Global Properties is an aggregator offering more than 38 options for properties for sale in Croatia from verified agencies and developers with extensive market experience.
A convenient search form with filters and a map will help you buy property in both the primary and secondary markets. Quick links at the bottom of the page allow for easy selection of options. These are common filter combinations, such as 'by the sea', 'on the first line', and others.
For added convenience, there's a built-in currency converter that shows costs in euros, dollars and other currencies.
Yes, foreigners can own property in Croatia. However, the process may be more complex than for Croatian citizens, with additional requirements and paperwork. Overall, the Croatian government encourages foreign investment and property ownership, though some restrictions are in place.
- The minimum cost of property in Croatia is USD 41200.
- The most expensive property costs USD 11.15 million.
- Over the last year, the average price has increased by 3.5%.
- Minimum floor area: 200 m².
- Largest area: 74,000 m².
You can obtain resident status in Croatia for various reasons, including work, study, family reunification, digital nomadism, and research activities. A residence permit is issued for one to five years, depending on your purpose of stay. One of the main advantages of this document is the right to visit Schengen zone and European Union countries without a visa. However, it's important to note that purchasing real estate alone isn't a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
Buying property doesn't automatically entitle you to citizenship. Foreigners have three ways to obtain Croatian citizenship:
- Naturalisation, which requires eight years of residence in the country: five years with a residence permit and three years with permanent residence.
- Marriage to a Croatian citizen.
- Special merits – if you've made a notable contribution to the country's science, economy, culture or sports.
The following locations have become the most attractive destinations for holidays and buying homes:
- Zagreb, the capital, is known for its many cultural events, museums, and restaurants. Foreigners prefer flats in the historical centre or modern apartments in new districts.
- Dubrovnik, known as the pearl of the Adriatic, attracts with its rich history and stunning sea views. Here you can find luxury villas on the coast and cosy apartments in the old town.
- Split, the country's second-largest city, is famous for its picturesque waterfront and Diocletian's Palace, built in 305 AD. Modern flats in the centre and traditional houses in the surrounding area are popular here.
- Zadar, located on the Adriatic coast, is famous for its Roman and Venetian ruins and the unique Sea Organ. Popular types of property in Zadar include sea view flats and houses in quiet residential areas.
- Rijeka, a large harbour city, is sought after by foreigners for its cultural attractions, natural beauty, and beaches. Buyers here choose apartments in the centre and houses in the suburbs with sea views.
Croatia offers a wide range of traditional houses and exquisite mansions that can include gardens, swimming pools, and parking spaces. There are also flats in modern buildings and apartments from older housing stock with various layouts. The most luxurious projects are located next to the sea, with some even boasting private beaches.
Investing in real estate for sale in Croatia is favourable due to the region's demand for holiday accommodation. Local properties have additional potential due to:
- stable price increases;
- a developed market for primary and secondary apartments;
- the possibility of renting out premises for a stable income;
- a long sea holiday season, typically lasting from May to October;
- a ski season from December to March;
- the seaside location, with many beaches and natural areas;
- rich cultural heritage and an abundance of attractions.
Yes, investors can earn a high income from rental accommodation, especially during the peak season when many holidaymakers arrive. However, it's important to know that foreigners can only rent accommodation through a legal entity, which requires setting up a company. To legally engage in renting, you must obtain permission from the relevant authorities.
Property in Croatia
Croatia, located on the picturesque Adriatic coast, is famous for its historic cities, numerous islands, and national parks. Foreign buyers and tourists visit the region throughout the year to enjoy cultural attractions, sea resorts and ski destinations. Due to its stable economy, EU membership, and relatively affordable property prices in Croatia, this country is becoming increasingly popular with investors and those looking for holiday and permanent accommodation.
The market offers a variety of options, each with its own features and advantages:
- Flats in modern and historical buildings. Apartment layouts often include kitchen-dining rooms, living rooms, several bedrooms and bathrooms. Some units come with balconies, storage rooms, laundry rooms and dressing rooms.
- Houses in Croatia. Most of these properties are in coastal locations, although there are offers within city limits too. You'll find historic stone buildings with wooden shutters, tiled roofs, beamed ceilings, and spacious open terraces. There's also a large selection of modern, minimalist mansions. Some houses feature swimming pools, gardens, gyms, and living rooms with fireplaces.
There's a wide choice of historic buildings, modern complexes and properties under construction. New projects often come with private protected areas, swimming pools, public recreation areas and car parks. Currently, there's high demand for small complexes on the seafront. Most new buildings are in the Kvarner region, on the island of Krk, as well as in the Dalmatia region: on the islands of Brac and Hvar, Makarska Riviera, and Rogoznica.
When it comes to prices of properties in Croatia for investment coastal towns command higher prices due to their proximity to the sea and tourist attractions.
Destinations with good infrastructure and relatively easy access to airports are particularly attractive. Among foreigners, the most popular places to buy are Dubrovnik, Split, Opatija, Istria and the islands of Hvar and Brac.
Reasons for investing in property in Croatia
Croatia has high investment potential due to its strategic location on the Adriatic coast, stable economy, and EU membership. The tourism industry is one of the key sectors, ensuring constant demand for rental accommodation.
The region is actively developing its infrastructure and attracting international investment, driving up prices and returns on investment. In the second quarter of 2023, property values in Croatia, particularly in Zagreb, increased by an average of 14%. On the Adriatic coast, prices rose by 12.8% and in other localities by 17.7%.
Buyers can use flats and houses for their own residence or for renting out. Croatia is an attractive holiday destination, especially during the summer months in resort areas. The tourism sector continued to strengthen in 2023, with the number of foreign visitors increasing by 9.4% to 15.6 million compared to 2022. Expats working in various industries, including tourism, IT, and construction, are moving to the country for permanent residence. Students studying at universities are also renting long-term accommodation.
Getting investment real estate in Croatia is profitable, with average returns reaching 4.6% per annum. In the sought-after cities of Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, the returns are 4.9%, 4.6% and 4.1% per annum respectively.
The market for properties under construction shows significant potential due to growing demand for new housing. Investing in off-plan projects allows for substantial returns due to value increases as they're completed. In the first half of 2023, the number of modern properties sold increased by 25.9% to 2,353 units compared to the same period last year. Reselling apartments and villas can be lucrative, especially with increased demand in popular tourist and urban areas.
Buying real estate in Croatia
Our portal will help you choose apartments in Croatia from reliable developers and real estate agencies. The aggregator is updated and supplemented daily, so visitors can see listings with up-to-date descriptions and prices. Visit the catalogue and use the search filters to sort properties in Croatia by type of object, area, number of bedrooms, proximity to the sea and additional amenities.