Buying Property in Albania: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Buyers

Buying property in Albania is straightforward once the documents have been checked. This page explains the usual order of a purchase. It is general information, not legal advice: rules and fees change, so confirm the details with a licensed notary or lawyer before you sign.

1. 1

   Decide what you are buying

   Choose the type of property, the city and your budget. Rules can differ by property type — agricultural land, for example, is treated differently from an apartment — so say early whether you are buying as an individual, through a company or as an investor.

2. 2

   Check the title

   Ask for the ownership certificate issued by the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK), which can be requested online through the e-Albania portal. Check the registered owner, the exact size and land category, and whether there is a mortgage or another claim on the property. Our agents can help you obtain and read these documents, and your own lawyer can review them too.

3. 3

   Visit and negotiate

   View the property in person or by video with an agent, compare similar listings nearby and agree the price and conditions. Put everything agreed — price, included furniture, handover date — in writing.

4. 4

   Sign a preliminary agreement

   A preliminary contract and a deposit reserve the property while the final checks are completed. Read the conditions attached to the deposit and the deadline, and ask what happens if either side withdraws.

5. 5

   Sign before a notary

   The sale contract is signed before a notary, who verifies the parties and the documents. If you cannot be in Albania, ask the notary whether you can sign through a representative with a power of attorney.

6. 6

   Register the transfer

   Ownership is recorded at the cadastre (ASHK) after signing. Notary and registration fees apply and the seller may owe tax on the sale; confirm who pays what, and the current amounts, with your notary or the tax authority.