Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Albania Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Tirana's property market is included in our pack
Why is Tirana emerging as a prime destination for property investment in 2025? Is it the attractive rental returns, the vibrant cultural scene, or the affordability compared to other European capitals? What are the key benefits for investors?
We get asked these questions all the time because we’re on the ground, working closely with developers, real estate agents, and investors like you. With so much interest in this market, we’ve decided to turn our individual answers into a comprehensive article for everyone to benefit from.
Our goal is to provide a clear case for investing in Tirana's real estate market, backed by our firsthand experience and market knowledge.
If you think we missed an important point in our content or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out (we answer super fast). Your feedback makes our content even stronger.
Finally, please note that this is not financial or investment advice. Investing in real estate carries inherent risks, and market conditions can change unexpectedly. We strongly encourage you to conduct thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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1) Tirana’s diverse architecture offers unique property options for buyers
Tirana's architecture is a fascinating blend of styles, making it appealing to buyers interested in unique properties. This mix is evident in projects like the Tirana Tower by Oppenheim Architecture, which uses textured precast concrete panels inspired by Albanian embroidery motifs, combining modern aesthetics with historical craftsmanship.
The city's architectural diversity is further highlighted by the ODA Tirana project, featuring a red concrete façade that reflects Albania’s architectural heritage. This project also incorporates green terraces and shaded loggias, addressing the Mediterranean climate and adding to its unique appeal.
International buyers are increasingly drawn to Tirana's distinctive properties, which showcase a blend of Ottoman, Venetian, and Byzantine influences. Projects like the Hora Vertikale, designed as a vertical village amidst a green park, emphasize community engagement and sustainability, attracting buyers from around the world.
Sources: Designboom, Architizer, Property Hub
2) Tirana’s investment in green spaces boosts neighborhood appeal and property values
The city of Tirana is transforming with major investments in green spaces.
In 2023 and 2024, the Tirana 2030 Master Plan was rolled out, aiming to triple the city's green spaces by planting two million trees. This ambitious plan, crafted by Stefano Boeri Architects, includes creating an orbital forest around the city. The idea is to boost Tirana's green infrastructure, making it a more attractive place to live.
A standout project is the Orbital Forest, which links 14,000 hectares of parks, fields, and forests. This not only supports biodiversity but also acts as a natural boundary to curb urban sprawl. Such green initiatives are known to increase property values, as there's a clear link between green spaces and rising property prices.
By weaving green areas into the city's design, the Tirana 2030 Master Plan encourages vertical growth, freeing up public spaces in the crowded urban center. This strategy not only makes neighborhoods more appealing but also aligns with Albania's goal to cut its carbon footprint by 22% by 2025.
For potential property buyers, these developments mean more than just a prettier city. The increase in green spaces is expected to enhance neighborhood appeal and boost property values, making it a smart investment choice.
As Tirana continues to grow, these green projects are set to play a crucial role in shaping the city's future, offering a blend of urban living and nature. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident, and it's a trend that's likely to continue.
Sources: UNA City, Architizer, World Bank
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.
3) Tirana’s cultural festivals draw tourists, making it easy to rent out your property short-term
The city of Tirana has been hosting more cultural festivals in recent years, which has made it a more attractive place for tourists to visit. These festivals are part of a broader effort to promote tourism and cultural events, as seen in initiatives like the International Conference of the Central European Initiative held in Tirana.
In 2023, Albania saw a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with 10.1 million visitors, many of whom came during festival periods. This influx of tourists, drawn by cultural events, has been noted by the Institute of Statistics, highlighting the appeal of these festivals to international visitors from Europe, America, and East Asia/Pacific.
Short-term rental demand has also surged during these festival times. Data from Airbnb shows that the occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Tirana is higher during festivals, indicating that more tourists are looking for places to stay. This trend is supported by reports from local tourism boards, which emphasize the economic benefits of these cultural events, including increased income for short-term rental owners.
Local businesses in Tirana have reported higher revenues during festival periods, thanks to the increased number of tourists. This boost in business is a direct result of the city's vibrant cultural scene, which has been widely covered by media outlets, further promoting Tirana as a must-visit cultural destination.
Sources: Albanian Daily News, Airbtics, Visit Tirana
4) With better public transport, Tirana’s property values are on the rise
Tirana's public transportation has seen major improvements, making life easier for commuters.
