Real Estate in Serbia

🇷🇸 How Serbia Became a New Destination for Living, Investment, and Property Purchase in Europe

Serbia is a country where the European standard of comfort meets Eastern hospitality, affordable prices, and the philosophy of polako — “don’t rush.” Life here is unhurried, friendly, and future-oriented. For investors and families seeking stability, Serbia has become one of the most attractive countries in Europe.

The Republic of Serbia is a state in the heart of the Balkans, bordering Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. The country covers 88,000 km², has a population of 6.6 million, and its capital is Belgrade. The currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD), and the language is Serbian.

Serbia sits at the crossroads of European trade and transport routes: from Belgrade it’s less than 1 hour by plane to Vienna or Budapest, and about 2 hours to Athens or Istanbul. The international airports of Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac receive flights from dozens of countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the CIS.

Serbia’s economy is growing steadily: GDP exceeds $80 billion, average growth is 3–4% per year, and inflation is under control. The country attracts foreign companies with low taxes (corporate tax — just 15%) and free access to EU, Russian, Turkish, and Chinese markets via trade agreements.

☀️ Why People Choose Real Estate in Serbia

The main reason is affordability and simplicity. Foreigners can purchase property on the same terms as Serbian citizens, and residence permits based on ownership are among the clearest in Europe.

Buyers choose Serbia for several reasons:

• - The ability to obtain a residence permit when purchasing property of any value;
• - Housing price growth of 5–10% per year;
• - Low taxes: 2.5% purchase tax, annual tax around 0.3%;
• - Mortgages for foreigners from 4% per annum;
• - Transparent transactions via notaries and the land registry;
• - Safety, mild climate, and a comfortable living environment.

Serbia attracts buyers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, as well as Germany, Austria, the UAE, and Israel. For CIS residents, language helps (many Serbs speak Russian); for Europeans, favorable taxes and property prices 3–4× lower than in neighboring EU countries are key.

💡 Advantages of Living and Investing in Serbia

Serbia is a place to live simply and peacefully. It offers European-level infrastructure without excessive bureaucracy. The cost of living is among the lowest in Europe:

• Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Belgrade — €400–600/month;
• A cup of coffee — €1.5, lunch at a café — €8–10;
• Utilities — €100–120/month.

Economic advantages:

• Corporate income tax — 15% (one of the lowest in Europe);
• VAT — 20%;
• Double taxation treaties with 65 countries;
• Free currency regime.

The country is actively developing IT, manufacturing, tourism, and construction. Belgrade has become a regional hub for tech companies, supporting demand for rentals and commercial real estate.

📈 Why Serbia’s Real Estate Market Is Growing Rapidly

In recent years, Serbia has evolved from a “quiet” Balkan market into a fully fledged investment destination.

• Housing prices have risen 35–40% over 5 years;
• In 2024, foreigners purchased over 15% of all new-build properties;
• Belgrade entered the top 10 fastest-growing European markets by construction pace.

Growth is supported by an influx of migrants, relocants, and digital nomads who choose Serbia for its blend of affordability and European quality of life.

📍 Where It’s Profitable to Buy Property in Serbia

Belgrade — the capital and investment magnet. Located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, it blends historic streets with new developments like Belgrade Waterfront.

• Apartments — from €150,000, new builds — from €250,000;
• Rental yields — 6–8% per year.

Novi Sad — a university and cultural center on the Danube. Apartments from €100,000, with stable demand from students and IT professionals.

Niš — the industrial and logistics hub of the south. More affordable property: from €80,000, with rising demand driven by business and industrial park development.

Kopaonik — a ski resort with modern hotels and chalets. Prices from €120,000, winter yields up to 10%.

Zlatibor, Vrnjačka Banja, Sokobanja — spa and climate resorts with thermal springs. Managed apart-hotel complexes are growing fast, offering 7–9% annual returns.

🌤️ Climate and Quality of Life

Serbia has a temperate continental climate:

• Average winter temperature — +2°C, summer — +27°C;
• About 220 sunny days per year;
• Clean air, thermal springs, and abundant green spaces.

Life is comfortable year-round — winters are mild, summers are sunny but not overly hot, especially in central and mountain areas. Serbia is safe (low crime rate) and famed for its hospitality: it’s easy to adapt and feel at home.

🏠 Residence Permit and Citizenship Through Property Purchase

Serbia offers one of Europe’s clearest and most accessible paths to residency.

• Buying property of any value grants the right to a 1-year temporary residence permit, renewable;
• After 5 years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency;
• After 10 years — for citizenship;
• Separate programs exist for entrepreneurs and investors.

Processing takes 1–2 months, with a transparent and straightforward procedure. Residence permit holders can live in Serbia without visas, access medical and banking services, enroll children in schools, and travel freely to neighboring countries.

🏖️ Lifestyle and thePolako Philosophy

Life in Serbia flows at its own pace — polako, without haste. People linger over coffee, resolve matters calmly, and value balance. It’s not laziness, but a culture of comfort: doing everything with enjoyment and minimal stress. This rhythm especially appeals to relocants and families moving from megacities. Serbia is ideal for those who want European-level service without paying “European” bills and taxes.

🎯 We Help With All Real Estate Goals in Serbia

We partner with trusted agencies, lawyers, and developers nationwide to select properties for any objective:

• Investment with rental income;
• Purchases for residency or relocation;
• Apartments in Belgrade and Novi Sad;
• Income-generating resort properties;
• Residential projects for digital nomads and families.

We explain how to complete a purchase, calculate returns, and apply for residency.

📝 How the Property Purchase Process Works in Serbia

1. Define goals and budget.
2. Select properties and conduct online viewings.
3. Partners verify documents and prepare the contract.
4. The transaction is completed before a notary.
5. Property registration takes 7–10 days, after which you can apply for residency.

The seller or developer pays the commission, and buyer support via our platform is free.

🤝 Why Buying Property in Serbia Through Us Is Advantageous

We know the market, track legal changes, and work with reliable partners. We help you choose a home or investment project for any goal — residency, relocation, rental, or business. Our services are free for the buyer: you pay the same as when dealing directly with an agency, while receiving expert support and confidence at every stage.