So, you’ve decided to make the move to Albania. Congrats! Maybe you’re dreaming of a city loft in Tirana, a sea-view balcony in Vlorë or Durrës, or a quiet country house.
Whatever the vibe, the first big hurdle is finding a place to call home.
Forget the standardized leasing procedures 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 detective work. To help you navigate the chaos, I’ve put together this guide to ensure you find a great spot.
CRITICAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I am a fellow expat sharing my experiences and the collective 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.
The Timeline: How Long Does it Actually Take?
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, that’s how long my hunt took.
Many expats spend their first month in a temporary landing pad while they scout neighborhoods and view places in person. If you try to book a forever home while you’re still in your home country, you’re almost guaranteed to overpay or end up in a less then ideal neighborhood.
Pro Tip: If you want to skip the Airbnb markup for your first month, I highly recommend browsing Flatio. They specialize in mid-term, expat-friendly rentals that are move-in ready
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 the Ghost Listing
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.
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 just out for a commission.
3 Things to Check Before Signing
In Albania, an apartment can look like a palace but feel like a freezer. 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 Modern 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.
Closing 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 2-3.5 months rent up front.
Manage Your Cash: To pay your deposit and monthly rent without getting crushed by bank exchange rates, use Wise. It allows you to hold a Leke (ALL) balance to pay your landlord with.
Nesting
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 is my favorite since they have a Scandinavian, minimal aesthetic that’s pretty similar to IKEA or Pottery Barn.
Home Essentials
For little home things I order from Temu. There have been a lot of little American items that for some reason are very hard to find in local shops. For example, I had a hard time finding toilet paper wall holders, essential oil diffusers, stick vacuum cleaners, jewelry organizers, etc so I got them all online.
🎁 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!
Moving Day
When you finally find the one, it’s not worth trying to take local buses 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 accomodation, I had amassed 3 more large 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).
For your comfort, you can book a private ride through Welcome Pickups or use Localrent.com to find a van for your move. It’s a small investment that will save your sanity.
You can also rent an SUV Taxi through Patoko. If you require assistance for your move, there are usually locals in odd job Facebook groups who are happy to earn a some extra LEK to help you out.
My Recommended Agents
These are agents I personally know and have worked with. Tell them Natalie the blonde American sent you 🙂
- TIRANA: Vasjan Lako at The Sunset Realty
- VLORE: Flori Brahimaj at Irea Property