The city introduced the "Green Transport Tirana" project, featuring the first electric Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system. Supported by the European Union, Germany, and the Municipality of Tirana, this initiative brought dedicated lanes and electric buses, enhancing the public transport experience and cutting down CO2 emissions.
With the e-BRT system, commute times have dropped significantly. For instance, a round trip on the Ring used to take 54 minutes, but now it’s just 27 minutes. This makes daily travel much more convenient and less stressful for everyone.
These transportation upgrades have led to a rise in property values in areas with better transit access. Central neighborhoods like Ex-Block and Stadium “Air Albania” are seeing higher rental prices, attracting locals, expatriates, and digital nomads who appreciate the improved public transport.
As these areas become more desirable, demand for housing is on the rise. Improved public transportation options are a key factor in this growing interest.
Investing in property in these neighborhoods could be a smart move, given the ongoing enhancements in public transport. These changes are making Tirana a more attractive place to live and work.
Sources: European Union and Germany Support Green Transport Tirana, Telegrafi
5) Tirana’s closeness to the Adriatic Sea is perfect for vacation home buyers
Tirana's proximity to the Adriatic Sea makes it appealing for vacation home buyers for several reasons. First, the demand for coastal properties in Albania has been rising, driven by tourism and foreign investment. This trend is evident in the increasing number of vacation rentals available in Tirana and nearby coastal areas.
Additionally, tourism in Albania has skyrocketed, with over 10 million visitors in 2023, making it one of Europe's fastest-growing tourist spots. This boom is particularly notable in Tirana and nearby coastal areas like Durrës and Vlorë. The growth in short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, further highlights the appeal of Tirana's coastal location and its cultural attractions.
Moreover, the proximity of Tirana to popular Adriatic Sea beaches enhances its vacation appeal. These beaches offer stunning landscapes and diverse recreational activities, making them attractive for tourists and vacation home buyers. The development of new transportation links between Tirana and coastal areas is also facilitating easier access to these regions, making it more convenient for tourists and investors to visit and purchase properties.
Sources: Airbnb, Holidu, Operational CBC Nautical Tourism Development Plan
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6) With better healthcare facilities, Tirana is becoming a top choice for health-conscious residents
Tirana's healthcare facilities have been improving significantly, making the city more attractive to health-conscious residents. One of the key reasons is the increased government investment in healthcare infrastructure. In 2025, the Albanian government allocated a historic 103.375 billion lekë for the health budget, surpassing 1 billion euros for the first time. This substantial investment is aimed at expanding healthcare access, improving working conditions for healthcare professionals, and heavily investing in hospital infrastructure.
Another important factor is the rising number of new hospitals and clinics being built or planned. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is collaborating with the Albanian government to transform hospitals across the country. For instance, UNOPS is renovating the Infectious Diseases Clinic within the Mother Teresa Hospital in Tirana, funded by a €12.8 million World Bank loan. This project includes new emergency beds, intensive care units, and ward beds, enhancing the facility's capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
Additionally, there have been significant improvements in healthcare technology and equipment. UNOPS has procured and delivered essential hospital equipment, such as digital X-ray systems, CT scanners, and all-purpose ultrasound machines, to 13 hospitals across Albania. This upgrade ensures that local residents can receive timely and high-quality medical services.
Sources: Albanian Times, UNOPS
7) With Tirana’s film industry booming, you’ll find plenty of professionals looking for temporary housing
The film industry in Tirana has been experiencing significant growth, attracting professionals who need temporary housing. In 2023, Troma Entertainment, a well-known New York City film studio, chose Tirana for their production of *Shakespeare’s Sh*tstorm*. This marked a milestone as it was the first time a major American studio filmed in Albania, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and ease of filming in the city.
Additionally, international collaborations have been on the rise, with Albanian filmmakers working alongside Chinese and Greek production companies on projects like *Balkan Blood* and *Holy Boom*. The Albanian Film Center has also been offering incentives, such as an additional €50,000 for productions that meet certain criteria, which has attracted more international productions to collaborate with local companies.
Moreover, the Albanian parliament's consideration of a film incentive that includes a 30% rebate on foreign films spending €150,000 or more in Albania is set to make the country one of the most attractive locations for film production in the region. This has led to increased media coverage, with outlets like Pioneer Media highlighting Tirana as an emerging hub for international film productions.
