All about Croatian real estate
Illegal construction in Croatia to become a criminal offense
The Croatian government is preparing a major legislative reform aimed at ending illegal construction activities and protecting the landscape. According to Branko Bačić, Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Assets, illegal construction will soon be classified as a criminal offense, as part of a broader reform of construction and housing laws. Last opportunity for retroactive legalization When presenting the new Affordable Housing Act, Bačić announced that property owners will once again have the opportunity to legalize buildings constructed before June 21, 2011, for which no application had previously been submitted. Although the original deadline for legalization has expired, many owners failed to apply, which now complicates the management of their properties. “With this legislative amendment, we are reopening the process for older buildings. However, anyone who b...
Electricity Prices in Croatia 2025/2026
Electricity prices in Croatia have long been among the lower ones within the European Union, mainly due to state-regulated pricing and compensation mechanisms. This analysis is based on current HEP Elektra tariffs and an actual billing statement for the period from 18 February to 31 May 2025.
Structure of electricity pricing under the current tariff
For Croatian households, the key tariff model is “Kućanstvo plavi”, which includes the following main components:
Energy supply (Opsk...
Payments in Croatia: what HR01, HR03 and other models mean
If you are sending a payment to Croatia – for example for a property, invoice, water, electricity or tax – you have probably noticed the fields labeled
„Model plaćanja“ (payment model) and „Poziv na broj primatelja“ (reference number of the recipient).
These details are very important in Croatia because they determine how the bank and the recipient identify your payment.
Incorrect information may cause delays or prevent your payment from being properly matched with the invoice.
What is t...
Bačić: We want to prevent real estate business under the guise of
The new spatial planning law as a tool for sustainable development
The new Spatial Planning Act, according to the Croatian Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property
Branko Bačić, aims to contribute to the further development of Croatian tourism and the economy,
while also ensuring the protection of valuable land.
The minister made the statement at a conference in Opatija during the panel discussion
“Croatian Tourism 2025 – Are We Ready?”, organized by the
Croatia...
Property Costs in Croatia – Taxes and Fees 2025/2026
The year 2025 brought a major change in Croatia – the new
property tax (porez na nekretnine) came into effect, replacing the former
holiday home tax (porez na kuće za odmor).
This reform unified taxation for all properties – whether permanently occupied, used for recreation, or vacant.
1) Property Tax (porez na nekretnine)
The new tax applies to all apartments, houses, and holiday properties.
Each municipality (općina or grad) sets its own rate within the legal range of
€0....
Real Estate Prices in Croatia 2025 and What to Expect in 2026
Real Estate Prices in Croatia 2025 and What to Expect in 2026
Quick summary for the impatient:
Prices keep rising. In Q1/2025 +13.1% y/y (new builds +14.3%, resale +12.7%). Zagreb +12.9%, Adriatic +11.3%. (Source: DZS – House Price Indices, 1Q/2025)
New property tax from Jan 1, 2025. Applies to most second homes and vacant units: €0.60–8.00/m²/year, set by municipalities. Primary residence and long-term rentals (≥10 months/year) are exempt. (Source: Porezna uprava)
Real estate transfer...
Prices Croatia 2025
Prices in Croatia in 2025 are marked by rising living and housing costs. The year 2025 brings significant economic challenges to Croatia. The country is grappling with increasing inflation, which affects the prices of essential goods, energy, and real estate. At the same time, tax changes are being implemented to regulate the real estate market and ensure more affordable housing for local residents. So, what are the main factors influencing Croatia's economic situation, and what developments can...
Change of the Tax System in Croatia and Real Estate Tax as of 1.1.2025
From January 1, 2025, new legislation came into force in Croatia that significantly affects the tax burden in the real estate sector. In recent years, Croatia has been striving to attract foreign investors while responding to various socioeconomic factors, such as the growing shortage of affordable housing for local residents. Below you will find an overview of the key changes, their impact on owners and investors, as well as recommendations on how to best navigate the new situation.
From ...
Will the Real Estate Bubble Burst in 2025?
How can one achieve homeownership? For many, this question remains a dream. Whether the situation will change in 2025 remains to be seen. The government has introduced the National Housing Plan, aiming to ensure affordable and sustainable housing and to create spaces serving this purpose. This is to be achieved through a combination of four instruments: financial, tax, land policy, and environmental-energy measures. Plans also include amending several laws or adopting new ones, such as the Const...
Real Estate Prices in Croatia: What Awaits Us in 2025
Real estate prices in Croatia are rising relentlessly. Research shows that 66.3% of households have difficulties covering basic living expenses. The situation is worse only in Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. What is behind this trend, and what are the prospects for the future?
Istria and Kvarner: The Highest Prices in the Country
The Istrian County and Kvarner are among the most expensive areas in Croatia. In Istria, the price per square meter reaches up to 3,517 EUR, which is an increase o...