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Best Real Estate
Status NekretnineThe Global Properties website offers a wide range of listings for foreigners planning to purchase properties in Serbia. To find a suitable unit, use the convenient search engine with filters, sorting results by different parameters and interactive map. Carefully read the characteristics, photos, location and property prices in Serbia, then contact the seller by phone or via private messages. The contact details of the developer or agency are given in each listing.
Foreigners can own Serbian housing in the same way as citizens of the republic. The only requirement is to comply with the condition of reciprocity. This means that citizens of countries where Serbs can also freely acquire housing are allowed to buy property in Serbia. The relevant agreements have been signed with the European Union, Russia, the United States, Canada and some others.
- Minimum cost of real estate in Serbia: USD 113516
- Maximum price: USD 7.9 million
- Minimum area: 49 m²
- Maximum area: 700 m²
Ownership of real estate of any value is the basis for obtaining a residence permit. The validity of the document is one year and it can be extended if all conditions are met.
After living in the country for five years, the holder of a residence permit can apply for a permanent residence permit and after three years, they can apply for citizenship.
The most popular cities and regions for foreign buyers are:
- Belgrade: It's one of the most favourable capitals for investment in housing. The cost of local properties is significantly lower than in other major European cities. There are both apartment buildings and detached houses. Developed infrastructure, parks, palaces, temples, modern buildings, many restaurants of Balkan cuisine and a unique atmosphere make property in Belgrade in demand among tourists.
- Novi Sad: The second most populous city located on the banks of the Danube. It's the economic centre of the country and a popular tourist destination. The 19th century buildings, museums and galleries attract wealthy travellers from the USA and Western Europe. The city has a peaceful atmosphere and even more affordable real estate prices than Belgrade.
- Kosovo: A republic with a developing infrastructure. New complexes, shopping centres and transportation facilities are being built here. Stable economic growth contributes to an increase in demand for housing and, accordingly, higher prices. Owners of property in Kosovo can count on capital gains. Local housing is also suitable for earning money on rent, as archaeological sites attract German, Italian and American tourists.
In the central areas of large cities such as Belgrade, apartments in high-rise buildings are most popular. Most buildings have central heating and air conditioning. Premium complexes often include modern infrastructure with a gym, swimming pools, lounges, sports and playgrounds.
Houses are in demand among families with children and people who want to live in a more private environment. Such housing is usually located in the suburbs and is characterised by a traditional architectural style, influenced by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan traditions. There are also new villas in Serbia with private gardens, swimming pools and other personalised amenities.
Properties in Serbia for investment offer numerous opportunities to make money. Here are the main reasons to buy local housing:
- High rental yields: Local real estate will provide profitability at the level of 4 to4.4 percent per annum. This is a good and stable rate for the European market.
- Market and economic growth: The local government's efforts to join the EU are leading to an influx of foreign investment. The projected annual growth of the real estate sector between 2024 and 2028 is 1.82%.
- Ease of registration: The process of real estate registration in the country is simple and transparent. Foreign citizens can freely purchase housing in Serbia.
The country is an emerging tourist destination with a growing economy. This makes local real estate a lucrative option for short or long-term rentals. For a short-term strategy, properties located near attractions are suitable. They'll attract tourists looking to rent holiday homes. Properties near schools, hospitals, stores, bus stops, and other infrastructure are more suitable for long-term rentals.
Property in Serbia
The process of buying real estate in the country consists of several steps:
- Decide on the type, area and purpose of the property: whether you're looking for a villa to live with your family, for example, or an apartment to rent out.
- Find a suitable object in the catalogue of the Global Properties website and contact the seller.
- Check the ownership and history of the property. There are illegal buildings in the country that aren't registered in the cadastre. Hire a competent lawyer or broker to take care of the document verification.
- Sign a preliminary agreement with the seller and make a down payment (usually 10% of the value of the property). If you're outside the country, this can be done by your representative with a valid power of attorney.
- After completing the due diligence and obtaining all the necessary permits, sign the main sales contract and pay the remaining amount.
- Have the contract notarised and register the title of ownership at the Land Registry.
- Pay the registration fees and the transfer tax (2.5% of the value). It doesn't apply to new buildings, in which case the buyer pays VAT.
- Obtain a certificate of ownership of the property.
Reasons for investing in property in Serbia
The country is actively investing in infrastructure development, which improves the availability of housing. In addition, it has a rich cultural and historical heritage that attracts tourists and makes the country interesting for living and investing in.
The local market is showing steady growth. There has been an increase in the demand for residential and commercial projects, which is due to the improving economic situation and increased interest from foreign investors.
The cost of property in Serbia varies depending on location and type. In large cities, such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, the value of housing is higher. In recent years, there's been a tendency to increase the price of objects, especially in the capital. Investors are attracted by the prospect of capital growth and rental income. The average profitability in Belgrade is 4.4%, in Novi Sad − from 4.05 to 4.24%.
In Q1 2024, the total value of construction works in the country increased by 22% year-on-year. This indicates a significant increase in activity in the development industry and offers investors the opportunity to acquire investment real estate in Serbia in new projects with high capitalisation.
Buying real estate in Serbia
The Global Properties website is updated daily. Listings from reliable developers and agencies are automatically collected and manually verified. Users receive only current offers with houses and apartments in Serbia. For convenience, the platform has a built-in currency converter that allows you to view the cost of objects in dollars, euros and Serbian dinars.