Rental prices in Tirana continue to rise sharply in 2026, with some areas reporting increases of up to 25%, according to recent market data.
The upward trend in apartment rents has become a key driver of inflation in Albania. Data from INSTAT show that rental costs contributed around 0.95 percentage points to overall inflation growth in March, out of a total increase of 2.6%. This highlights the growing pressure housing costs are placing on household budgets.
A market observation conducted by Monitor reveals significant price increases across several high-demand areas of the capital. Near the Dinamo Stadium, rents for one-bedroom apartments (1+1) now range between €500 and €1,000 per month, up from €500–€800 a year earlier, marking a peak increase of 25%.
In other central zones, prices have also surged. Apartments near the Artificial Lake area have reached up to €1,500 per month, reflecting a 15% increase compared to 2025. Meanwhile, in the Komuna e Parisit area, rents for similar units have climbed to around €900, particularly for newly built and modernly furnished properties.
Larger apartments (2+1) in these areas now range between €1,000 and €1,200 depending on amenities such as parking.
In contrast, peripheral areas of Tirana have remained relatively stable. In neighborhoods like Fresku, one-bedroom apartments are still rented for €380–€400, while two-bedroom units average around €450 per month.
This gap highlights a growing divide between central and suburban housing affordability.
Real estate agents attribute the continued increase in rents not only to strong demand but also to a shrinking supply of long-term rental properties. Many apartments are being redirected toward short-term rental platforms, reducing availability for residents. Data from AirDNA indicate that listings for short-term rentals in Tirana have surged from around 1,000 units in 2021 to approximately 5,200 in 2025, intensifying market pressure.
As demand remains high and supply constrained, the Albanian rental market is expected to face continued upward pressure throughout 2026, raising concerns about long-term affordability in the capital.