ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an evaluation of housing policy reforms in Albania with a particular emphasis on privatization and restitution. It explores the impact of the changes on the housing market in Tirana identifying challenges and opportunities for new housing development to meet the demand of a rapidly growing population. New housing developments have a higher standard, sell for US$ 40,000 to 60,000 and appeal to the new elite. House prices range from US$ 300 to 700 per square meter depending on the location and the quality of space provided. Albania experienced for about 50 years after the World War II one of the most dictatorial regimes under the communism ideology. In 1992, the government continued the privatization process by passing a law on the Privatization of State Housing. The restitution of confiscated property to ex-owners proceeded despite complications and ambiguous interpretation of the legislation.
