Relocation conducted an analysis of the Albanian housing market in the first half of 2025. In 2025, the market is moving towards normalization after an extremely turbulent period from 2022 to 2024. There are fewer building permits, the growth in construction costs has slowed down, prices in the capital have stabilized, and prices on the coast remain high. The share of deals involving foreigners is close to one in five for the half-year, based on the latest Bank of Albania survey (data for H2’2024), and their investments exceeded €380 million in 2024.
Building permits. In Q1 2025, 258 permits for new buildings were issued (-17% y/y). This is a sign of caution on the part of developers after record years and a factor that will restrain supply in 2025-2026 (we are awaiting data for Q2).
Construction costs. The housing construction cost index (INSTAT) rose by 1.0% y/y in Q1 2025, significantly slower than a year ago (3.4% y/y), which partially relieves price pressure from materials and labor.
Prices: capital vs. coast
According to the Bank of Albania (latest published market survey, H2’2024), about 18% of apartments sold in Albania were purchased by non-residents, of which ≈77% were EU citizens. This is an important benchmark for the first half of 2025: the share of foreigners remains significant, especially in coastal municipalities.
Mortgage loans finance a significant portion of transactions, but the share of cash purchases remains high in resort areas.
Rentals and profitability
Foreign buyers
As for forecasts, supply will grow moderately. As for prices, there will be more stable dynamics in the capital and higher seasonal volatility on the coast. Demand from non-residents will remain strong, especially in coastal locations and rental projects.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-the-housing-market-in-albania-in-the-first-half-of-2025/
Albania is considering importing beef, lamb, and processed products from Ukraine, and also wants to increase exports of root vegetables to the Ukrainian market, according to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food following a meeting between its head, Vitaliy Koval, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Ukraine, Ernal Fil.
The minister noted that in 2025, Ukraine shifted its state policy towards livestock farming and began to increase the production of cattle, red meat, and processed products, which attracted the interest of Albania, where demand for meat products has grown due to an increase in tourism.
“Albania is interested in importing meat (beef and lamb) and processed products from Ukraine. At the same time, they want to increase the supply of root vegetables to the Ukrainian market, especially in February-May, when we have less of our own. To do this, certain trade procedures between the countries need to be simplified,” Koval said.
The parties agreed at the ministerial level to discuss steps to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector at the embassies.
The head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy emphasized that, in addition to cooperation in the agricultural sector, Ukraine and Albania have many points of contact. In particular, the agricultural sector accounts for a significant share of GDP in both countries and provides employment for a large number of people.
To intensify cooperation, Koval proposed holding the inaugural meeting of the Ukrainian-Albanian Joint Commission this year.
According to SERBIAN ECONOMIST, on April 24, 2025, Albania reintroduced visa-free travel for Belarusian citizens, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 30 days. This decision cancels the previously introduced visa restrictions and makes Albania accessible again to Belarusian tourists without the need to obtain a visa.
Main conditions for visa-free entry
Validity: the visa-free regime is valid until September 30, 2025.
Maximum length of stay: up to 30 days from the date of entry.
Purpose of travel: tourism and short-term private visits.
Documents: you must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure from Albania.
Earlier, in April 2025, Albania suspended the visa-free regime for Belarusian citizens, requiring them to obtain a visa for entry. However, in light of the current changes, Belarusian citizens can once again visit Albania without a visa, which contributes to the development of tourist and cultural ties between the two countries.
Belgrade. May 5. SERBIAN ECONOMIST
On April 24, 2025, the Government of Albania officially suspended the agreement on mutual visa waiver with the Republic of Belarus signed in February 2020. This decision cancels the partial suspension introduced in May 2024, which applied only to diplomatic passports. Now Belarusian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Albania.
Earlier, in May 2024, Albania partially suspended the agreement, limiting visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The current measure completely abolishes the visa-free regime for all categories of Belarusian citizens.
The decision takes effect immediately and is published in the official gazette of Albania.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/881
Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Albania, Andriy Sibiga and Igli Hasani inaugurated the Embassy of Albania in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said on Platform X on Friday evening.
On October 20, the embassies of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal and Montenegro were reportedly damaged as a result of enemy shelling in Kiev.
In February 2024, then Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said after talks with his Albanian counterpart Igli Hasani that Albania plans to open its embassy in Kiev in the near future.
TheRepublic of Albania recognized the independence of Ukraine on January 4, 1992. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 13, 1993.
The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Protection (SSUFSCP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have agreed with the Republic of Albania on two certificates for Ukrainian pet food producers, the agency’s press service reports.
According to the report, a health certificate for canned pet food and a health certificate for chewing items for pets intended for import or transit from Ukraine to Albania have been agreed.
“Opening new markets for Ukrainian exporters is one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are systematically working on this together with the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Each new market means new opportunities for domestic producers and strengthening of our economy. This is especially important in times of war,” said Andriy Sybiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“Diversification of international sales markets is the focus of special attention of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The development of domestic business largely depends on expanding the geography of exports. That is why we continue to do everything possible to support Ukrainian producers, especially in these difficult times,” said the head of the agency, Serhiy Tkachuk.
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection pointed out that the agreed form of the veterinary certificate for these categories of products is published on the official website of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in the section “International Cooperation” – “Veterinary and Safety” – “Certificates for Export from Ukraine”.
The first step for exporting Ukrainian products of animal origin is a request from the market operator to the territorial authority of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection at the place of location, the agency reminded.
