Why Croatia?

Croatia has much to offer the property purchaser, including an enormous variety of landscapes, a wide choice of cities, towns and villages, a great climate and wonderful beaches.

Its popularity really took off in 2001, and it promptly became one of the countries that were part of the ‘emerging market’ phenomenon. It opened up to foreign investors, who quickly took advantage of the inexpensive properties that were to be found throughout the country.

Anyone who wants ease of access from the rest of Europe, the clear waters of the Adriatic and an ever-improving infrastructure has got to consider Croatia. Croatia officially became an EU candidate country in 2004 and opened formal accession talks the following year, with full membership of the European fold following on 1st July 2013. This is a result of the impressive progress made by the country as an independent state, and will help promote the long-term prosperity of the country.

As of February 2009, the property market in Croatia became more open to foreigners, as are now able to buy on the same terms as local Croats. This burning of red tape in the buying process will not only speed up the property buying procedure, it should encourage more buyers to purchase in Croatia with confidence.

Buying a property

Property buying in Croatia is governed by the principle of reciprocity. This means that until Croatia joins the EU as expected, the right of an individual to buy property there is on the condition that Croatian nationals are permitted to buy property in the origin country of the purchaser. For UK citizens, this presents no real problem, but if you are from a different country, it is worth bearing in mind.

However, as of February 2009, foreign nationals are able to buy in Croatia with the same rights and opportunities as local Croats. Given that to be awarded permission to buy previously it was often necessary to form a private company, this change will free up the buying process and attract many buyers who would otherwise have been reticent to buy in the country. This change in buying rules is necessary as one of the tenets of Croatia joining the EU, which is expected to happen in 2011.

As in all property transactions, the purchaser should always use the services of an independent lawyer who acts solely for them. It is also essential that the lawyer should speak both Croat and English fluently.

It is important for the lawyer to check that the property’s title is clean. Because Croatian families traditionally handed properties down from father to son for several generations, in some cases the paperwork is either incorrect or non-existent.

Passports, visas and residency

As part of Croatia's preparation to become a full member of the EU, visa and passport requirements for UK or other EU citizens have fallen very much in line with the rest of the Europe. This means EU citizens arriving into Croatia need only a passport or national identity card.

Foreign nationals can stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days without having a residence permit. Those wanting to stay longer can apply for a temporary residence permit, which will be granted without difficulty to anyone owning a property.

And finally...

Croatia has really arrived in the family of countries that are attracting those seeking a home in the sun. Prices are still reasonable, there’s a great deal to do, the people are fun, and the country is attractive.