Frequently Asked Questions
These are questions and answers on some frequently asked questions about real estate in Croatia, for any other questions feel free to contact us or come to our office and we will be glad to help you.
Selling a property through the Broker agency is simple and secure. The agency’s team manages the entire process: property valuation, professional presentation (photography, video, drone), advertising on domestic and international channels, organizing viewings, and negotiations. After selecting an offer, Broker coordinates the preparation of documentation, legal checks, and notarization of the contract, ensuring a transparent and worry-free process for the owner.
Yes, as of January 1, 2025, there is an annual property tax which replaced the utility fee. The amount is calculated based on the usable area of the property, and the city or municipality sets the rate per square meter, ranging from 0.60 to 8.00 euros annually. If the local government does not issue a decision, the lowest legal rate applies.
Hiring a lawyer when buying property in Croatia is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, especially in more complex cases or for foreign buyers. Broker provides full legal support through document review, contract preparation, and coordination with the public notary, while final legal verification is always carried out by an authorized lawyer or notary to ensure the transaction is safe and compliant.
Buying property in Croatia is safe when all legal checks are performed and professional legal assistance is used. The land registry and cadastre are digitalized and transparent, and public notaries ensure the authenticity of documentation. With the professional support of Broker and legal advisors, risks are minimized and the process is legally secure.
Before purchasing, the land registry extract and encumbrances, the building and usage permits, the alignment of land registry and cadastre, and spatial planning documentation are verified. For more complex properties, additional experts such as lawyers, surveyors, or architects may be involved. The goal is to ensure full insight into the property’s condition and avoid unforeseen risks, with the support of Broker who coordinates the entire process.
The property purchase process in Croatia usually takes from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of the documentation, the buyer’s status, and required verifications. Domestic buyers in straightforward cases can complete the purchase very quickly, while for buyers outside the EU/EEA the process may take longer due to additional approvals. Broker provides an exact timeframe after reviewing the documentation.
Buying a property in Croatia typically involves selecting and reserving a property (pre-contract + deposit), conducting a legal review of documentation, signing the purchase agreement before a public notary, registering ownership in the land registry, and paying the real estate transfer tax (3%, except for new builds subject to VAT). Broker guides the buyer through the entire process, ensuring legal security and a smooth transaction.
Yes, you can sign and notarize a property purchase agreement abroad. Croatian citizens can do this at a Croatian diplomatic mission, while foreign citizens notarize the agreement with a local notary, often with an Apostille stamp to ensure it is valid in Croatia. After notarization, the document is sent to Croatia for registration in the land registry, with guidance and coordination provided by Broker and the lawyer.
Although the price is always expressed in euros, payments from abroad may be made in other currencies, which the bank automatically converts into euros at the applicable exchange rate. It is important that the seller receives the amount agreed in the contract, so prior consultation with the bank is recommended due to exchange rates and potential fees.
A deposit is an advance payment the buyer makes when reserving a property as a sign of serious intent. In Croatia, it is typically around 10% of the purchase price and counts toward the final price of the property.
The tax liability arises at the time of concluding a contract or other legal transaction by which real estate is acquired. The notary is obliged, within 30 days of signing the sales document, to submit a copy of the document to the Tax Administration according to the location of the real estate. After the Tax Administration issues a decision on determining the real estate transfer tax, the taxpayer is obliged to pay the determined tax within 15 days of the date of delivery of the decision.
In the case of real estate exchange, the real estate transfer tax is 3%. Each party in the exchange is considered the acquirer of the real estate, so each owner is required to pay a tax of 3% on the estimated market value of the real estate acquired through the exchange.
Real estate transfer tax in Croatia is 3% and is paid by the buyer, except for new builds subject to VAT. The tax obligation arises upon signing the purchase agreement, after which the Tax Administration issues a decision that must be paid within 15 days of receipt. The notary submits the agreement to the Tax Administration, and Broker assists the buyer throughout the entire process.
Yes. Citizens of the EU/EEA can purchase property without restrictions, while citizens from outside the EU require reciprocity confirmation and approval from the Ministry of Justice. Foreigners can also obtain a mortgage loan, with varying conditions depending on nationality. The purchase agreement can be signed and notarized abroad (at a consulate or with a local notary, often with an Apostille), and the document is then submitted for registration in Croatia.
There are different types of rental properties on offer, including apartments, family houses, luxury villas and commercial premises. The selection includes properties of different sizes, locations and levels of equipment, adapted to the needs of private and business users.
What are the best locations in Croatia to buy apartments? Among the most sought-after locations for buying apartments in Croatia, coastal cities and tourist-developed regions stand out. Dubrovnik is an attractive destination due to its historical value, prestigious location and strong tourist market. Split attracts buyers with its developed infrastructure, vibrant lifestyle and combination of historical and modern construction. Istria is popular among those looking for a quieter environment, natural beauty and a quality lifestyle.
Prices for apartments in Croatia vary based on location, size, and proximity to the coast. On average, prices range from €3,000 to €8,000 per square meter in popular areas like Dubrovnik, Split, and Istria. Inland regions and smaller towns often offer more affordable options, starting from €1,500 per square meter.
The highest demand for rental properties is in larger cities and tourist-attractive areas. Coastal cities such as Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar are particularly popular, while Zagreb is the most sought-after for long-term rentals due to business and educational opportunities.