Buying a 70–80 m² apartment in Tirana remains a major financial challenge for most families, while the real estate market is completely disconnected from income reality, creating a deep gap that makes this purchase unattainable without significant support.
A salary is considered adequate when the monthly mortgage payment does not exceed 30–35% of the household's net income, leaving room for basic expenses such as food, energy, transportation, and maintenance. This is the sustainability standard applied by banks and economic experts to avoid the risk of over-indebtedness.
A normal apartment in Tirana costs €120,000–150,000, with an average price per square meter of €1,500–1,900. The actual purchase practice usually involves a 20% down payment and a loan for 80% of the value, i.e. €96,000–120,000. With a 25-year term and an effective interest rate of 5–6%, the monthly installment comes out to around €580–720. This does not include additional expenses such as property taxes, building maintenance or insurance.
To afford such an installment without financial risk, the net family income must be at least €1,700–2,300 per month, applying the 30–35% rule. This is the realistic minimum figure, as below this level the purchase becomes a sacrifice.
For a single individual, this means that they must have a net salary of over €2,000. The most realistic scenario is a family with two employees, where each earns €900–1,200 net, reaching a total of €1,800–2,400. Only in this case does the purchase become sustainable, without falling into dangerous debt.
So, with the average salary in the country, buying an apartment in Tirana in 2026 is not possible, not even in the long term. This is only achieved with two incomes above the average, significant prior savings, family support or additional informal income. /Euronews Albania/
