The government's revision of reference prices in Albania marks a definitive shift in the way real estate is valued, as for the first time rural and coastal settlements are fully included in the official tax map. The new values will form the basis for purchases and sales, property tax and municipal contributions, directly affecting owners and investors.
The municipality of Himaras is of particular importance, as it is ranked among the areas with the highest tax values for villages outside urban centers. According to the new plan, the first line of construction in the villages of Drymades and Palasa in the municipality of Himaras, where luxury tourist villages are currently located, is valued at approximately 1,450 euros per square meter, a price that reflects the historically increased demand on the southern coastline of the country.
On the next scale, but remaining at high levels, are other coastal zones of the Municipality of Himara. In Vouno the reference price is close to 1,035 euros/sq m, while in Livadi it fluctuates around 835 euros/sq m, recording a clear differentiation depending on the geographical location and the distance from the sea.
The new framework provides for a clear division of the municipality of Himaras into more cadastral zones, with different values for the coastal zone, the residential cores and the peripheral areas. Thus, the unified valuation that was in force until now is abolished and a system is introduced that gives priority to areas of high tourist pressure.
Similarly high prices are recorded in other coastal areas of the country. In the bay of Gjirin të Lalzit and Hamallaj, the first line of construction approaches 1,970 euros per square meter, constituting the most expensive zone category in all of Albania.
In Saranda, Examilia emerges as the most expensive village in the area. The new reference prices for the coastal areas of the settlement reach approximately 1,035 euros/sq m, placing it at similar levels to particularly popular tourist destinations.
With the new regulations, municipalities lose the ability to apply reduced prices for rural areas due to lack of data and are forced to use exclusively state-determined values. This change is expected to increase municipal revenues, but also the tax burden for those who own properties in high-interest zones.
Final decisions are expected from the Council Of ministers, with the new mapping of values redefining the role of coastal villages, and especially himara, As key pillars of the real estate market and tourism development.
