So, you’ve decided to make the move to Albania. Congrats! And buckle up..
Forget the standard leasing processes you’re used to in the US or UK. Apartment hunting in Albania is a mix of Facebook scrolling, local guys who know a guy, and a fair amount of Google Translate sleuthing. To help you navigate the chaos, I’ve put together this guide to ensure you find a great spot.
CRITICAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I am an expat sharing my experiences and the wisdom of our community. I am NOT a legal expert, a licensed attorney, or a real estate professional. Albanian laws and residency requirements change frequently and without much notice. You should ALWAYS speak with a qualified Albanian lawyer to review any rental contract before you sign it.
How Long Does It Take To Find a Good Place?
One of the first questions new arrivals ask is: How much time do I need?
While you might see people finding a place in 48 hours, those are usually tourist rentals.
To find a high-quality, fairly priced long-term apartment, you should budget at least 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re extra picky like me, then book 6 weeks.
Also, you will have much easier luck with long term rentals when searching during low season (October-May) when prices are at their lowest and landlords are willing to negotiate.
Temporary Accommodation
Many expats stay in a temporary place while they explore neighborhoods and view apartments in person. This gives them the chance to get a feel for the areas so they don’t make any long term or overpriced mistakes. I stayed in a temporary apartment for 6 weeks and I’m glad I did, it allowed me to hold out for the right place and not just take the first “good deal” out of necessity.
Rental Search Tips
Search in Shqip, not English
If you search in English, you will see English prices. The best deals are found where the locals look. Your primary tools will be Facebook Marketplace and MerrJepp.
When using these sites, the secret is to search in Albanian (Shqip). Use phrases like:
- “Apartament me qira afatgjatë” (Apartment for long-term rent).
- “Apartament me 2 dhoma gjumi” (2-bedroom apartment).
Searching this way delivers more realistic photos and much lower prices. You’ll need a translation app to communicate, but the savings can be hundreds of dollars a year.
Beware of Ghost Listings
Albanian real estate websites are notorious for having ghost postings. You might find a stunning, cheap apartment only to find out it was rented 3 years ago or never existed at all!
Always check the date on the listing. On sites like MerrJepp, look for active tags or listings posted within the last week. If a realtor tells you, “That one is gone, but I have another one (that’s more expensive),” move on, they are not who you want to work with.
Check for Construction Issues
In Albania, apartments can be full of quirky surprises. Check these 3 things before you sign:
Insulation: Many older buildings have poor insulation. In winter, heating a poorly insulated 3-bedroom place can cost you 13,000 lek ($140) or more per month. Ask about the windows and typical winter electric bills.
The Elevator: Power outages happen. You want a building where the elevator has backup power to at least bring you to the nearest floor so you don’t get stuck.
Water & Electric Meters: Ensure the apartment has its own dedicated meters. Some landlords try to share utilities between units, which always ends in a headache.
The apartment search doesn’t end when you get the keys. Here’s what to expect when setting up utilities and maintenance.
How To Close The Deal
Once you’ve found your spot, you’ll need a notarized contract. This is non-negotiable, as you’ll need it to apply for your residency permit later. Most landlords expect rent and a one-month deposit in cash (Lek or Euro), your agent will also take 1/2 to 1 month’s rent as well.
Overall expect to spend about 2-3 months rent up front.
Deposits add up quickly. My sample move-in budget shows how much cash one American may need before the first month even begins.
How To Pay The Rent
In Albania, it is not uncommon for many local landlords and leasing agencies to prefer cash payments for deposits, utilities, fees & monthly rent so be prepared for this reality. Most ATM machines have a 75,000 LEK per day maximum that you can withdraw, so if you have a very large deposit or rent, be sure to schedule these withdrawals ahead of time.
If you can find a foreign landlord, they will usually more open to doing bank transfers (usually paid in Euros).
How To Furnish Your Place
Be prepared: many rentals come with furniture & mattresses that are… less than comfortable. Don’t suffer! You can find mattress toppers at shops like Comodita or Jysk, or just order what you need online.
JYSK Albania
Jysk is my favorite for furniture and home accessories since they have a Scandinavian, minimal aesthetic that’s pretty similar to IKEA or Pottery Barn. I particularly like their location at the Tirana East Gate Mall.
Jumbo Albania
Jumbo Albania is also useful for cheaper home accessories, storage, kitchen basics, stationery and seasonal items. I like to stock up on candles and home organization pieces here.
Temu Albania
Despite scouring quite a few local shops, I still had a hard time finding certain little things like toilet paper holders, essential oil diffusers, stick vacuum cleaners, jewelry organizers, etc. So I ended up ordering them from Temu. Usually my orders arrive within 2-3 weeks, so if you can wait a bit, it’s worth it.
🎁 Special Bonus: As an Exit To Albania reader, you can use code ale955264 at this link to get a 3,200 LEK Coupon Bundle + 30% OFF your first order!
How to Move Into Your New Place
When you finally find the one, it’s NOT worth trying to take a crowded bus with 6 suitcases and a pet. I originally came to Albania with 3 large suitcases, and somehow after the first 6 weeks in my temporary accommodation, I had amassed 3 more bags of household items.
So, I booked a private electric taxi SUV to help me shift everything to my new place (and brought a friend along to help too).
If you need extra assistance, you can book a ride with a driver to help you through Welcome Pickups or use Localrent.com to rent your own van if you want to do the driving. It’s a small investment that will save a lot of hassle.
