Real Estate in Croatia

🇭🇷 Where It’s Best to Buy a Seaside Apartment in Croatia: Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split

Croatia is a country where the sea, safety, and European stability form an ideal mix for living and investing. It lies on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
The country covers 56,594 km², has a population of about 3.8 million, and its capital is Zagreb. Croatia has been an EU member since 2013 and part of the eurozone and the Schengen Area since 2023, which guarantees economic stability, free movement, and legal protection of property rights. The national currency is the euro (EUR). The official language is Croatian, but English, Italian, and German are widely spoken in coastal cities.

The climate is mild Mediterranean on the coast and continental in the country’s interior. Summer lasts from May to October, with air temperatures of +27…+32°C and sea temperatures of +24…+26°C; winters are warm and dry (+8…+15°C). Croatia ranks among the ten most eco-friendly countries in Europe: clean sea, well-kept towns, and no heavy industry.
A developed transport system supports comfortable living and investing: there are 7 international airports — Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka, and Osijek; the A1 motorway runs along the coast linking the north and south; and regular ferries connect the mainland to islands such as Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, and Krk.
Croatia is renowned for its cultural heritage: historic towns, Venetian-era architecture, fortresses, festivals, and gastronomy. The country combines an Italian vibe, German order, and Balkan hospitality — making it one of Europe’s most attractive places for seaside living and property purchases.

📊 Croatia’s Real Estate Market: Stability, Growth, and Global Demand

Croatia’s property market remains one of the most resilient in the EU. According to Eurostat, in 2024 the average housing price rose 8.7%, while demand in coastal regions increased by 20%+.

Average price per m² in coastal areas is €2,800–4,500, reaching €6,000–8,000/m² in premium locations like Dubrovnik and Split.
30%+ of buyers are foreigners — particularly from Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and CIS countries. Growth is supported by stable tourism: over 20 million visitors annually, with coastal apartment occupancy above 80% in peak season.

Croatia is one of the few EU markets where you can buy seaside property at moderate prices, earn rental income, and obtain a residence permit or digital-nomad visa.

🌴 Where to Buy in Croatia: The Best Regions

Dubrovnik — the Adriatic’s calling card. A UNESCO-listed city with unique architecture and sweeping views of the old harbor. Real estate here is elite: sea-view apartments €5,000–8,000/m², villas €700,000–1.5M. Ideal for premium short-term rentals and buyers seeking prestige and stability.

Split — the country’s second-largest city and one of the most dynamic markets. It’s a year-round city with universities, international offices, and an airport with direct European routes. Average prices €3,000–4,500/m², rental yields 7–10% p.a. Popular: seaside flats and historic-center apartments.

Zadar — a balanced option between price and yield. The city is expanding, attracting investors and families. Seafront property from €2,500/m², new apartments €120,000–200,000. Suitable for long-term living with moderate investment risk.

Pula & Istria — strong European influence and heavy demand from Italians and Austrians. Here you’ll find seaside villas and Tuscan-style houses; rentals are in demand year-round.

Šibenik & the islands (Brač, Hvar, Korčula) — for those seeking seclusion and high tourist income. Boutique complexes and premium managed villas are actively being built on the islands.

💶 Prices and Yields in Croatia

• - Studios & small seaside apartments — €120,000–160,000
• - Sea-view apartments — €250,000–450,000
• - Villas & houses — from €600,000
• - Summer rents — €100–250/night, yields 6–10% p.a.
  Thanks to the euro and a stable economy, the market shows steady growth without overheating. Property taxes remain low: 3% on purchase, 10% on rental income, and 0.1–0.2% annual property tax.

🏡 How to Buy Property in Croatia: Process, Taxes, Mortgages

Property purchases are available to foreigners and have been greatly simplified since Croatia joined the EU and eurozone. EU/Schengen citizens can buy in their own names without restrictions.
Non-EU buyers (incl. CIS) can purchase via a Croatian company (d.o.o.) — a straightforward process not requiring residency.

Key steps:

1. Sign a preliminary contract fixing price and a 10% deposit.
2. Legal due diligence of the property, land registration, and utilities.
3. Execute the main contract before a notary and make payment.
4. Register ownership in the land cadastre (usually 3–4 weeks).

Mortgages are available to foreigners: up to 70% LTV, terms up to 25 years, rates 3.5–5%. Developer installments are often possible, especially off-plan. The deal can be completed remotely via power of attorney.
We and our partners help choose the optimal purchase format, calculate taxes, and arrange completion without requiring your physical presence.

🎯 Who Croatian Property Suits and What Goals It Solves

• - Investors — stable EU market, strong rental demand, 6–10% yields, active price growth.
• - Families — safe country, EU-level healthcare, schools, and a calm climate.
• - Digital nomads & freelancers — visa for remote specialists, reliable internet, seaside living.
• - Retirees — mild climate, accessible healthcare, friendly environment.
• - Second-home/relocation seekers — potential for residence permits and free Schengen travel.
  Croatia is not just for holidays — it’s a fully-fledged country for living with European standards, pristine nature, and a stable market.

⚖️ Transaction Safety and Our Support

Buying abroad requires trust and expertise. We work with vetted developers and agencies, thoroughly checking documents, cadastre records, and title conditions.
We accompany you from consultation to title registration, help with residence permits, rentals, and ongoing management. We operate transparently, with no hidden fees, focused on safety and client benefit. With us, buying property in Croatia is a clear, expert-controlled process with outcomes protected by EU law.