Ida Ismail
Apartment rental prices in Tirana have reached record levels during 2026, making housing increasingly unaffordable for middle-income families. While demand for housing remains high, real estate market experts are identifying one factor that is exerting increasing pressure on prices, the expansion of daily rentals through the Airbnb and Booking platforms.
The phenomenon is being accompanied by a sharp increase in long-term rental prices, making housing increasingly unaffordable for middle-income citizens.
The daily rental market has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by the increase in tourist numbers and the higher profits that short-term bookings provide.
"Interest in daily rental apartments on Airbnb has increased significantly recently. Individuals who own apartments and use them for this purpose are becoming more empowered. We also have clients who rent properties long-term and then use them for daily rentals," says real estate market expert Ervin Demirxhiu.
According to him, the most preferred areas by tourists and investors for short-term rentals are the Artificial Lake, Blloku, the area around the "Air Albania" stadium, Pazari i Ri, Selvia and Zogu i Zi. Demand also remains high in tourist destinations such as Durrës, Golemi, Lalzi Bay, Vlora and Ksamil.
In areas like the New Bazaar, daily rents reach up to 70 euros per night, while in Bllok and Paris Commune they range from 55 to 70 euros.
While for owners this business model represents a better profit opportunity, for tenants it is creating increasing difficulties in finding affordable housing.
Rents at record level in 2026
The average rent for apartments in Tirana for 2026 has reached 721 euros per month, according to data from real estate agencies. As rental prices continue to rise, monthly incomes are not keeping pace, pushing the cost of long-term rental housing beyond the limits of affordability for individuals and families.
At the same time according to INSTAT, the average gross monthly salary in Albania reached 90.119 lekë, or about 930 euros, during the first quarter of 2026. Calculations show that an individual with an average gross salary must spend about 77% of their monthly income just to pay the rent of an average apartment in Tirana.
According to the international standard used to measure housing affordability, housing costs are considered affordable when they do not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
While the tax administration is trying to formalize the daily rental market, the social impact of this phenomenon is becoming increasingly visible.
Individuals who rent out properties for short periods are not required to open a NIPT if they do not engage in commercial activity, but must declare their income through the DIVA declaration and pay a 15% tax on the profit made. However, beyond the fiscal aspect, the main challenge remains the balance between developing tourism and guaranteeing access to housing for residents.
As short-term rentals continue to expand, housing is becoming an increasingly burdensome burden for middle-income families. Without measures that balance tourism interests with the needs of residents, the housing market risks becoming unaffordable for Tirana's citizens.acqj.al
