Albania

'Away from the Coast, most of Albania is covered with Mountains’

Buying & Selling:  The legal process of owning property in Albania is similar to European counterparts. One has to conclude the property purchase contract which is executed by the parties before a notary, called the purchase deed and then get its registration done with the Property Register. The documents which affect ownership rights whether sole or joint must be entered into the Property Register as they set the legal grounding for registering the property rights. Albania is fortunate to have a relatively high number (est. at around 300) of well educated surveyors who have graduated from the 5-year surveying program at the Polytechnic University of Tirana.

This often misunderstood country benefits from land and property being cheaper than most of its eastern European neighbours and investors should have a look at what it has to offer and the huge potential gains that can be made. There is an open door for foreigners to buy in Albania without ever setting foot in the country. But like many countries in Europe the biggest problem is clean title deeds. It is imperative that you ask the representing local legal representative to give you guarantees in English that the titles are clean and that there will be no disputes. It will  of course  be written in the contract that you sign but if you are unsure make sure you have a local UK-based lawyer who has experience of international law to double check the contract before it arrives to you.

Currency:  Lek (but property is normally purchased in €uros)

Getting To or Through:  Albania has a new International Airport, located in the Capital, Tirana. Flights are available to Tirana from most major UK airports. When in Albania, both the roads and rail system are poor by European standards.

Culture:  Albania’s culture is far from that of the rest of Europe. and remained without any real identity as not even the language itself was taught in schools. But later Albania began to get influenced by China and Russia and now Albania can boast its traditional dances, handicrafts, festivals and customs. Big museums, libraries and theatres also form part of Albania's educative entertainment section.

Geography:  Albania is situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, with Montenegro and Serbia to the north, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. Albania comprises two major regions: a mountainous highland region (north, east, and south) constituting 70% of the land area, and a western coastal lowland regions that contain nearly all of the country's agricultural land and is the most densely populated part of Albania.

Seasonal Climate:  Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter.

Population:  3,600,523 (Est 2007)

Capital City:  Tirana

Language:  Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek

Religion:  Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% Figures Estimated.

General:  Albania is often referred to as the "Switzerland of the Balkans" this beautiful, historical land that is found across the water from Italy and bordering Greece has it all. From the stunning beaches running up from the south to the historical protected sites, the huge snow covered mountain ranges and the busy emerging Capital city of Tirana.

Albania is rapidly growing as a tourist destination. The south-eastern European country with a unique Mediterranean climate and hot dry summers is being enjoyed by a growing number of tourists every year. Albania shares the same stunning coastline as Croatia and Montenegro. However, Albania has a warmer climate  and prices are about a quarter of those compared to it's better known neighbours. Some Albanian characteristics and mannerisms resemble those of the mainland Greeks, most notably in the more rural areas; for instance, a nod of the head means no’ and shaking one’s head means ’yes’. Handshaking is the accepted form of greeting. Any attempt to speak Albanian is greatly appreciated by locals. Although previously frowned upon by the authorities, tips are gratefully received in restaurants or for any service provided.  The usual is to tip 10-15% if you are satisfied with the service.  Service charges are not usually included in the bill.