Lezha changes "course"! Investment yes, consumption no/ Housing loans increase by 30%, consumer loans decrease by 13%
The retail credit market in Albania has expanded significantly during the third quarter of 2025, reflecting an increase in citizens' confidence in the financial system and a clear orientation towards long-term investments.
According to official data, the total retail loan portfolio reached 351.2 billion lekë, an increase of 17.8% compared to the same quarter of 2024.
This growth was divided between consumer loans and housing loans, with noticeable differences between different regions of the country.
Increase in loans for housing purchases, Lezha at the top of the list
Among the regions of the country, Lezha has recorded the highest growth in loans for the purchase of housing, with 30.1%. Although in absolute terms it stands much lower than Tirana, Lezha has recorded the strongest annual growth in this segment, with a loan stock that has reached 3.4 billion lekë. This development is closely related to the dynamization of tourist areas, especially in Shëngjin, where the demand for holiday apartments and seasonal investments has increased significantly. The expansion of domestic and foreign tourism has stimulated interest in real estate on the coast, making this region one of the most dynamic in relation to its size.
After Lezha, Tirana ranks second with a 19.2% increase in loans for housing purchases. In the capital, the stock of loans for this purpose is estimated at 174 billion lekë, confirming the dominant role of the housing market in the metropolis. Elbasan has also recorded a solid growth of 12.8%, helped by improved infrastructure and increased demand for housing.
In Korça, loans for housing purchases increased by 11.4%, while Shkodra recorded an increase of 10.3%, mainly related to the development of suburban areas.
Meanwhile, Vlora, one of the most important coastal destinations, recorded an increase of 10.4%, reflecting the high demand for holiday homes and tourism investments.
Fier recorded the lowest growth in this segment, with only 9.2% compared to a year earlier.
Consumer debt, Elbasan and Tirana lead
In the consumer loans segment, Elbasan has recorded the highest annual growth, with 24.1%, surpassing Tirana. This development indicates an increase in consumption and the confidence of individuals to finance their daily needs through loans.
Tirana, as the country's largest economic center, has marked a 23.9% increase in consumer loans, an expected trend due to the high pace of consumption, market development, and easier access to financial institutions.
Fier has recorded a significant increase of 20.8%, reflecting a new consumption dynamic and a stronger orientation towards financing personal needs. Durrës has also recorded a high increase of 19.6%, indicating an expansion of economic activity and consumption in this coastal region.
The special case of Lezha: Investment yes, consumption no
Lezha presents a clear contrast in the analysis of the credit market. While loans for housing purchases have increased by 30.1%, consumer loans have decreased by 13.2%. Lezha is the only region where the consumer loan portfolio has decreased. This strong change indicates a shift in the financial priorities of residents, from short-term consumption towards long-term investments in real estate.
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