Croatia has been celebrated by expatriates, retirees, and business people alike because of the country’s gorgeous Adriatic coast, connection with Europe and pleasant weather.
Whether it be the lively cities such as Zagreb or the legendary Dubrovnik, or you wish to venture through the country’s spectacular forested mountains and heritage sites, you will need somewhere to call home.
However, how does the acquisition process of property in Croatia function for foreigners?
Take a peek at all that is necessary for you to know, including average price ranges, mortgages, fees, and even disadvantages to be avoided, to determine the best place to buy property in Croatia.
Can You Obtain a Mortgage Loan from a Croatian Bank as a Non-Resident?
At first and foremost, you need to consider how you will fund the purchase of your property in Croatia. As long as you don’t have any money ready at hand, you would need to take out a loan. In Croatia, such loans are known as hipotekarni kredit or hipoteka.
You will not be granted permission if you do not reside in Croatia legally, have an address within Croatia, or just earn money abroad.
Therefore, it is a good idea to start looking for loans before actually starting to look for a property that fits your requirements. You may want to enlist the help of a broker who will assist you with finding the right loan for you. Someone who speaks the language and knows their way around the process could be worth their weight in gold.
Taxes and Costs of Purchasing Real Estate in Croatia
To create a budget for buying property in Croatia as a foreigner, you need to consider the cost of legal fees, taxes on the property, and other costs.
The following are the major taxes/fees you should keep in mind if buying a property in Croatia:
| Tax/Fee Name | Rate / Cost |
| Legal Fees | 0.5% – 1.5% of property value |
| Estate Agent Fee (if applicable) | 0% – 3% |
| Property Transfer Tax (Stamp Duty) | 3% |
| Notary Fees | ~€100 (fixed average) |
| Mortgage Valuation Fee | Up to €200 |
| Annual Property Tax | €0.60 – €8 per m² (not applicable for primary residences) |
What is the State of the Property Market in Croatia?
The Croatian real estate market is becoming popular right now. There has been an increase in the prices of housing properties by around 13.22% in 2025 compared to the previous year. There’s an improvement in property demands, and the construction of residential buildings is also increasing.
What it suggests is that, as a buyer, you need to pay a bit more and hence compete more with other buyers to seize your dream Croatian home.
If you want to buy a property to rent out, it would help to know that rental incomes are moderate, averaging about 4.42% in 2025. While the rental market in Croatia is generally limited.
1. Is It Possible for Foreigners to Purchase Property in Croatia?
Individuals with EU nationality possess the right to buy property in Croatia, similar to Croatian citizens. But this is not the case for British expats, now that the UK is out of the European Union.
However, you can still own a home in Croatia, as the UK has an agreement of reciprocity with Croatia (which indicates that Croatians also own a right to buy property in the UK).
An essential aspect is to know that, as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to have permission granted to buy a property from the Croatian Ministry of Justice. This process can consume a few weeks.
You cannot buy agricultural or forest land as a foreigner, or properties in protected areas.
2. Is It Possible to Purchase Property in Croatia and Obtain Citizenship?
If you’re a citizen of a third country (such as the UK), you can gradually obtain a temporary residence permit in Croatia by buying property there.
This permit typically lasts for a year, cannot be renewed, and you need to reside in the property you buy. You cannot work in Croatia on this permit, and an additional limitation claims you can merely stay in the country for about 6 months at a time.
How Expensive Is Real Estate in Croatia?
Now, this one is the centre of attraction; how much money do you need to buy your dream home in Croatia?
As per the reports, the cost of buying an apartment in Croatia is roughly 21% and 24% cheaper per square meter as compared to the UK, based on whether you’re buying inside or outside a major city centre.
Also, it depends on the type of home and the exact area you’re buying in.
To assess the same a little further, here is a guide as to what you can anticipate paying per square metre in a few of Croatia’s major cities:
| City | Avg Price €/m² (City Centre) | Avg Price €/m² (Outside Centre) |
| Dubrovnik | €6,697 | €3,731 |
| Split | €5,833 | €4,117 |
| Zagreb | €4,611 | €3,060 |
| Rijeka | €3,445 | €3,248 |
Note: While figuring out the price of the property in Croatia, you can witness that international transfer getting expensive, particularly if the bank or provider adds a marginal value to the exchange rate to convert your pounds into euros.
Which is the Least Expensive Area in Croatia for Investing in Property?
If you’re tight on your budget, you should probably avoid biggies like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb. You should rather emphasize smaller towns and villages, and also some rural areas.
You can consider areas like Medimurje County and Osijek-Baranja County, which possess the lowest property prices in the country.
Purchasing Real Estate in Croatia as a Foreigner: A Comprehensive Guide
Prior to starting your search, it’s wise to understand the process of buying property in Croatia.
Here’s a quick outline of the particular steps involved:
1. Organize Your Finances
The initial stage is to get your finances in place. That is, setting a budget, acquiring a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and acquiring all your paperwork done.
