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Concept listing for a real-estate agency handling long-term rentals and seaside property purchases for diaspora buyers. Placeholder text for layout purposes only.
Sample listing
Buying a property
Foreigners can buy in their own name — the notary process, the one land restriction, the real costs.
⏱ Timeline
About 3–6 weeks, start to finish
💶 Extra costs
Budget roughly 1–3% on top of the price
🚫 The restriction
Agricultural land can't be owned by foreign individuals
Foreigners can buy apartments, houses and commercial property in their own name — no residence permit needed, with the same rights as Albanian buyers. Every sale is signed before a notary and registered with the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK).
Step by step
- Hire your own lawyer firstIndependent from the seller and the agency. They check the title at ASHK, the building permit and any debts or disputes on the property.
- Agree and reserveSign a preliminary contract and pay the deposit by bank transfer. Always declare the real price — under-declaring to cut taxes is illegal and leaves you unprotected.
- Due diligenceYour lawyer confirms the seller truly owns the property, that it matches the register, and that nothing is mortgaged, seized or disputed.
- Sign at the notaryThe final sale contract is signed before a licensed notary, who verifies identities, the title and the payment trail.
- Register at ASHKThe notary files the deed with the cadastre. Ownership is legally yours once the transfer is entered in the register.
- Get your certificateYou receive the Certificate of Ownership — which also qualifies you for a one-year renewable residence permit as a property owner.
Documents you'll need
- Passport
- An Albanian bank account, for a traceable payment
- The preliminary contract
- Title extract from ASHK (your lawyer pulls it)
- Proof of funds and transfer receipts
Good to know
Agricultural land, forests and pastures can't be owned by foreign individuals — you can lease them for up to 99 years, or buy through an Albanian company (even one 100% foreign-owned).
There's no buyer's transfer tax — the seller covers the sale tax. Your costs are the notary (state-regulated, roughly 0.25–0.35% on a €100,000 home), registration and your lawyer.
Buying off-plan? Pay in stages tied to construction progress — never the full price upfront.
Verified help on AlbGate
🏠 Real Estate & Property — Browse the category →General information only — not legal, tax or medical advice. Rules, fees and requirements change, so confirm the details on e-Albania or with a verified professional before you act. Facts checked November 2026.