

Properties here are predominantly apartments, ranging from modest to luxury accommodations. Prices in this zone tend to be higher due to the desirable location, but for many, the combination of sea views and easy beach access is worth the premium.

Moving inland, you'll find areas that are a mix of residential and commercial properties. These areas often have a more urban feel, with a blend of older buildings and new developments. The property types here vary, offering a mix of apartments, townhouses, and occasionally single-family homes.

The prices in these more central areas can be more affordable than the beachfront, making them attractive to a wider range of buyers.

For those looking for up-and-coming areas within Durres City Center, neighborhoods around major public projects or infrastructure developments are good to watch. These areas might currently be undervalued but have the potential for significant growth in the future. However, specific names of such neighborhoods are not provided here.

When considering where to buy, areas near key amenities like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers are always a good bet. These locations offer convenience and are often in demand, which can be beneficial for property value retention and growth.

Look for properties in areas like the vicinity of Alexander Moisiu Street or near the Durrës Amphitheatre for a blend of cultural richness and modern convenience.

On the contrary, areas that are less advisable for property purchase are those that might be prone to higher noise levels, heavy traffic, or are farther from the city's main attractions and amenities.

These areas might offer lower prices, but the trade-off can be a less desirable living experience and potentially slower property value appreciation.

Here is a summary table to help you visualize better. If you need more detailed data and information, please check our property pack for Albania.

Area	Description	Property Types	Price Range
Waterfront / Beachfront	Scenic views of the Adriatic Sea, close to beaches.	Apartments (modest to luxury)	Higher
Inland / Central	Mix of residential and commercial, urban feel.	Apartments, townhouses, single-family homes	Moderate
Up-and-coming Areas	Near major public projects or infrastructure developments.	Varies	Potential for growth
Near Key Amenities	Convenient, in demand, near schools, hospitals, shopping.	Varies	Desirable
Less Advisable Areas	Prone to noise, heavy traffic, or far from main attractions.	Varies	Lower

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Is there a strong rental demand in the center of Durrës?

In Durres City Center, the rental demand is indeed strong, but it's nuanced in terms of the type of rental and the target demographic.

The demand is a mix of both short-term and long-term rentals, each catering to different tenant profiles.

For short-term rentals, the target demographic primarily includes tourists and visitors. Durres, known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites, attracts a significant number of tourists, especially during the summer months.

These visitors often look for properties that offer a blend of comfort and convenience, with a preference for locations close to the beach, tourist attractions, and entertainment areas.

Apartments, particularly those with one or two bedrooms, are highly sought after by this group. They often prefer rentals in areas like the waterfront or near major tourist spots like the Durrës Amphitheatre.

On the other hand, long-term rentals cater to a different set of tenants. These are typically professionals working in Durres, expatriates, or even students attending local universities. Their preferences lean towards residential areas that are well-connected yet peaceful, offering a balance between urban convenience and a relaxed lifestyle.

For long-term tenants, apartments and small houses in neighborhoods with good access to amenities like supermarkets, schools, and public transportation are in demand. These tenants often look for properties in more residential parts of the city center, where they can enjoy a sense of community.

Regarding amenities, properties that offer features like parking, good internet connectivity, modern appliances, and perhaps a balcony or small outdoor space tend to have lower vacancy rates. These amenities align with the desires for comfort and convenience that both short-term and long-term tenants seek.

As for the potential returns on investment, properties in Durres City Center can be quite lucrative, especially with the right property type and location. While specific numbers can vary, it's not uncommon for well-located and well-maintained properties to yield attractive returns.

Properties close to the beach or main tourist attractions can command higher rental prices, especially during peak tourist seasons, enhancing short-term rental yields. For long-term rentals, a steady income can be expected, with the potential for incremental rent increases over time.

Looking at trends, properties that offer flexibility and adaptability to cater to both short-term and long-term rental markets are becoming increasingly popular.

Such properties provide owners with the opportunity to maximize occupancy and adjust to market demands, potentially offering better yields.

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Is it easy to buy a property as foreigner in the center of Durrës?

Before we answer the question, please know that we have an article dedicated to the experience of buying real estate as a foreigner in Albania.

Buying property in Durres City Center as a foreigner can be a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of certain regulations, risks, and best practices specific to Albania.

Firstly, foreign buyers in Albania face few restrictions when purchasing property. Unlike some other countries, Albania generally allows foreigners to buy real estate with the same rights as local citizens.

However, it's important to note that while there are no major legal barriers, the process can be different from what you might be used to in your home country.

The purchasing process typically involves finding a property, negotiating the price, and then going through a legal process to transfer ownership. This process includes due diligence checks on the property to ensure there are no outstanding legal issues or disputes. It's essential to verify that the seller has clear title to the property and that there are no encumbrances or liens against it.

One of the primary risks associated with property investment in Durres City Center, and Albania in general, is related to property rights and legal documentation. Some properties might have unclear ownership history or unresolved property disputes.

These issues are somewhat unique to Albania due to its transition from a socialist system, where property ownership was not always clearly defined or properly recorded.

A common pitfall for foreign buyers is not being fully aware of local real estate laws and market conditions. This can lead to overpaying for a property or investing in an area that does not have as much growth potential as others.

Another specific issue in Albania can be the accuracy of property records; in some cases, records may be outdated or inaccurate, which can lead to legal complications.

Working with a local real estate agent and/or lawyer is highly recommended. A knowledgeable local agent can provide valuable insights into the best areas to invest in and help navigate the local market's nuances.

A lawyer, meanwhile, is crucial for ensuring that all legal aspects of the property purchase are handled correctly, especially considering the potential for complicated property histories in Albania.

Common exit strategies for property investors in Durres City Center include selling the property outright, especially after a period of appreciation, or leveraging the property for rental income.

With Durres being a popular tourist destination, rental properties, particularly those suited for short-term vacation rentals, can be a lucrative option.

Some investors also choose to hold onto their properties for long-term value appreciation, particularly as Albania's economy and tourism sector continue to grow.