Tirana, Apartment Prices Up 30% within a Year
The real estate market in Tirana is witnessing a steep climb in apartment prices, with a significant increase felt across all regions of the city. A recent observation has highlighted a startling trend: the cost of living in Albania’s capital is becoming increasingly prohibitive, especially within its urban core. In the suburban expanses of the city, apartment prices now exceed Euro 1,000 per square meter, a figure that more than doubles to over Euro 2,000 per square meter as one approaches the city center.
This surge in housing costs, ranging between 11% to 31% in suburban areas over the span of just one year, underscores a rapidly evolving real estate landscape. Near the heart of Tirana, within the bounds of the Small Ring, the asking price for apartments varies from Euro 2,100 to Euro 2,300 per square meter. This represents a substantial hike, with fluctuations in property values cited between Euro 150 to Euro 300 per square meter in recent comparatives.
The escalation in prices has been attributed to various factors. Erjon Harizi, the chairman of the Association of Builders of Albania, points out that several determinants have played a crucial role in this upswing. Among these are increased builder obligations toward infrastructure impact taxes following a revision in reference prices, alongside direct costs linked to labor wages and materials.
For the majority of Albanian families, the dream of owning a property in the vicinity of the city center is becoming increasingly unattainable. This has prompted a migration towards suburban areas or locales beyond the city’s limits, in search of more affordable housing options. However, even these traditionally less expensive regions are experiencing a price uptick, much to the dismay of prospective buyers.
The sudden price surge in suburban areas has taken many by surprise. However, despite the climbing costs, there remains a concentrated demand in certain neighborhoods. Paskuqan, notable for its rapidly developing urban zone and comparatively lower prices (sub-€1,000 per square meter), stands out as a prime example. This area, once considered peripheral, is gradually being integrated closer to the downtown core, significantly propelled by the construction of New Boulevard. This trend not only exemplifies the expanding footprint of Tirana’s urban development but also indicates shifting dynamics in the housing market, with buyers adapting to the changing landscape.
As the real estate market in Tirana continues to evolve, the upward trajectory of property prices poses challenges and prompts shifts in the city’s demographic patterns. The increasing costs effectively reshape where and how individuals choose to live, signaling a transformative period in the capital’s housing market.
