My Personal Journey: Why I Left Copenhagen and why Buying a House in Albania Led to VPM

A few years ago, if you had told me that I would pack up my life in Copenhagen, move permanently to the Albanian Riviera, and launch a professional property care business, I wouldn't have believed you. Back then, Albania was just an emerging market on my radar.

But as an investor with a deep background in the international service and hospitality industry—including years of experience working at a 5-star Marriott hotel—I saw an incredible opportunity.

However, my journey wasn't a straight line. I made mistakes, experienced the chaotic reality of the local market firsthand, and faced the exact same anxiety you might be feeling right now.

If you are currently sitting abroad, scrolling through listings, and considering buying an apartment in Albania, I want to share my honest, personal story. Here is how a failed investment in Sarandë led me to fall in love with Vlorë, and why I created Vlorë Property Management to fix a broken industry.

2023: The Sarandë Experiment and the Reality of Saturated Tourism

My Albanian property journey began in 2023 when I purchased my very first apartment in the southern coastal city of Sarandë. On paper, it looked like the perfect holiday investment. But the reality on the ground quickly changed my mind.

Sarandë was rapidly transforming into the "Ibiza of Europe." During the peak summer months of July and August, the city became overwhelmingly crowded, loud, and chaotic. Traffic came to a standstill, and mass tourism took over.

But the biggest issue was the extreme seasonality. When the summer ended, Sarandë completely died. In the winter months, it turned into a ghost town with shuttered restaurants and empty streets. There was no sustainable, year-round life.

As a strategic investor, I realized this wasn't the sustainable Mediterranean lifestyle or investment model I was looking for. I needed a location with year-round vitality, robust infrastructure, and premium growth potential.

Discovering Vlorë: The Year-Round Heart of the Riviera

While trying to make my Sarandë apartment work, I found myself spending more and more time in Vlorë. The contrast was staggering.

Whether I was walking through the charming, colorful streets of the historic Old Town, exploring the bustling city center, or enjoying a coffee along the grand Lungomare promenade, Vlorë felt alive.

• True Year-Round Viability: Vlorë doesn't shut down when the tourists leave. It is a thriving, authentic city with a stable local economy, operational businesses, and a vibrant community 12 months a year.

• The Easy Decision: When I finally decided to sell my Sarandë apartment, the next step was incredibly easy. I knew without a doubt that my future—and my capital—belonged in Vlorë.

The Hidden Challenges After Buying a House in Albania

Selling my first property and relocating gave me deep insights into the legal and logistical mechanics of buying a house in Albania. While the legal transaction at the public notary was secure, the real nightmare began the exact day I received the keys.

I was hit with a wall of unanswered questions and a complete lack of local support:

• How do I transfer and pay electricity (OSHEE) and water (UKV) bills from abroad?

• Who insures the property against water damage or earthquakes?

• What happens when the air conditioning fails during a 35°C July heatwave and guests are panicking?

• Who checks on the apartment and waters the plants during the quiet winter months?

I looked everywhere for professional help, but the answer was simple: Nobody did it, and nobody could. Local real estate agents were fantastic at selling properties and collecting their initial commission, but once the sale was finalized, they had zero interest or capability to manage the day-to-day property care.

Moving from Copenhagen to Vlorë with a Scandinavian Mindset

Frustrated by the lack of local professionalism, I made a life-changing decision. In the beginning of 2025, I packed my bags and moved permanently from Copenhagen to Vlorë. It remains the absolute best decision I have ever made.

Elevating the Standard for Buying a House in Albania as a Foreigner

I founded Vlorë Property Management on the baseline of my own struggles and my elite training in the 5-star hospitality sector. My mission was clear: to bring a strict Scandinavian mindset, absolute transparency, and international hospitality standards to the Albanian real estate market.

We are not real estate agents chasing quick sales. We are a dedicated property care and short-term rental management company. We operate exactly the way I wished someone had operated when I first entered the market.

Conclusion: Your Premium, Hands-Off Investment Starts Here

Buying a house in Albania can be an incredibly lucrative wealth-building tool, but only if your asset is protected by professionals who understand your expectations.

At Vlorë Property Management, we are the on-the-ground partner I never had. We manage your utility payments, oversee premium maintenance, handle 24/7 guest relations with a 5-star hospitality approach, and use dynamic pricing algorithms to maximize your rental yields on Airbnb and Booking.com. You are never just a number to us—you are a fellow investor, and your peace of mind is our highest priority.

Want to take the stress out of your Albanian real estate journey?

Contact Vlorë Property Management today to speak directly with me. Let’s have a friendly chat about my personal experiences, and discover how our Scandinavian standards can turn your Vlorë property into a high-yielding, hassle-free passive income machine.