Buying a home by the sea in Croatia should be exciting. Before you sign, these eight questions will help you understand the property, the purchase process and the full cost.
01What permits does the building have?
Ask to see the building permit and confirmation of its current legal status. If the building is complete, ask for the use permit too. Have an independent Croatian lawyer check that the documents cover the apartment you intend to buy.
02What does the land registry show?
Ask for a current land registry extract. Check who owns the property and whether any mortgage or other right is registered against it. If something is recorded, ask how and when it will be resolved. Your lawyer should also check how the apartment and any garage or outdoor space will be registered.
03What purchase tax will I pay?
These apartments are sold without VAT. As the buyer, you pay Croatian real estate transfer tax at 3% of the property’s assessed market value. Include this cost in your purchase budget.
04What exactly is included?
“Turnkey” can mean different things to different sellers. Ask for a written specification covering the flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, heating and cooling. Check whether a garage space and any outdoor areas are included in the price and how your rights to them will be recorded.
05When will the apartment be ready?
Ask for the expected completion and handover dates, and for the contract to say what happens if either date changes. If construction is still under way, find out what must be completed before handover.
06What will I pay beyond the purchase price?
Ask for a written breakdown of the 3% real estate transfer tax, notary work, independent legal advice, translation, land registry charges and any financing costs. Fees depend on the services required, so obtain quotes rather than relying on a standard percentage. You will also need a Croatian personal identification number, known as an OIB, for the purchase process.
07Can I buy in my own name as a foreign citizen?
EU and EEA citizens can generally buy ordinary residential property on the same terms as Croatian citizens, subject to exceptions. Swiss citizens can generally do so too, but Croatian guidance specifies an additional temporary-residence certificate for registration of ownership. Buyers from other countries may need to meet reciprocity requirements and obtain government consent. Ask an independent Croatian lawyer to check the rules that apply to your citizenship and the property.
08Am I buying directly or through an agency?
Confirm who the seller is and whether you would owe an agency commission. If you contact us directly through our website and buy without engaging an agency, we do not charge you a buyer agency commission. If an agency is involved, check its written terms before agreeing to a fee.
Thinking about a home in Ražanac? Contact us for the available documents, specifications, floor plans and current pricing. We’re happy to answer your questions in writing.
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