QUESTIONS BUYERS ASK US
Buying property in Albania: FAQs
Clear answers about ownership, the notary, buying as a foreigner and reading Albanian listings, plus how viewings work with DuAl. This is general guidance, not legal advice: confirm each step with an independent notary or lawyer.
Ownership, checks and the notary
What is a hipotekë?
In everyday Albanian, hipotekë is the word for the registered ownership certificate (certifikata e pronësisë). Ownership is registered with the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK), and you can ask the seller for an up-to-date certificate. A hipotekë bankare is something else: a mortgage in favour of a bank, which counts as an encumbrance on the property.
What should I check before buying property in Albania?
Check that an up-to-date ownership certificate matches the seller and the property, including the address and area; that there are no liens or encumbrances, such as a bank mortgage; that the building has a permit and legal volume (kubaturë e rregullt), plus an occupancy permit if it is new; and that utility bills are settled. Our guide on how to check property ownership in Albania explains each step.
How does the notary stage work?
Sale contracts are signed before a notary (noter), and the sale is then registered with ASHK in the buyer’s name. A preliminary agreement before the notary deed is common. We recommend that every buyer uses an independent notary or lawyer and has any agreement reviewed before signing it. See how buying a home with DuAl works for the full sequence.
How much are the fees and taxes?
We don’t quote fees, taxes or commission in our guides, because they depend on the property and the buyer. Ask the notary for an itemised estimate of the costs before you sign, and contact us with any question about a specific DuAl listing.
Buying property in Albania as a foreigner
Can foreigners buy property in Albania?
Yes. Foreign citizens can buy apartments and houses in Albania. Agricultural land has restrictions for foreigners, so get specific legal advice if a property includes farmland. Our guide to buying property in Albania as a foreigner covers the whole process.
What documents does a foreign buyer need?
Usually your passport, plus translations of any foreign documents the notary asks for, notarised where required. If you don’t read Albanian comfortably, consider bringing an interpreter to the notary so you understand every clause you sign.
Reading Albanian property listings
What is the difference between net and gross area?
Albanian listings may give sipërfaqe neto, the net usable space inside the home, or sipërfaqe bruto, the gross area, which is measured more broadly and is the larger figure. Ask which one a listing uses before comparing homes. Our 1+1 apartment in San Pietro, for example, is listed at 74 m² net.
What do 1+1, 2+1 and garsonierë mean?
The first number is the bedrooms and the second the living room, so a 1+1 has one bedroom and a separate living room, and a 2+1 has two bedrooms. A garsonierë is a studio. Our guide on how to read an Albanian property listing uses DuAl’s homes as worked examples.
Why do some homes say “Price on request”?
Some sellers prefer to share the price when you ask. Contact us about the home to request it. Price filters on the homes for sale page leave out price-on-request homes, so search without one to see every listing.
Viewings and rentals
How do I arrange a viewing?
Choose “Arrange a viewing” on a property page, or use the contact page to tell us which home you would like to see. Your message opens in WhatsApp, ready to send. You can also call or WhatsApp DuAl on +355 69 60 20 604 or +355 69 60 20 609.
Do you have homes to rent?
Not at the moment. All of DuAl’s current listings are homes for sale on the Durrës coast. If you are looking to rent, you can still get in touch and tell us what you need.