2. Obtain an OIB and Set Up a Bank Account in the Area
Understand that before legally buying a property in Croatia, you’ll require an Osobni identifikacijski broj (OSB). OSB is an official personal tax identification number. You can acquire this for free by paying a visit to the local Tax Administration office.
3. Locate the Property and Schedule Appointments to View the Property
Now you can start searching for your property in Croatia. You can take the help of online property portals and/or local estate agents to discover properties.
4. Make an Offer on the Property
If you’re successful in finding your dream home, the next crucial step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent or the buyer instead. You can even negotiate, similar to other countries.
5. Hire a Solicitor and Perform Due Diligence Checks
While it’s completely optional, it’s always wise to find and appoint a property lawyer.
A personal suggestion is an ideal way to find a solicitor; however, you can even find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website
Website Link: (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers)
It’s advisable to appoint a solicitor and have them verify the title deeds for the property prior to signing any preliminary contracts.
They’ll also perform other due diligence checks. This includes verifying encumbrances, drafting and reviewing contracts, verifying the property title deed and also making sure that the property is legally allowed to be sold.
6. Commission a Survey of the Property
While due diligence checks are being performed, you need to book a building survey. This includes hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural and other errors.
7. Initial Agreement and Payment of Deposit
After doing all this and realizing everything is ready, what comes next is signing an interim agreement between both sides involved. This is known as the pre-contract or Predugovor.
Also, there is a need to make arrangements for transferring the deposit, which should be about 10% of the total buying price.
At this stage, you might want to contact your mortgage company to finalize financing issues related to the purchase.
8. Final Agreement and Transfer of Final Balance
The final sales contract must be signed by both parties involved in the presence of a notary public.
You’ll pay the remaining balance, after which you’ll acquire a statement signed by the seller called the ‘Clausula Intabulandi.’ This particular agreement legally permits you to register as the new owner with the Land Registry.
9. Taxes/Payments, and Ownership Transfer to the Land Registry
Here, you’re supposed to disburse the closing amounts, encompassing all legal fees, stamp duty, and other taxes. Your solicitor will eventually submit the final paperwork to register the property in your name with the Land Registry.
After completion of all the formalities, you’ll acquire the keys to your new home.
How Do You Look for a Property in Croatia?
The two major avenues to find property to buy in Croatia are local real estate agencies and online property websites.
1. Properties Agencies/Agents in Croatia
It’s completely optional to employ a real estate agent to discover a property to buy Overseas. However, it can help you, particularly if you are not familiar with the local property market.
If this is the first time you have bought a property in Croatia, then an expert buying agent or broker might deliver helpful advice and insight into the local market.
However, you need to disburse a fee for this service, and you should also ensure the agent is licensed and registered with the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).
2. Website for Properties in Croatia
You can benefit from property search online; however, prior to setting foot in Croatia. A few fundamental property portals and websites you can try:
- Njuskalo.hr
- Oglasnik.hr
- GoHome.hr
- crozilla-nekretnine
- Croatiapropertysales.com
- Rightmove Overseas
What are the Potential Risks of Buying a Property in Croatia?
Scams! One of the most crucial aspects you need to watch out for when buying a property abroad!
An ideal way to guard yourself against any scams is to consult an independent real estate lawyer. This is an expert who functions merely for you, has your interests at heart, instead of working for the seller or real estate agent.
Other aspects to keep in mind for a safe property purchase in Croatia:
- Ensure any estate agent you employ is registered with the Croatian Chamber of Economy
- Be cautious if an agent or lawyer asks you to skimp to save money and time
- Stay away from aggressive sales or marketing gimmicks; take your time out, do your research part and complete the process
- Get a building inspection/survey performed if you possess any concerns related to the property
How Do You Pick the Right Property in Croatia?
1. Condition of the Property
It’s always better to carry out as much research as possible before deciding the best place to buy property in Croatia.
It’s not obligatory, but it’s highly recommended to commission a building survey or scrutiny. This will highlight any shortcomings and deliver an optimized idea of what you’re buying.
2. Type of Property
Croatia is packed with a variety of property types, from city centre apartments to family houses in smaller towns.
You might want to buy a new building from a developer, but you could crack a better deal with an older construction in a rural area. Remember: these homes will come with high renovation costs.
If you’re planning to buy in a city, an apartment will be the best choice with respect to location and local amenities.
Living in Your Croatian Property
1. Insurance
It’s highly advisable to have a building’s insurance policy starting from your completion date. Instead, you would discover it is a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.
2. Utilities/Bills in Croatia
If you’re aware of your completion date, it’s crucial to buy some essentials to set up in advance of moving in.
For instance, utilities like heating, power, and water. Get these sorted as early as possible.
Renovation of Your Property in Croatia
With respect to old construction, some building work or enhancements might be required before you move in.
Final Thoughts from Insights Kolekr when Buying Property in Croatia as a Foreigner
After having a glance at this guide, you should have all the essential information at your fingertips to start your property search in Croatia. With appropriate planning, legal guidance, and market research, you can examine the process and possess a valuable asset in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
For an in-depth analysis and global investment strategies, platforms such as Insights Kolekr deliver valuable resources to help you make prudent property decisions.
