Capital Point CEO talks Forbes Global Properties luxury debut in Albania - EXCLUSIVE

CE Report presents an exclusive interview with Ilda Zaloshnja, CEO & Founder, Capital Point/Forbes Global Properties.

What specific real estate projects or properties will Forbes Global Properties initially focus on in Albania?

Albania is still an emerging market for luxury real estate, but it is now entering a new phase where international standards are beginning to take shape. Landmark developments are underway along the coastline and in Tirana, many of them designed by renowned global architectural firms. These projects are raising the bar and positioning Albania on the map for discerning investors worldwide.

Our initial focus will be on the southern coast, particularly in Vlora and Saranda, where transformative projects are redefining the region’s appeal. In Tirana, we already hold exclusive representation for select premium units within some of the city’s most prestigious new developments in the very heart of the capital.

Our mission is clear: to showcase and represent only the finest elements of each project, ensuring that everything we bring forward meets the rigorous standards of Forbes Global

How will Capital Point facilitate the network’s operations and maintain Forbes Global Properties’ international standards locally?

At Capital Point, we fully recognize the high standards that the Forbes Global Properties network and its clients expect. Every property listed under the Forbes Global Properties brand in Albania will undergo rigorous vetting, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and quality at every stage. Just as importantly, we will remain accessible and responsive to all members of the network, facilitating referrals and seamless collaboration across markets.

Locally, we are introducing practices that will elevate the real estate landscape. Chief among them is exclusive and private representation, an approach not traditionally embraced in Albania, but essential to aligning with international best practices. This ensures that properties are presented with consistency, discretion, and a focus on protecting the interests of both sellers and buyers.

In addition, the introduction of the Forbes Global Properties Private Office represents a transformative step for the Albanian market. This platform offers clients confidentiality, privacy, and a personalized level of service unlike anything currently available. It positions Capital Point | Forbes Global Properties distinctly above other agencies in Albania.

Our mission is to set new benchmarks in exclusivity, privacy, and professionalism, bringing international standards to Albania and delivering a level of service that truly reflects the prestige of the Forbes Global Properties brand.

Are there plans to attract foreign investors, and if so, which markets are being targeted first?

Attracting foreign investors is at the very core of our vision and it aligns closely with the priorities of the Albanian government. Until recently, Albania’s main appeal was its highly competitive property prices. Over the past five years, those early investments have proven remarkably successful, delivering significant returns. Today, however, Albania is stepping into a new phase: creating world-class projects with exceptional design, amenities, and infrastructure.

Major investments are reshaping the country; new airports, ports, marinas, highways, and even a revived rail system are all contributing to accessibility and long-term value. With Albania located just one to two hours by flight from most European capitals, these developments will make the country increasingly attractive to sophisticated international investors seeking both lifestyle and opportunity.

The Albanian diaspora, especially in Europe and North America, has always been an important source of investment at home. But our ambitions extend further. We are targeting markets such as the United States, China, Australia, and the UAE, alongside established European investors from the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Italy. Wealthy investors today look for more than just property; they seek lifestyle, infrastructure, climate, and above all, security. Albania already offers natural beauty and safety; with the new wave of developments, we are building the missing pieces. Soon, Albania will not only compete with, but surpass many of its neighbors in the eyes of global investors.

How does the entry of Forbes Global Properties align with Albania’s long-term strategy for real estate development and EU integration?

The arrival of Forbes Global Properties in Albania could not be more timely. In many ways, the country is still one or two years ahead of the full maturity of its luxury real estate market, but this forward-looking step positions Albania on the global map at exactly the right moment. It allows investors to enter at the very beginning of the luxury real estate curve, securing returns on investment that few other European countries can currently offer. Equally important is the way local developers are approaching this new phase. They are collaborating with world-renowned architects and embracing the latest technologies to deliver projects that meet international expectations. This raises the quality benchmark and ensures expectations. This raises the quality benchmark and ensures Albania’s offering is not only competitive but also distinctive.

On the regulatory side, Albania is moving toward the adoption of new laws and frameworks governing property ownership and project registration. These reforms will provide both local and foreign investors with greater transparency, legal security, and confidence in the market. Together, these elements, forward-thinking development, international collaboration, and stronger regulation, align perfectly with the country’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and its broader path toward EU integration.

Are there initiatives in place to address potential concerns regarding housing affordability for Albanian citizens as property values increase?

Albania remains a nation of homeowners, with over 94% of the population owning their residence. This creates a strong foundation: as property values rise, existing homeowners benefit from increased equity that can, in turn, support younger generations on their own path to ownership.

At the same time, the government has launched initiatives aimed at making housing more accessible. Programs such as the “No-Interest Mortgage” targeted at doctors, members of the military, and families without a primary residence are already helping young families secure their first home. While these initiatives can be strengthened, they represent a meaningful step toward easing affordability challenges.

Urban growth is also creating new opportunities. Areas once considered too distant from city centers are becoming well-connected through improved infrastructure, offering attractive and more affordable alternatives. This evolution mirrors the natural trajectory of major cities worldwide: as central areas appreciate in value, expansion and accessibility make surrounding neighborhoods viable and desirable options.

Photo: Capital Point/Forbes Global Properties

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller