Ever since adventurous travellers started visiting the elusive Albania in the 1990s, tales have been told in ‘keep it to yourself’ whispers of azure coastlines, delicious cuisine, incredible heritage sites, affordable adventures and the possibility of unplanned journeys off the beaten track complete with welcoming locals. But Albania won’t be a secret for much longer.Indeed, with tourist arrivals are up 13% in H1 2013 (in comparison to the same period last year) according to Albania´s Ministry of Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports. Coupled with Alitalia’s low cost airline commencing flights in January 2014 from several cities across Italy, it could be that the secret is already out!Peter Walshe, Marketing and Sales Director of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, the luxury 5* beach resort nestled on Albania´s Adriatic coast, offers five top reasons why property investors buyers in particular should look eEast to Albania in 2014:

1.EU candidacy expected – The newly appointed Prime Minister Edi Rama has pledged that Albania´s future lies firmly in the European Union and is confident in the nation’s capacity and commitment to fulfil accession criteria. With candidacy and subsequent membership comes increasing investment, which will undoubtedly mean property prices will rise, so now is the time to beat the Euro and buy!

Keen to bolster Albania’s European links, Edi Rama recently paid a visit to 10 Downing Street where he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, which were considered excellent, as well as economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Cameron stressed that the UK government supports Albania´s European integration.

In addition to potentially becoming a part of the EU and after celebrating 100 years of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, Albania finished its NATO integration phase last month with officials reporting that the country now is more capable of expanding its responsibilities in the alliance.

2.Growing Economy – Over the last decade, foreign direct investment in Albania’s infrastructure has played an important role in fostering the economic development of the Balkan nation. The massive overhaul and upgrading of transportation and communications has already boosted confidence amongst investors looking to Albania in 2014.

According to a report by the World Bank  the Albanian economy will recover in the coming years with a projected growth rate of 1.3 per cent in 2014, seemingly coping well with the global economic downturn, which is due in no small part to Albania implementing strong policies before the Eurozone crisis took hold.

3.Exotic Europe – Cox & Kings, the world’s most enduring luxury travel brand, has recommended Albania in their ‘Exotic Europe’ category. Indeed, the tiny Balkan nation offers travellers a wealth of character that is historic and yet modern and ready to be discovered. Beautifully preserved medieval towns and castles stand side-by-side with effervescent, cosmopolitan cities. With a mix of street cafes and seaside towns, the region is a comfortable combination of the familiar West Europe and the Mediterranean.

Albania is the perfect stepping stone for travellers to explore central Europe, with cheap airlines offering increased flights from all over Europe, making it easier than ever to visit!  With Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo to the North, Macedonia to the East and Greece lying to the South, your options are endless.

Specialist tour operator for discerning travellers, Kirker Holidays has also launched their latest range of tours encompassing life-enriching itineraries across the world. The 2014 programme features 14 new tours including Albania as the fascinating focus of one 11-night tour that includes visits to the capital, Tirana, the Old Town of Gjirokäster (UNESCO site) and the well-preserved 7th century archaeological site of Butrint, as well as scenic and historic sightseeing in neighbouring Greece and Macedonia.

4.Buyer incentives – Genuine incentives get to the heart of what’s on a potential buyer’s mind – what value are they getting for their hard earned cash?

The location, the quality of properties and facilities on offer at Albanian resorts such as Lalzit Bay will always be the main selling points but value-added extras show potential buyers we are thinking about their needs, that developers want their custom, and are willing to go the extra mile to win it in 2014.

For property purchasers in 2014, the 5* resort is set to give away a free Fiat Punto or Skoda Octavia to buyers of deluxe apartments or two bed villa apartments and for investors, a very healthy 6% guaranteed rental income for the first two years of ownership is also on offer.

5.Finance is available – Contrary to popular opinion, mortgage finance is available in Albania. There are now 17 different banks in Albania, all of which are foreign owned, enabling buyers to obtain mortgages , onwith relatively good terms and in either Euro or Lek. Indeed Aas the Albania’sn property market develops, mortgage availabilitys are is expected to continue to improve over the coming years.

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa ,by way of  example, offers mortgage finance at 50% of the property’s  value through international bank Fibank, operating in Tirana. Pre–approval for buyers can also be arranged during the purchase process, making it easier and quicker for investors to make their Balkan dream a reality.

With so much going for it, Albania should be a serious contender for savvy investors looking to branch away from mainstream Europe and own a slice of something new and exciting.

Boasting a breath taking beachfront location on the beautiful golden sands of the prestigious and untouched Lalzit Bay and stunning views of the Dauti mountain range, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is perfectly positioned to capitalise on Albania’s fast rising popularity and international prominence.

The resort is being built by British developers alongside Strabag Engineering, to international standards with excellent onsite services and facilities.

A beautiful Mediterranean climate and over 200 days of sunshine a year, combined with very competitive pricing and all within 2.5hrs of most major European cities, make this a very attractive and attainable  lifestyle and investment choice for those aspiring to an affordable quality second home in the sun.

Prices on the development start from only €35,000 and guaranteed rental yields are being offered on Phase I 1 only at 6% per annum for two years. For more information please go to www.lalzitbay.com or call 0845 125 8600.