Real Estate: Prices Rising, Foreigners Buying
Housing prices in Albania rose by approximately 18 percent year-on-year at the beginning of 2026. On the coast in the Saranda and Vlora regions, growth for 2025 was even steeper, ranging between 25 and 58 percent in some locations. The average price is around 1,600 EUR per square meter, with foreign buyers now accounting for about 24 percent of all transactions. Foreigners have full ownership rights to residential properties, transaction costs remain at 4 to 7 percent, and the annual property tax of 0.05 percent is among the lowest in Europe.
EU and Economy: Stabilization and a Strong Lek
On July 14, 2026, Albania provisionally closed its first three negotiating chapters with the European Union. This is a concrete step that strengthens the confidence of long-term investors. The economy is growing at a rate of around 3.6 percent, and inflation rose to 3.2 percent in June. The Albanian Lek, meanwhile, strengthened to an average of 95.3 Lek per euro. For buyers paying in euros, this means more favorable conditions, while domestic exporters are paying the price for the strong currency.
Infrastructure: Highways, Port, Railway
The expansion of the Tirana–Durrës highway to three lanes in each direction has a contractual deadline of September 2026. In the Porto Romano area near Durrës, construction of a new cargo port is set to begin this year, which will triple the country's port capacity and create a free economic zone. A railway line from Durrës to Vlora is also planned. Each of these projects increases the accessibility and value of surrounding properties.
What to Watch Out For
Vlora International Airport will not open for the 2026 season. Certification is missing, and a dispute between shareholders continues, blocking decision-making. There is no fixed opening date yet. Anti-corruption pressure also continues, with a special court ordering an investigation into President Begaj on July 21. For an investor, these are reminders that the timing of specific projects needs to be monitored.
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