The long-awaited real estate revaluation process in Albania
has been postponed until 2025. This delay is due to the fact that the reform
for setting property reference values nationwide has not yet been completed.
Initially, reference prices will be set for other cities, and only then will
the revaluation process begin, as these two processes need to run
simultaneously to ensure that all citizens benefit from the alignment of their
property values with the actual market prices.
Reasons for the delay and setting reference prices
The revaluation process was originally set to begin in
September 2024, but due to the delay, after this phase, property prices will be
adjusted to reflect market realities. Prime Minister Edi Rama has emphasized
that this will be the final revaluation, and for this reason, the setting of
new reference prices, especially in coastal cities, is crucial. These reference
prices will directly affect the increase in property values, benefiting
citizens.
Once this phase is completed, the revaluation will start,
bringing property values closer to market prices and providing benefits to
those whose properties have outdated reference prices. For example, a property
in Durrës, whether by the coast or on the outskirts of the city, currently has
a reference price of around 660 euros per square meter, while the actual market
prices are much higher.
Revaluation rules and tax rates
To ensure an accurate revaluation, the depreciation of
property based on its age will also be taken into account. This process will
benefit citizens by increasing the value of their properties in accordance with
current market demand.
The last revaluation process, completed in August 2022,
involved 110,000 families, with a total value of 12.7 billion lek for the
state. This process had a 3% tax rate, and now, with the new reference prices
set, the full revaluation process will be triggered.
Conclusion
The real estate revaluation offers an opportunity to ensure
that property values align with market realities. The delay until 2025 may help
ensure a more accurate and fair revaluation, creating a more stable and
equitable system for all citizens.