Sources: Media Pioneers, Albanian Times
8) Tirana’s focus on renewable energy draws in eco-friendly buyers
Tirana's commitment to renewable energy is drawing in environmentally conscious buyers for several reasons. First, the city has seen a significant increase in solar energy projects, such as the 140-megawatt Karavasta plant, which became operational in 2023. This growth in solar capacity is part of a broader trend of renewable energy development in the region.
Additionally, the Albanian government has implemented renewable energy auctions, which have resulted in some of the lowest prices in the western Balkans. In 2023 alone, $192.2 million was invested in solar projects, highlighting the financial commitment to sustainable energy.
Moreover, Tirana's sustainable city initiatives, like the General Local Plan “TIRANA2030,” emphasize green building practices and the creation of green spaces, such as the Metropolitan Forest project. This project aims to plant 2 million trees, enhancing the city's eco-friendly living environment.
Sources: Circular Cities Declaration, Global Climatescope
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.
9) The growing wine industry attracts enthusiasts looking to live near vineyards
The local wine industry in Tirana is expanding, and there are several reasons why this is drawing wine enthusiasts to live near vineyards. One of the key indicators of this growth is the increasing number of vineyards and wineries in Albania. This trend is highlighted in the Albanian Wine Industry Outlook 2024-2028, which shows a positive trajectory for the local wine industry.
Additionally, wine consumption in Albania is on the rise, with projections showing an increase from 21,000 metric tons in 2023 to 21,500 metric tons by 2028. This suggests that both production and consumption are growing, which is a good sign for the industry. Moreover, the export market for Albanian wine is expanding, with significant growth in markets like Angola, Zimbabwe, and Switzerland between 2021 and 2022.
Real estate trends also play a role in this expansion. As the wine industry grows, property values near vineyards are likely to increase, making these areas more attractive to wine enthusiasts. Surveys often show a growing interest in living near vineyards, as people are drawn to the lifestyle and culture associated with wine. Furthermore, the establishment of wine tasting tours and experiences in the Tirana area provides additional opportunities for enthusiasts to engage with local wines and vineyards.
Sources: Albania Wine Industry Outlook 2024-2028, Wine in Albania | The Observatory of Economic Complexity, Wine Market Size to boom US$749.1 Billion by 2033
10) Tirana's economy is diversifying, which helps stabilize the housing market
The local economy in Tirana is diversifying, which is helping to stabilize the housing market. This diversification is evident in the rising employment rates across various sectors. For instance, the tourism industry experienced a significant boom in 2023, with a record number of foreign visitors, marking a 57% increase compared to 2022.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for IT professionals as technology adoption increases. This shift is supported by government and foreign investments in infrastructure projects, which are creating jobs for both blue-collar and skilled labor. The energy sector is also seeing expansion, particularly in renewable energy, which is opening up opportunities for engineers and technicians.
Moreover, the Albanian government is actively promoting economic diversification through initiatives like housing projects and urban development. These efforts are crucial in addressing the housing needs of a growing population and stabilizing the rental market. The presence of multinational companies and the diversification of export products further indicate a broadening economic base.
Sources: AtoZ Serwis Plus, Academicus, Tirana Times
11) Tirana’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative could boost foreign investment
The city of Tirana is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is a global development strategy adopted by China to enhance trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond. This initiative has led to increased infrastructure development in Albania, which is a key factor in attracting foreign investment. Although there are no specific BRI-related projects mentioned in Tirana, the overall trend in Albania shows a boost in infrastructure improvements, particularly in the real estate sector, which is being actively promoted by the government to attract international investors.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania has been on the rise, reaching €1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024. This growth highlights Albania's increasing appeal as a destination for international capital, especially in sectors like real estate, energy, and financial intermediation. The Albanian government has also introduced various incentives, such as tax breaks and simplified property ownership processes for non-residents, to make investing in Albanian real estate more attractive and accessible.
Additionally, the trade volume between Albania and China has been steadily increasing, indicating a potential rise in economic activity linked to the BRI. This growth in trade, along with media coverage highlighting the positive impacts of the BRI on local economies, suggests that Tirana's participation in the initiative could lead to increased foreign investment. The rising property values in Tirana, driven by the influx of international students and expatriates, further support this trend.
