European Union: Concrete Progress, Not Just Promises
On July 14, 2026, at the ninth intergovernmental conference, Albania provisionally closed the first three negotiation chapters: science and research, education and culture, and external relations. This is the first time any chapter has been closed in the accession process. The path to the EU is still a long one, but the direction is clear and the pace is realistic. Each step closer to the union historically means greater legal certainty and increasing property value.
Tourism and Prices: Demand Pushing Value Up
In the first five months of 2026, Albania welcomed 3.7 million foreign tourists, an 8.2 percent year-on-year increase. The forecast for the entire year projects a 15 percent growth, following a record 12.47 million visitors in 2025. This demand directly translates into prices. Properties have risen by approximately 18 percent year-on-year, with growth reaching 25 to 58 percent in Saranda and Vlora in 2025. The average price of around 1,600 EUR per square meter is still significantly below the level of comparable destinations in Croatia or Montenegro.
Infrastructure: Vlorë Airport and New Roads
Vlorë International Airport is in the final phase of construction, featuring a 3.2 km runway and a terminal designed for up to two million passengers annually. However, the launch of commercial operations has been delayed due to missing certification and a dispute among shareholders, leading to the cancellation of charter flights for summer 2026. Nevertheless, it remains a key catalyst for the southern coast. Concurrently, the modernization of coastal roads between Vlora, Himarë, and Saranda continues, and the port of Durrës is being expanded. For buyers, this means improved accessibility and further growth potential.
What to Watch Out For
The market is not without risks. Analysts point out that prices in Tirana and prime coastal locations are roughly 20 to 35 percent above levels justifiable by local incomes. Furthermore, the ongoing SPAK investigation surrounding the Zvërnec project demonstrates that verifying the legal origin of land is not a formality but a necessity. This is precisely why we work exclusively with vetted developers and clear titles.
Conclusion
Albania combines value growth, strengthening tourism, and gradual convergence with the EU. Those who enter today are buying before the next wave of price increases. Want to invest in Albania? Contact us at info@albaniaestates.cz.