Buying property in Albania: what to know

What foreigners can buy

Foreign individuals can generally buy residential and commercial buildings, such as apartments, houses and villas. Agricultural land is the main restricted category, so the land classification of any plot matters.

How a purchase works

After agreeing the price, buyer and seller sign the sale contract before a notary. The buyer must then register the property with the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK); under Law 111/2018 on the Cadastre, registration should be filed within 30 days of the contract. Registration, not the signed contract, makes you the owner on record.

Checks before you pay

Hire an independent lawyer, not one supplied by the seller or agent. Check that the seller holds a clean, registered title, that the building has its permits (or completed legalisation), that there are no mortgages or disputes on the property, and, for off-plan apartments, the developer’s record and the payment schedule.

Costs

Expect notary fees, registration fees and your lawyer’s fees; who pays the property transfer tax, and how much, depends on the type of property and the contract. Sources disagree on the details, so ask your lawyer for a full written estimate before you commit.

Estate agents

We will list estate agencies here only once we have verified them. Until then, choose an agency that is registered, puts terms in writing and is happy for your own lawyer to check everything.

Questions and answers