Durrës is the second city of Albania and its main port, just thirty minutes away from Tirana International Airport. For international buyers, it offers an attractive mix of coastal living, urban amenities, and competitive prices with regional markets. However, navigating the buying process requires careful attention to local procedures.
*Photo: kopaszsop — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0*
Can Foreigners Buy in Durrës?
Foreign citizens can buy residential properties in Durrës without restrictions, provided that the ownership is on private construction land. Agricultural plots and coastal strips in public ownership are off-limits. Before making an offer, you will need an Albanian tax number (NIPT), which your lawyer can obtain from the tax office in a few days. Then, your lawyer should conduct a title search at the State Cadastre Agency, Durrës Local Office (ASHK) to confirm the seller's ownership, check for mortgages or encumbrances, and verify the cadastral boundaries of the property.
Choosing the Neighborhood
The choice of neighborhood also determines the budget and experience. Plazh neighborhood — particularly Currila and Shkëmbi i Kavajës — is the main coastal area, with renovated apartments priced between 1,000 and 1,800 euros per square meter. These areas offer direct access to the beach, promenade walks, and a lively atmosphere during the summer, but many buildings remain empty during the winter months. The central neighborhoods Lagjja 1 to Lagjja 4, around the port, Sheshi Liria, and Rruga Taulantia, are more suitable with prices between 600 and 900 euros per square meter and offer year-round activity, shops, schools, and public services. For new developments, look south of the city towards Golemi and Mali i Robit, where developer prices start from 700–1,100 euros/m² for modern apartments with resort amenities.
Costs and Timeline of Purchase
Total purchase costs, including notary fees, registration tax, and legal representation, typically amount to 4–6 percent of the sale price. The notary drafts the sales contract in Albanian, and a certified translator must provide a version in English or your native language before you sign. Once the notary registers the contract with ZRPP, you become the legal owner. Transfer the service contracts into your name — electricity through OSHEE, water through Durrës Water Service — to complete the process. The full timeline from offer to registration is expected to take five to eight weeks. Collaborating with a bilingual agent who understands both the legal checklist and the micro-geography of Durrës neighborhoods is the best investment you can make before committing.
Ready for the next step? Browse our properties in Durrës or contact us — the IllyrianHome team will respond within a day.
