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With Croatia becoming ever more popular as a holiday destination, interest in purchasing property, or real estate, in the country has also risen quite suddenly in recent years. 

Here we have complied a short guide to help you get started if you are interested in purchasing property in Croatia. Although, at present, there are few Croatian real estate agents that have websites, those that do seem to offer quite a good selection to at least give you an idea of what sort of properties are on offer and for what price. 

It is, of course, important to remember the regulations are in place for non-Croatian citizens purchasing property in Croatia. This information from the US Embassy in Zagreb is a good starting point in understanding the regulations and legal documents required. These regulations are valid for citizens of all countries with which Croatia has got an reciprocal agreement - meaning countries in which Croatian citizens can purchase property, and vice versa. This covers the citizens of all EU countries (except Italy); USA; the Russian Federation; and Hungary. The citizens of Italy, Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina can only purchase property if they intend to settle in Croatia permanently. 

Short Descriptions of Regions
We'll now give a short description of the main regions of Croatia, to help you decide where in the country you may like to purchase your property.

Istria
Easy and inexpensive access, including by public transport, from Italy (e.g. Trieste, Treviso, Venice). 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 Croats' favourites), Kraljevica and Novi Vinodolski. The climate is warm in the summer but some winter days can get quite cold. Bargains are a bit difficult 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) and 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, especially due to the popularity of the latter. 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. 

More Information on Purchasing Property/Living in Croatia
Info from the US Embassy in Zagreb
Croatia Online Blog by Jane Cody who has been there, done that (i.e. secured property and currently living in Croatia)

Articles
The Independent (22/10/2008)
The Daily Telegraph (11/02/2006)
The Daily Telegraph (22/05/2004)
The Sunday Times (22/02/2004)
Evening Standard's Homes & Property section (29/01/2003)

Quote
"Agents in Italy recently reported a marked increase in German nationals selling their Italian properties to buy in Croatia. It could be that Brits are missing something here."
Evening Standard's Homes & Property, April 9th 2003

For more on Property in Croatia, see the second page.