Do you know what could be your wisest investment decision this year? Buying a property for tourist rental in Croatia! This adorable Mediterranean country gets increasingly popular every year among tourists looking for affordable, safe, but beautiful locations for their vacation. Savvy investors have already recognized that potential, so it’s not surprising Croatian real estate market has exploded in recent years.
To become part of the wave and buy your first property in Croatia, you have to follow certain regulations and procedures for foreigners. Just seeing regulations and procedures on the paper might cause you to start sweating, but don’t panic! For all of you sharp financial investors looking for your piece of the pie, we explored all the best real estate agents’ tips and tricks – and here is everything you need to know!
Real estate agent share why Croatia is so popular among buyers
People all around the world have a significant interest in Croatia. And not just for a visit but also for making it their new home or a real estate investment. But why is that? Real estate agents have noticed that buyers are primarily interested in buying real estate along the coastline. They are attracted to the comfortable Mediterranean climate, head-spinning natural beauty, and delicious gastronomy. Even though real estate prices in Croatia have risen in the last couple of years, they are still more affordable compared to other European countries. So many advantages and a reasonable price? No surprise everybody is crazy about Croatia, including you!
Real estate tips for buyers - where to buy your first property in Croatia?
Before getting down to the nitty-gritty of buying your first villa on the Croatian coast, begin by researching the specific area where you would like to buy a home. Consider factors such as accessibility, amenities, proximity to the sea, and local regulations.
Also, take note of places with good infrastructure, such as highways, airports, and marinas. Of course, particularly consider areas popular among tourists since they’re the best investment opportunity.
In reality, there’s no general advice for the location – that’s an individual choice and depends on your heart’s desires. Whether you’re looking for a place to live or invest, Croatia has a plethora of excellent areas to choose from.
The picturesque coastline of Istria, popular cities along the Dalmatian coast such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar, or naturally beautiful islands of Hvar, Brač, and Korčula – every single one of these locations will take your breath away. As long as there’s a sea on the horizon, your investment is guaranteed success.
Now you can think about what you want to buy. Most foreigners look for luxury houses and villas with pools, penthouse apartments with rooftop terraces, or urban flats coming with a bit of jacuzzi action. Again, consider your priorities, make a wish list, and let your real estate agent do his magic!
New real estate checklist – the complete guide of buying a property in Croatia if you are a foreigner
So, you’ve made a decision to buy and you picked your dream property. What does a process of buying a real estate in Croatia look like if you are a foreigner? We bring a real estate checklist that will help you find your way!
First thing’s first – buying a property in a foreign country is always best if done with a little help of your real estate agency. Your agents should lead you through the entire process – from finding “the One” to entering your name in the land register as the new proud owner of the property.
Before you become a property owner in Croatia, this is what expects you on the way:
- Firstly, you will have to get an OIB – a personal identification number. You need that number so you can make a transaction in Croatia as a foreigner including buying a property.
Also, you will need that number to pay taxes – when you buy a property in Croatia, you became a taxpayer. In Sol Home, we help you get your OIB via our partner lawyer firm of notary public.
- Next step is very important one – checking the status of the property. You need to know whether the property has a mortgage or some other type of financial burden. Also, you need to check whether it is built legally.
- Once all the air is cleared and you have come to an arrangement with the seller, you can assemble a purchase contract. The contract has to have all the sale conditions that are before agreed and it has to certified by the notary public.
- After you’ve singed the contract, you need to request the change of the name of the new property owner in the land register.
Furthermore, as a property buyer be prepared to pay taxes – 3 percent of the total amount of the property price.
However, if you are buying a property directly from the investor (legal entity), who already paid the taxes (25%), you won’t have to pay taxes!
- After you have met all the terms, the process is finished and your name as the new owner of the property is written in the land register.
- The final step of the process, with which we also help you (as we do with all the steps), is to transfer the bills to your name. Electricity, water, internet etc. Also, at your request, we connect you with additional services you may need such as cleaning service, pool maintenance. Basically – everything you might need!
Finally, when we are talking about real estate tips and tricks, there is one more thing you should know.
If you are a citizen of the EU there are no limitations when it comes to buying a property in Croatia.
But, if you are coming from other countries that are not within the European Union, you will need to obtain a permit from the Croatian Ministry of Justice for buying a property.
Another thing with which your real estate agent here in Sol Home will gladly help you!
Real estate tips for beginners – details foreigners should pay attention to
Sometimes the excitement of buying a new real estate can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your lifelong dream. However, a cool head is a must when investing in a property. Before you put your signature on any crucial documents, pay attention to these details that are important for buyers in Croatia:
- Verify the ownership of the property, i.e., whether the seller is the rightful owner and has valid proof of ownership. This can be verified through the property deed.
- Check if there are mortgages or any other encumbrances on the property.
- If you’re purchasing a new property or real estate under construction, ensure the seller has a valid building permit.
- Always inspect the condition of the property before finalizing the purchase.
Even though high-quality real estate agencies will pay attention to these details for you, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared yourself. It’s worth noting that regulations may change over time, so it’s essential to consult with local professionals and authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding buying property on the Croatian coast as a foreigner.
Real estate tips for buyers and sellers – what to do if you want to sell?
What happens if one day you want to sell the property you bought in Croatia?
If you wonder when can you sell your property, the answer is – anytime you want. Just contact your favorite real estate agency for help! But have in mind that it might not be wise to sell the property within the first 2 years of owning it.
If you do that, you will have to pay a certain amount of tax. Specifically, 24% of the amount that is the difference between the two prices (the price you bought the property for and the price you sold it for).
Finally, what would be the ultimate real estate agent tips and tricks?
Well, for sure, be aware that a more experienced real estate agent will for sure surprise with an additional property. He or she will probably show a property that suits your needs and desires but it’s not on the list. Just like a cherry on the top of the pie that property just might be the one! Either way, you will feel it in your gut.
When the property is right for you, you know it. You see the arrangement of the furniture, you see yourself with your family using the space and living your life.
There are butterflies in your stomach. We know, we know. It’s a property, not a person. But still, it just might turn into your home. And that is a big thing.
Need help in finding the right property for yourself or are thinking about investing in real estate in Croatia? Contact us, we will do our best to make your property dreams come through.
Photo: Unsplash, Pexels.
