Albania is one of the cheaper places to own property in Europe, but the sticker price is not the whole story. Between the transfer tax, the notary, registration and legal work, a direct purchase carries closing costs in the region of 4% to 5.5% of the price, and there are a few ongoing charges to plan for once you own.
This guide breaks down every line, gives current price context by area, and works through a full example so you can see the all-in number. Figures are indicative 2026 ranges; we confirm the exact costs for your specific property before you commit.
Direct-purchase closing costs run roughly 4% to 5.5% of the price; add agency commission (often around 2%) where it applies, taking the total nearer 7%.
Average Albanian prices sit around €1,600/m², with Tirana at roughly €1,200 to €1,800/m² and Saranda around €1,000 to €2,000/m².
Rental income is taxed at a flat 15%; annual property tax on residential homes is very low by European standards.
On a €120,000 apartment, plan for roughly €5,000 to €8,500 on top, depending on whether an agency commission applies.
Price per square metre is the fastest way to sanity-check a listing. As of 2026 the national average sits around €1,600/m², but the spread by location is wide, and coastal demand from foreign buyers is what moves it.
Tirana (capital): roughly €1,200 to €1,800/m², higher in Blloku and new-build towers.
Saranda and Ksamil: around €1,000 to €2,000/m², the hottest foreign-buyer coast.
Vlora and Orikum: strong new-build supply, typically a step below Saranda.
Berat and Gjirokaster: heritage stone houses, priced on condition and renovation need rather than per-m².
These are the one-off costs of completing the purchase. The property transfer tax is the largest, followed by legal and notary work. As a whole, a direct purchase lands around 4% to 5.5% of the price; where a selling agency is involved, its commission pushes the all-in figure closer to 7%.
Property transfer tax: the main transaction tax, the largest single line.
Notary fees: for drafting and witnessing the deed, typically a modest percentage.
Registration at the cadastre (ASHK): the fee to register the transfer and issue your title.
Legal and due-diligence fees: title and cadastre checks, contract review, and handling the PoA if you buy remotely.
Agency commission: where a selling agent is involved, often around 2%. On our direct projects there are no buyer fees.
Holding costs in Albania are low. Annual property tax on residential homes is small by European standards, calculated on a per-square-metre basis that varies by municipality. Beyond that you have the usual utilities, and, for a managed or short-let property, a management fee.
If you let the property, rental income is taxed at a flat 15%. That rate applies whether you let long-term or short-term; a good manager will handle the declaration alongside the bookings.
Here is how the all-in number comes together for a typical coastal apartment bought directly, without a selling agency in the middle. Treat these as indicative planning figures rather than a quote.
Purchase price: €120,000.
Transfer tax, notary and registration: roughly €3,600 to €7,200 combined (about 3% to 6%).
Legal and due diligence: roughly €1,200 to €2,000.
All-in, no agency: about €125,000 to €129,000.
With a 2% selling agency on top: add roughly €2,400.
Most foreign purchases in Albania are cash. Local mortgage lending to non-residents is limited and rarely competitive, so buyers typically arrange funds at home. Because homes are priced and paid in euros, an incoming transfer from a euro account avoids conversion cost; if you are funding from another currency, factor the exchange spread into your budget.
Budget roughly 4% to 5.5% of the price for a direct purchase, covering transfer tax, notary, registration and legal work. Where a selling agency is involved, its commission (often around 2%) takes the all-in figure closer to 7%.
Annual property tax on residential homes is low by European standards, charged per square metre and set by the municipality. It is a minor holding cost compared with most of Europe.
Rental income is taxed at a flat 15%, whether you let long-term or short-term. A management company can handle the declaration alongside the bookings.
Local mortgage lending to non-residents is limited and rarely competitive, so most foreign buyers purchase in cash and arrange financing in their home country.