Sources: Albanian Times, ECFR, Wikipedia
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12) Tirana is turning into a conference hub, making short-term rentals more in demand
Tirana has been hosting an increasing number of international conferences, which is a key factor in its emergence as a regional hub for such events. In 2023, the city hosted the 57th CEEC Meeting, and in 2024, it welcomed events like the International Tourism Fair Tirana and the Conference on Creative Economy. These events attracted international attendees, highlighting Tirana's growing appeal as a conference destination.
The city's infrastructure supports this growth, with venues like the Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center offering extensive facilities for large events. This hotel, along with other venues like the Polytechnic University of Tirana, provides the necessary space and amenities to accommodate various conferences, indicating a robust infrastructure for hosting such events.
Investments in infrastructure have also played a significant role in supporting business tourism. Albania's transition to a market-oriented economy has included significant infrastructure development, which aids in attracting business travelers. The renovation of the Tirana International Hotel in 2018 further underscores the city's commitment to providing high-quality accommodations for conference attendees.
Sources: Union for the Mediterranean, Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, 10Times
13) With Tirana’s tech industry booming, young professionals are looking for housing
Tirana's tech industry is booming, drawing in young professionals who need places to live.
In recent years, the city has become a hotspot for tech startups, thanks to initiatives like the Challenge Fund, which has supported 20 Albanian startups with innovative solutions. This surge in tech entrepreneurship is a clear sign of Tirana's growing appeal in the tech world.
Adding to this momentum is the launch of #TECHSPACE, a hub for innovators and entrepreneurs. This development suggests that tech companies are choosing Tirana as their new home, likely attracted by the city's supportive environment for tech innovation, including government initiatives and a variety of coworking spaces and tech incubators.
Local universities are also seeing a spike in enrollment for tech-related courses, which underscores the increasing interest in tech education. This trend, coupled with the influx of young professionals, points to a rising demand for housing in tech-friendly neighborhoods. As more tech workers flock to the city, the need for rental properties in these areas is expected to grow.
For those considering buying property, this means that investing in Tirana's tech-centric neighborhoods could be a smart move. The city's tech scene is not just a passing trend; it's a thriving ecosystem that's attracting talent and creating opportunities.
With the tech industry continuing to expand, Tirana is becoming a vibrant place for young professionals, making it an exciting time to explore real estate opportunities in the area.
Sources: Partners Albania, XYZ Lab
14) You’ll get tax breaks for renovating properties in historic areas
The government is offering tax incentives for property renovations in historic areas to encourage the preservation of cultural heritage and stimulate local economies. In the past, specifically in 2023 and 2024, there was a noticeable trend where building permits for new constructions decreased, but renovation activities increased. This shift suggests that property owners are taking advantage of these incentives to renovate existing structures rather than build new ones.
Albania, for instance, introduced policies that included tax incentives aimed at sustainable building practices, which are particularly relevant for historic area renovations. These incentives make it financially attractive for property owners and investors to focus on renovating historic properties, thus preserving the cultural and historical significance of these areas.
Moreover, the construction sector in Albania has shown strong growth, but there is a mismatch between demand and supply. This indicates that the focus on renovations, supported by tax incentives, is a strategic move to address this imbalance. By encouraging renovations, the government not only helps preserve historic areas but also boosts property values, making these areas more appealing to investors and buyers.
Sources: Italy House Hunting, Albanian Daily News, Euronews 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.
15) Tirana’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it a top choice for retirees
The city's climate is attracting retirees looking for a mild Mediterranean environment for several reasons.
Firstly, Tirana experiences mild temperatures, with hotter summers and more heatwaves, which is appealing to retirees who prefer a Mediterranean climate. This kind of weather is often sought after by those looking to enjoy warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal retirement spot.
Additionally, the growth in tourism and expatriate communities in Tirana suggests a rising interest in the city. In 2023, international arrivals increased by 56% compared to 2019, indicating that more people, including retirees, are drawn to the area. This growth is supported by the increasing property sales in Tirana to foreign buyers, which could be indicative of retirees moving to the area.
Moreover, media coverage often highlights Tirana as a desirable retirement destination due to its climate and other attractions. This kind of attention can significantly influence retirees' decisions to move to the city.
Sources: UNWTO, Climate Adaptation Platform
While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility. Finally, please note that we are not affiliated to any of the sources provided. Our analysis remains then 100% impartial.