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Buying a Property in Croatia

Why Croatia?

Updated January 2012

Croatia has much to offer the property purchaser, including an enormous variety of landscapes, a wide choice of cities, towns and villages, a great climate and wonderful beaches.

Its popularity really took off in 2001, and it promptly became one of the countries that were part of the ‘emerging market’ phenomenon. It opened up to foreign investors, who quickly took advantage of the inexpensive properties that were to be found throughout the country.

Anyone who wants ease of access from the rest of Europe, the clear waters of the Adriatic and an ever-improving infrastructure has got to consider Croatia. Croatia officially became an EU candidate country in 2004 and opened formal accession talks the following year, with full membership of the European fold following on 1st July 2013. This is a result of the impressive progress made by the country as an independent state, and will help promote the long-term prosperity of the country.

As of February 2009, the property market in Croatia became more open to foreigners, as are now able to buy on the same terms as local Croats. This burning of red tape in the buying process will not only speed up the property buying procedure, it should encourage more buyers to purchase in Croatia with confidence.

Popular property locations – an overview

In the last few years, Croatia has emerged from the troubles of the early 1990s, when war tore through the Balkans. The infrastructure has been transformed, good roads now link north and south, airports have been built, and the country has been put on a sound footing, to attract more and more visitors interested in buying property.

The country is divided into numerous different regions, however most property buyers tend to want to buy in the coastal areas of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia. This is a land of medieval towns safe within high walls, breathtaking scenery, and an extraordinary mix of cultures and history.

Croatia’s mainland coastline is around 1,770km long and in addition has around 1,200 islands lying off it, which is one of the major attractions for tourist to visit. The Adriatic coast tends towards beaches that are rocky or pebbly rather than sandy.

Potential homeowners are given a real à la carte in the variety of landscapes to choose from. Spending holidays in different regions is helpful in making a final decision and if you are able, try to visit at different times of the year so that you are aware of what the winter climate and atmosphere are like.

Property in Istria

The Istrian Peninsula is the most northerly part of Croatia, and borders Slovenia. This part of the country has proved very popular with visitors, thanks to its beautiful countryside, richly forested interior and attractive coastline. The old town of Umag is set on its own riviera, which stretches for about 20km. This is an especially pleasant part of the coastline.

Possibly the last area to come to the attention of the overseas property industry, Istria has seen a sharp growth in property buyers from the UK in the past couple of years. As buyers are keen to find the best deals and discover untouched areas of the country, they have spread north from the bigger cites to discover the resorts and the old Venitian-style towns further up the coast. Low-cost airlines now have established routes into Croatia, with Pula in Istria as the main destination airport in the region.

Porec, probably the most popular resort in Istria, dates back some 2,000 years and is well worth a visit, while the town of Rovinj, which was originally on an island, is home to many restaurants and cafés and is also a thriving fishing port.

Property in Kvarner

Further down the coast from Istria comes the 'middle' section of Croatia, the Kvarner region.

Opatija and Crikvenica have a great deal of charm. Opatija, especially, is home to some lovely buildings dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when it was a fashionable seaside resort. Crikvenica is known for its long beach and mild climate, which is reputed to be beneficial for those with respiratory problems.

One of the most important – and busiest – Croatian ports, Rijeka, is located here. This is very much a starting point for anyone wanting to travel by ferry further down the coast or out to the islands. Also to be found in this part of the country are the islands of Krk, Pag, Rab and Cres, which are proving ever more popular with tourists looking for a break off the beaten track.

More pages

Page 1: Why Croatia?
Page 2: Property in Dubrovnik & Dalmatia
Page 3: Taxation for Residents and non-residents in Croatia

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• Croatia: An Overview

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