You have been working your entire life, traveling the world, but always going back to that safe and cosy place called home. Now you are wondering, what if it is the right time to move that home somewhere else?
To a country, perhaps, with more sunny days, where life generally goes slower and you can wake up and smell the fresh air. Hear birds instead of car sirens. Feel the sea breeze on your skin, while you sip your morning coffee or doing yoga on the terrace, by the pool? Surrounded by trees and nothing else but silence.
Maybe you are a passionate sailor whose time has finally come. You want to spend it with your partner and friends exploring islands and enjoying delicious, fresh food, award winning wine.
Either way, if you are a person who is considering moving somewhere else for retirement, read on. Croatia just might be the country for you.
Besides the benefits, pros and cons of retiring in this Mediterranean country, you will also need to know something about property for sale in Croatia.
So, buckle up because we are going to give you some good-to-know pointers: where to find property for sale in Croatia and why should you consider it for your retirement?
What do you need to know if you are looking to buy property in Croatia?
We wrote extensively about the procedure of buying a property in Croatia if you are a foreigner. For the purpose of this article, we will solely mention key things we deem might be important for you.
Firstly, you need to know that there is a lot of demand for property in Croatia, especially on the Croatian coast. That isn’t surprising considering that Croatia is most known for its beautiful Adriatic Sea, numerous and easily assessable islands, great food and cordial people.
Real estate on the coast, close to the sea but also important amenities, with sea view, are the one’s buyers seek the most. Therefore, there is a lot of construction going on currently on such locations. When it comes to islands (we have more than a thousand of those!) the most desirable ones are those that are very well connected to the mainland.
If immediate vicinity to the sea is not amongst your high priorities, but fresh air, silence and nature are, you might want to consider Dalmatia’s hinterland.
Secondly, buying a property in Croatia could be a pretty smart investment. Croatia’s popularity as tourist destination is growing by the minute. Efforts are being done to make it a year-round tourist destination. All these thing affect the value of the property, especially luxury property on an exquisite location.
Finally, if you are looking to buy property in Croatia, be sure to contact a verified and competent real estate agent (agency). An expert in the field will know what to recommend you based on your needs and desires, without spending too much of your precious time.
Not only that, he or she will give you the necessary information and support (legal, financial, service) you need. The process of buying a property in Croatia if you are a foreigner is not that complicated, especially now when euro is the official currency.
Still, there are things and details that need to be done properly in order to avoid possible complication. This is why you want someone by your side that you can count on, such as our agent here at Sol Home!
Croatia’s most wanted - property for sale by the sea
There is no secret – property for sale by the sea is definitely Croatia’s most wanted when it comes to real estate.
On the northern Adriatic we have an exquisite jewel– Istrian peninsula. Demand for property there is great, both on the seaside and in the hinterland – in small, picturesque hilltop towns. Istrian lifestyle, gastronomy (truffles, olive oil, cheese) and architecture has a very specific appeal that is hard to resist to.
From there we move to Kvarner (island of Krk is one of favourite vacation destinations for families), and from Kvarner to Dalmatia.
Dalmatia, region of sea and salt, long history and natural beauties, home of winds “bura” (cold, clean northeast wind) and “jugo” (warm, southeast wind that “clouds” almost every Dalmatian’s judgement), roughness and beauty at the same time.
This region is large and divided into Northern, Middle and Southern Dalmatia.
Cities of Zadar (one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, according to famous Alfred Hitchcock – and us!), Šibenik, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik, as well as islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis (part of Mamma Mia! 2 took place there), Korčula are some of the most desired destinations.
Yes, there is a lot of history, culture, happenings, beaches, rosemary scent and fig trees there that can dazzle you into buying a property in Croatia right away.
But, be sure to explore some other not so well-known towns in Dalmatia. Both on the coast and on islands, depending on your needs and wants.
This is where a good real estate agent comes in very handy!
Rural property for sale in Croatia – the hidden gems that await you
All of Croatia is beautiful, not just its coast. Croatia’s inland has a lot to offer from natural beauty, peace and quiet, tasteful, locally produced food, cultural and historical riches, castles and fortifications, cheerful and hospital people.
If you want more space and maybe a bigger garden of your own. If you enjoy a river or a lake, rural property for sale in Croatia might be a concept for research.
And, do we need to mention that rural property for sale in Croatia is way less expensive than property on the coast?
If you are looking for more rural type of property, this is just a glimpse of what you should explore.
Starting from the east of Croatia, meet Slavonia, land of tradition, where the locals will welcome you with open arms. Then dive into the peaceful and full of forests Central Croatia and just before you hit the sea, make a stop at Lika, a region with highest concentration of national and natural parks.
Of course, you don’t have to go far away from the coast to find more rural type of property in Croatia for sale. You will find it in Dalmatia’s hinterland as well!
Why is, then, Croatia a good choice for your retirement?
Let’s sum everything up and see why Croatia could be your number one pick for retirement.
Firstly, we have to say, there is no perfection. Anywhere in the world you go, you will find some things that don’t quite suit you.
However, some things are more relevant than the others. This is why it is important to know what your priorities are.
What is it that you want and need at this precise moment of your life and what is out of the question?
More and more, as time goes by, you want to live life the way YOU want it.
So, we ask you, do you want to spend your retirement in a country that offers you:
- Access to crystal-clear sea, islands, mountains, rivers, lakes, green fields & 8 national parks on 56,594 Croatian square kilometres
- 78 islands, 524 islets, 642 are cliffs and reefs for you to discover with your sailing boat and spend amazing moments with your friends and family
- Very good weather and the opportunity to spend more time in the outdoors
- Tasteful, seasonal food, a lot of it locally cultivated, with plenty of fish, meat and vegetables
- Fresh, clean air and water that you can drink from the pipe
- Depending of the region, lower costs of living than in some other European countries, socialized healthcare and great private healthcare system.
- Plenty of historically & culturally important places and events to visit and experience throughout the country
- 10 different, easily to get around, tourist regions where you can enjoy and explore unique diversity of nature, history, architecture, gastronomy
- Warm, cordial people from green Slavonia to blue Dalmatia, that are always up for a cup of coffee (or “rakija”) and a little friendly conversation
- A country in which you will never be bored, but can easily find peace & silence when you need them. A country whose potential will amaze you and make you fall in love with Croatia (just like we did).
It all sounds amazing, but what about the cons, you might wonder?
When we are talking about things in Croatia that might not be so pleasant, there is a certain lack of structure in Croatia on national level. There is a lot of politics involved in certain decisions and some actions take more time than they should. It can be annoying, but things are changing.
We are developing, investing in infrastructure, in sustainability.
Yes, some destinations can get crowded from July till August. But Croatian National Tourist Board is working on carrying through the strategy of making Croatia a year-round tourist destination. These efforts will take away the pressure from those crucial summer months and destinations.
All things take time, and Croatia is a country full natural resources, full of potential.
If you are financially situated, life here can truly be paradise, for all of your senses.
If you are looking for property for sale Croatia or you want to know more about living in Croatia, contact us, we will gladly help you!
Photo: Pexels, Unsplash.
