While real estate markets in some European countries such as Ireland and Spain have still to recover from the economic downturn the sector in Albania is looking forward to a boost when the country joins the community in 2014.

Joining the European Union has traditionally been a factor that has seen increased interest from overseas buyers. For example, property prices in Estonia trebled on entering the EU, while the Slovak Republic and Slovenia saw property prices double and Cyprus saw a 40% increase.

Forecasts by experts say that the Balkan Peninsular will start its recovery in 2011 and they are confident that it is time to invest. Activity in the private sector has recently showed an increase in merger and acquisition transactions as well as restarting property developments that had been purchased before the crisis. Experts believe that real estate will be the first sector to benefit from this recovery.

A recent poll by Arrowtrak of businesses in the region said that 37% are considering expanding into the Balkans, investing or creating a joint venture within the next year. This potential surge of investment will have the effect of increasing wealth in the relevant countries. With more overseas investment Albania will see an increase in expats moving to the area. This will benefit property prices, particularly focusing on areas where they will live and spent leisure time.