Buying property in Albania is a straightforward process when you know the steps. Whether you are a local buyer or a foreigner from the diaspora, this guide will walk you through everything — from searching for the right property to signing at the notary.

1. Define your budget and needs

Before starting your search, determine how much you can afford and what type of property you need. Consider the city, neighborhood, number of rooms, and whether you want to buy for living, investment, or vacation. Check the property valuation tool for average prices per area.

2. Search for properties

Use Homezone.al property search to browse listings filtered by city, price, size, and category. You can search for apartments for sale in Tirana, properties in Vlora, apartments in Saranda, and more. Save your favorite properties and set up alerts for new listings.

3. Visit and inspect the property

Always visit the property in person before making a decision. Check the construction quality, building condition, natural lighting, ventilation, and common areas. Ask about parking, elevator, and building maintenance fees. Visit at different times of day to understand the neighborhood better.

4. Negotiate the price

Negotiation is common in the Albanian real estate market. Use the market statistics to understand average prices in the area. Compare similar properties and don't be afraid to make a reasonable counter-offer. A good agent can help you negotiate a fair deal.

5. Legal verification

Before signing anything, verify the property's legal status. Request the property certificate (certifikatë pronësie) from the local cadastral office (ASHK). Check that the seller is the actual owner, there are no debts or encumbrances on the property, and all building permits are in order. Hiring a lawyer is highly recommended.

6. Sign the preliminary agreement

Once you agree on the price, sign a preliminary sale agreement (parapagim / kontratë paraprake). This typically includes a deposit of 10-20% of the sale price. The agreement should specify the final price, payment terms, deadline for the notary act, and conditions for cancellation.

7. Complete the notary act

The final step is signing the sale contract at a public notary. Both parties must be present (or represented by power of attorney). The notary verifies all documents, reads the contract, and both parties sign. After the notary act, the property is registered in your name at the local cadastral office. Congratulations — you are now a property owner in Albania!

8. Costs to expect

Budget for additional costs beyond the property price: notary fees (approximately 0.5-1% of the property value), property transfer tax (check the tax calculator), lawyer fees, and registration fees at the cadastral office. Total additional costs are typically 2-4% of the property price.