Lemexi
The Balkans draw more international buyers every year — and Albania is quickly moving to the front of that list. In just a few short months, property in Albania has become a favourite among foreigners: it’s one of the last “islands of opportunity” left in Europe where you can still buy an apartment or a house by the sea relatively cheaply — those coastal square metres so many people dream about for years.
And almost everyone who opens their first listings in Durrës, Vlorë or Ksamil asks the same thing: “Can I even buy property in Albania if I’m not a citizen?” Today the Lemexi team answers that question — honestly, plainly, and with no legal fog.
Can foreigners buy property in Albania?
The short answer is yes. Whatever your nationality — whether you’re from the UK, the US, Poland, Ukraine, Italy or anywhere else — you have every right to buy property in Albania as a foreigner. The law here is far friendlier to international buyers than in many of the “established” Mediterranean markets. The only real difference is the type of property — and we’ll break it all down below.
Buying an apartment in Albania: easier than you think
If you’re buying an apartment, you actually don’t need any special permits at all. The whole process comes down to three steps:
- bring your passport;
- come to Albania (or close the deal by power of attorney);
- sign the deal at a notary — and the apartment is yours.
As you can see, there’s nothing complicated about it. What’s left is the best part — finding the right apartment by the sea in Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë or Ksamil — and coming to pick up the keys.
Buying a house with land: one important detail
A house with private land is a little more nuanced. A foreigner can buy a house in Albania at any time — but on some plots the land underneath is registered separately, and here you have two paths:
- open a local company — an SHPK — or be an Albanian citizen — if the land is held as a separate asset registered to that company;
- or — and this is the route we choose for clients most often — find a house where the land is already written into the property’s ownership certificate.
In plain terms: you buy a house that owns its land, not land that owns a house.
In that case it’s exactly as simple as buying an apartment — all you need is your passport and a notary. No companies, no extra red tape. Our job is to find you precisely this kind of property, and we do it every day.
How much it costs and where to look
The main reason foreigners choose Albania is the price. You can still buy an apartment by the sea in Albania affordably — especially in and around Durrës — while its coastal neighbours moved into a completely different price bracket long ago. A house with land, sea-view apartments, investment studios to rent out — the market is wide, and the smart move is to step in while prices are still this reasonable.
What’s included in Lemexi’s support — for free
The buyer’s most common fear sounds like this: “What if I get scammed? Wrong documents, someone else’s land, and I’m in another country and don’t even speak the language.” We remove that fear completely — and we do it free of charge on every type of purchase. Here’s what you get with the Lemexi team:
- an Albanian lawyer — who checks the property, the ownership certificates and the land, so there are no hidden pitfalls in the deal;
- a licensed interpreter — so you can calmly ask questions and get answers in your own language, understanding every clause of the contract instead of taking it on trust;
- a licensed real estate agent — every deal is handled by an agent in full accordance with Albania’s real estate agency law.
We guide you from the very first interest to the keys in your hand — and you never pay for the lawyer, the interpreter, or your peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Do foreigners need a permit to buy an apartment in Albania?
No. To buy an apartment all you need is your passport and a deal at the notary — no special permits required.
Can I buy a house with land without opening a company?
Yes, if the land is already written into the house’s ownership certificate. We specifically source these kinds of properties for our clients.
Do I need an Albanian residence permit to buy property?
No, you don’t need residency to make the purchase. In fact, owning property makes it easier to obtain a residence permit later on.
How long does the deal take?
Usually a single visit to the notary. With the documents ready, the deal can be completed in a day.
Ready to take the first step?
The Balkan coast gets more expensive every season — and what is an “island of opportunity” today will simply be a fair-priced purchase tomorrow. If you still have questions, get in touch. The Lemexi team works for you: we’ll find the property, check the documents, and take you all the way to the keys in your hand. Browse properties in Albania →