# North Macedonia tourism and real estate boom

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-tourism-and-real-estate-boom
> Updated: 2026-08-23T20:23:23.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 5.

The tourism and real-estate boom that accelerated in mid-2026 has shown significant expansion across both sectors. In the tourism industry, the first five months of the year saw a 23.6% increase in foreign tourists and an 18.7% rise in overnight stays compared to the previous year. This trend is bolstered by a 40% annual increase in arriving passengers, as noted in a World Bank report. To sustain this momentum, the VMRO-DPMNE-led government is prioritizing infrastructure projects, including the Skopje–Thessaloniki high-speed railway, road upgrades, and the addition of 21 new destinations via Skopje and Ohrid airports. Strategic focus is also being placed on rural, cultural, and gastronomic tourism through simplified investment procedures and development programs.

Parallel to tourism growth, the real estate market reached record levels in the second quarter of 2026. The total financial value of the market rose by 27.3% from the first quarter to reach 351.7 million euros. In Skopje’s Center, the highest price for a new apartment sold by an investor reached 206,640 denars (€3,360) per square metre, while Ohrid recorded a top price of 197,408 denars (€3,200) per square metre for used apartments. The Register of Prices and Rents logged 8,369 transactions between April and June, a 7.9% increase over Q1. Furthermore, the Cadastre Agency recorded 28,352 pre-registration sheets for construction projects, indicating a substantial pipeline of upcoming developments.

By July 2026, airport activity reached new heights. Ohrid Airport handled 52,544 passengers in July, a 41.2% increase over the previous year, while Skopje International Airport served 408,925 passengers, up 29.5%. Combined, the airports processed approximately 2.42 million passengers from January through July, a 28.4% annual rise. Officials attribute this to a “smart subsidy policy” designed to attract new routes. Consequently, Macedonian airports are projected to reach four million passengers by the end of the year.

## Claims

- The highest price for a new apartment sold by an investor in Q2 2026 was 206,640 denars (3,360 euros) per square metre. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- A 50‑square‑metre apartment in Skopje’s Center sold for 168,000 euros. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The highest price for a used apartment in Ohrid was 197,408 denars (3,200 euros) per square metre, with a 66‑square‑metre unit sold for 211,200 euros. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- 8,369 real‑estate transactions (sales and rentals) were recorded from 1 April to 30 June 2026, a 7.9 % increase over the first quarter. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The total financial value of the Macedonian real‑estate market in Q2 2026 was 351.7 million euros, up 27.3 % from Q1. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Investors recorded 977 sales in the quarter, including 943 apartments and 34 houses. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The Cadastre Agency logged 28,352 pre‑registration sheets for construction projects. (corroborated by 10 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Macedonia airports expect four million passengers this year

Macedonia's airports are expected to see four million passengers this year, while parking prices in Ohrid have doubled due to rising fuel costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-airports-expect-four-million-passengers-this-year

### 2026-08-08: Macedonia tourism sees 23.6% rise in foreign visitors

Macedonia's foreign tourist numbers rose by 23.6% in the first five months of the year, driven by infrastructure investments and expanded air connectivity, according to VMRO-DPMNE.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-tourism-surge-driven-by-vmrodpmne-policies

### 2026-08-04: Macedonian airports see record passenger surge in July

Macedonian airports reported record July traffic, with Ochrid handling 52,544 passengers (up 41%) and Skopje 408,925 (up 30%). Jan‑July totals hit 2.42 million, driven by government subsidies and new airline‑to

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonian-airports-see-record-passenger-surge-in-july

### 2026-07-31: Macedonia's real‑estate market Q2 2026 records record prices and 27% growth

Macedonia’s Q2 2026 real‑estate market saw record new‑apartment prices (3 360 €/m²), a 27 % rise in total value to €351.7 M, 8 369 transactions (+7.9 %) and 977 investor sales.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-real-estate-market-jumps-27-in-q2-record-prices-hit-3360-per-m

### 2026-07-28: Macedonia reports 28% airport traffic jump, 40% surge in tourists

Macedonia’s Skopje and Ohrid airports saw a 28% passenger increase in early 2026, while foreign tourist arrivals rose 40% per the World Bank Tourism Watch, growth credited to government measures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-reports-28-airport-traffic-jump-40-surge-in-tourists

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Cite as: North Macedonia tourism and real estate boom. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-tourism-and-real-estate-boom