Buy-to-Let Investment Properties in DurresPort town with beaches, ruinsand summer rentals

Real Estate in Durrës

Durrës: Albania’s Leading Coastal City for Seaside Investment

Durrës, the second-largest city in Albania and the country’s main port, has become one of the most sought-after locations for coastal property investment in the Balkans. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, just 35 km from Tirana and easily accessible via highway and rail, Durrës offers investors a compelling blend of affordable beachfront real estate, rising tourism, and long-term growth prospects. Whether you're looking for a rental apartment, a vacation home, or a commercial opportunity, Durrës provides one of the best value-to-potential ratios in the region.

Types of Properties Available

The Durrës real estate market is dominated by residential apartments, especially in mid-rise and high-rise buildings along the coast. Most foreign buyers focus on beachfront or sea-view apartments in areas like Shkëmbi i Kavajës, Currila, and Plepa. These modern units usually feature balconies, open-plan kitchens, and access to the beach within walking distance.

Inland, the city center offers renovated apartments and offices in older buildings, appealing to local professionals or those interested in long-term rentals. On the city’s periphery and hillsides, there is growing interest in villas, either as private residences or as boutique accommodations for tourists. Durrës also presents opportunities in the commercial segment, including small hotels, shops, and cafés in tourist-heavy zones.

Ownership Rules and Legal Framework

Albania allows foreign individuals to buy and own apartments and buildings on a freehold basis. For land or villas with land plots, foreigners typically establish an Albanian legal entity (such as an LLC), which is a straightforward and low-cost process. The property purchase procedure includes a preliminary agreement, notarial certification, and registration in the local real estate cadastre (Immovable Property Registration Office).

Transaction costs generally range from 3% to 6% of the property price and include legal, notary, and registration fees. Property taxes are low, and there is no annual property tax for apartments under a certain size. VelesClub Int. offers full legal guidance, due diligence, and assistance with company formation for buyers acquiring land or commercial properties.

Property Prices and Market Trends

Real estate in Durrës remains relatively inexpensive compared to coastal cities in neighboring countries. In 2025, the average price for a new apartment near the beachfront in Shkëmbi i Kavajës or Plepa ranges from €900 to €1,300 per square meter. Premium seafront apartments in newer developments or with panoramic views can reach €1,500–€1,800/m². Inland or older units may be available from €600–€900/m², offering excellent entry-level options for rental strategies.

Villas start from €120,000 and can exceed €400,000 depending on location and land area. Rental yields for beach apartments in summer can exceed 8% annually when managed as short-term rentals (Airbnb/Booking), with particularly strong demand from May to September.

Why Invest in Durrës?

Durrës has become Albania’s leading coastal investment hub due to:

• Year-round demand: Domestic tourism, returning diaspora, and foreign visitors fuel seasonal and long-term rentals
• Infrastructure connectivity: Proximity to Tirana, airport access, and planned upgrades to the port and railway
• Affordable seafront living: One of the lowest prices for beach property on the Adriatic coast
• Tourism growth: Durrës hosted over 1 million visitors in 2024, with numbers rising yearly

Top strategies in the Durrës market include:

• Buy-to-rent apartments: In beachfront zones for Airbnb or seasonal rentals
• Vacation homes: Used part-time, rented the rest of the year
• Guesthouse or villa conversion: For mid-range tourist accommodation
• Commercial storefronts: In high-traffic zones like the promenade or near the port

Best Neighborhoods in Durrës

Each district of Durrës has a specific profile and value proposition:

• Shkëmbi i Kavajës: Most popular beachfront zone with modern apartments and consistent tourist demand
• Plepa: Quieter but well-connected, ideal for family vacation homes
• Currila: Elevated seafront area with panoramic views, close to the city center
• City Center (Lagja 1 & 2): Ideal for long-term rentals and small commercial units
• Port area: Growing interest due to the development of ferry services and the cruise terminal
• Hills above the city: Villas and boutique projects with views over the bay

Infrastructure and Lifestyle

Durrës is Albania’s most important port city, offering extensive logistics infrastructure and ongoing development. The highway connects Durrës with Tirana in under 40 minutes, and a railway project will further improve transit. Plans are in place to modernize the ferry terminal and open the city to more cruise tourism.

The city has a Mediterranean coastal lifestyle, with sandy beaches, a sunny climate, seafood cuisine, and cultural landmarks such as the Roman amphitheater and Venetian Tower. Shopping centers, cafés, schools, and hospitals support both residents and long-term tenants. During summer, Durrës transforms into a vibrant resort town, while the off-season remains pleasant and increasingly popular among remote workers and retirees.

Residence Permits Through Property

Foreigners who purchase real estate in Durrës may qualify for a one-year renewable residence permit. The standard condition is ownership of an Albanian property with a clean title and minimum value of approximately €50,000. Applicants must also show financial self-sufficiency and basic health insurance. Many investors use this option to combine vacation usage with long-term stay flexibility.

VelesClub Int. assists with residence applications tied to property ownership, company setup if land is involved, and tax registration. We ensure all documents are properly translated and submitted to Albanian authorities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Durrës

1. Set your goals: Rental income, vacation home, or resale strategy

2. Choose your zone: Beachfront, center, or hills based on use case

3. Request listings: VelesClub Int. offers verified properties and local developer access

4. Check legality: Our legal team reviews title, construction permits, and cadastre records

5. Negotiate and reserve: Sign preliminary agreement and secure with a deposit

6. Notary process: Execute sales agreement in-person or via power of attorney

7. Register title: Ownership recorded in official registry under your name or company

8. Apply for residence (optional): Through our immigration assistance program

9. Manage your asset: Let us help with furnishing, rental setup, and maintenance

Why Work with VelesClub Int. in Durrës

VelesClub Int. offers a seamless experience for buyers entering the Durrës property market. We assist with property search, legal due diligence, company formation, and post-sale services including rentals and residence permits. Our multilingual team and on-the-ground partners ensure you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions with confidence.

Conclusion

Durrës is the gateway to Albania’s coastal economy and one of the best places to invest in beachfront real estate on a budget. With its proximity to Tirana, growing tourism infrastructure, and high rental potential, it offers something for every investor. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced real estate professional, Durrës combines low entry costs with high coastal appeal. VelesClub Int. is ready to guide you through every step — from selection to successful ownership.