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Which region of Croatia to purchase property in?

Istria

Easy and inexpensive access, including by public transport from Italy. Istria is often called "the Croatian Tuscany" - there are lovely historic coastal towns (Porec, Rovinj, Pula) whilst the interior is very picturesque. The climate includes warm summers and cooler winters. Property is quite expensive due to high demand and Istria's proximity to the rest of Europe.

Kvarner Riviera

The main town is Rijeka, which has an airport on the nearby island of Krk and also has reasonable access from Zagreb (bus/train journey is just over 3 hours). Lovely coastal resorts include Crikvenica (one of the Croatians' favourites), Kraljevica and Novi Vinodolski. The climate is warm in the summer but some winter days can get quite cold. Bargains are hard to find as this area is close to the Croatian interior and therefore popular with many Croats.

Nothern Dalmatia

Some lovely historic towns (Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir) with small coastal resorts between them. Warm in the summer with mild winters, although some strong winds occasionally. Some bargains to be had, particularly in the smaller towns!

Southern Dalmatia

The main town is Split, with good transport links by ferry to the Italian port of Ancona. Rather long journey times if travelling to/from Zagreb by bus or train. The Makarska Riviera and the ancient town of Dubrovnik are amongst the most attractive places, although both these locations are quite expensive to buy property, especially due to the popularity of Dubrovnik. Very warm summers and mild winters.

The Islands

There are thousands of them - just take your pick, although only about 60 are inhabited. On the other hand, if you are really determined, you could splash out and purchase a whole Croatian island of your very own!

Inland Croatia

Zagreb, as the capital, is where property can get very expensive, although it is, of course, still cheaper than comparative property in other European countries. Many smaller towns in Northern Croatia, in which property is very cheap, are close to Austria and Hungary and might be suitable for those wanting the quiet life.

Advice on purchasing Croatia Property

If you decide to purchase a property you will need a proof of citizenship: your passport has then to be notarised in Croatia.

Legal Fees and Taxes

The property transfer tax in Croatia is currently 5 will be levied just on the cost of the land.

If the property is older, the 5% will be on the entire property value.

Mortagages

At the present time, mortgages are not available to foreigners in Croatia secured on property in Croatia.

The Contract

On the assigned day of completion, the buyer and seller (or their authorized representatives) will be presented at the office of the Notary (Javni Biljeznik) to sign the title deed (Ugovor or Kupoprodaji Nekretnine).

The Croatian Notary does not check any terms when buying property in Croatia, but certifies that both parties have agreed to the terms stated, (the Notary is in place to witness both parties' signatures). At that stage your agent will prepare a copy of your contract and all other (see below the list of documents needed) necessary documents to be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia.

A clause in the contract allows you to take advantage of your property with immediate effect while you wait for the paperwork

When acquiring a property in Croatia, foreign citizens need to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.

This is a formality that requires 12 to 18 months to complete.

Applications are not refused unless the individual has an adverse history with relation to Croatia.

In Croatia the ultimate proof of ownership is entry of the owners name in the local Land Registry (Zemljisne Knjige) on that specific property.

The local courts will not allow a foreign citizen to be entered in the Land Registry without the MFA approval.

Here is a list of the documents, which have to be supplied to the MFA when requesting an approval to purchase property in Croatia: The sales contract;

An excerpt from the land registry for the particular property (In Croatian ZK izvadak). This document is usually obtained in each municipality (Opcina) at the local municipal court (Opcinski Sud); it's land registry division (Gruntovni Odjel);

A document from the local municipality (Opcina), from the following department: "Ured za prostorno planiranje". The document is called "Uvjerenje o namjeni", for the particular property;

Proof of citizenship for both buyer and seller (photocopy of passport); any photocopies have to be notarised by a Croatian Notary Public.

When buying property in Croatia, a clause in the contract safeguards your finances, protects your rights and allows you to take advantage of your property with immediate effect while you wait for the paperwork.

Once the approval arrives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia your agent will fax it to the local Land Registry and confirm you as a new owner, then the final step is to pay the tax for your new property in the Taxation Office.

These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.