Strategic Development Consultancy services for a luxury coastal co-located project in Albania
In December 2024, Global Branded Residences (GBR) was engaged to provide strategic development consultancy for The Grand Palazzo Hotel & Residences in Durrës, Albania.
In collaboration with RLA Global, GBR was tasked with assessing the site’s potential for integrating branded residences within a larger mixed-use concept that includes a hotel, beach club, and retail offering. The assignment involved reviewing the existing master plan and proposing conceptual enhancements to align the project with market expectations for branded residential offerings.
The scope of work included site analysis, market benchmarking, and a thorough review of Albania’s emerging luxury residential landscape. GBR evaluated both international comparables across the Adriatic – including Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia – and five local developments, two of which feature branded components. This dual-layered approach helped situate the Grand Palazzo within a regional context while identifying specific gaps and opportunities in the Albanian market.
A key deliverable was a comprehensive product definition, including strategic guidance on unit mix, sizing, amenity programming, and pricing – both in terms of capital value and €/sq m. The proposed branded residences were positioned above local market averages, reflecting their aspirational nature while remaining sensitive to absorption and return expectations. The pricing and design strategy was developed to balance exclusivity with commercial viability, anchoring the branded component as a core value driver for the project.
Durrës was recognized as a strategic location, not only for its coastal appeal but also due to its growing national importance as a tourism and logistics hub. With strong government support for tourism investment and the presence of Albania’s largest port, the city offered a compelling backdrop for a flagship branded development. Its accessibility and role as a gateway to the Western Balkans further supported the long-term investment thesis.
Ultimately, the consultancy concluded with a strategic roadmap outlining recommended modifications to the development plan, aligned with global branded residence trends while integrating local nuances. The final proposal provided a foundation for design progression, brand partnership alignment, and investor engagement – positioning The Grand Palazzo to set a new standard for branded living on Albania’s Adriatic coast.
Regional Average Non-Branded Price: €8,706 / sq m
Regional Average Branded Price: €11,442 / sq m
Locally, in Albania, the buyer profile is significantly more weighted towards domestic demand and the Albanian diaspora. Foreign buyers are relatively fewer, accounting for an estimated 30-40% across projects.
The top five foreign buyer groups in local developments include Swiss, Italian, German, Polish, and Scandinavian investors.