A surprising 33% of Albania’s apartments are currently unoccupied, with the highest concentration of vacant units found in the coastal city of Vlora, while the capital, Tirana, has the lowest. Out of a total of 1.08 million housing units across the country, only 726,000 are occupied, leaving roughly 356,000 apartments vacant.
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| Albania's Housing Paradox: One in Three Apartments Remain Empty Despite High Demand |
Regional Disparities in Vacancy Rates
According to the 2023 census data, Vlora leads in housing vacancy, with 51% of residences unoccupied despite census workers making multiple attempts to visit these homes. Other regions, such as Durrës, Gjirokastra, and Lezha, also report high vacancy rates, ranging between 35% and 43%, which are above the national average. In contrast, Tirana has the lowest rate of vacant apartments, likely due to its status as a bustling metropolitan area with a high demand for housing.
High Vacancy in Apartment Buildings
The issue is particularly prominent in apartment buildings, where around 40% of units are unoccupied. This trend is largely attributed to the effects of emigration. Since 2011, emigration has decreased the country’s population by roughly 400,000. Many Albanians who have left the country keep their homes locked rather than renting them out, often preferring to maintain ownership over the potential financial benefits of leasing.
Market Contradictions: High Demand Amid High Vacancy
This phenomenon presents a paradox. Despite a surplus of empty housing, there is still high demand for real estate. Construction and property development continue to expand, driven by strong purchasing interest. Yet, the large number of vacant homes reflects a complex market dynamic where available housing does not align with immediate availability for buyers or renters.
In essence, Albania’s housing landscape showcases a challenging dichotomy: a high supply of unoccupied apartments alongside an active real estate market, highlighting the lasting impact of emigration on housing and the choices of Albanians abroad.