Hvar - Villa first row to the sea

Buying real estate begins with defining your needs and financial capabilities. It is recommended to start by reviewing the market and contacting a real estate agency that can help you select reliable and legally sound properties. It is important to know if you are looking for an apartment, house, land, or commercial space, in which region, and within what budget. Our team of experts will help you choose the best property for your lifestyle or investment goal and guide you through the entire buying process.

The time required for purchase varies, but the average process takes from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the readiness of the documentation and the payment method (cash or credit). After agreeing on the purchase, a preliminary contract is drawn up, a legal check is performed, the main contract is prepared, it is signed before a notary, and finally – ownership is registered. If everything is in order with the documentation, the entire process can be completed very quickly, and our team will ensure that every step is safe and without complications.

The buyer must have a valid ID card or passport, OIB (personal identification number), and financing information (deposit confirmation, loan pre-approval, etc.). For foreign citizens, a certificate from the Ministry of Justice on the possibility of acquiring ownership may also be required. If you are buying with a loan, bank documentation is also needed. Our legal team will guide you through all the necessary steps and help you collect the documentation.

The legal security of a property is checked through the title deed, cadastral data, building permits, occupancy permit, and other relevant documents. It is also checked whether there are any encumbrances (mortgages, notations) or legal disputes. The Regent agency performs a complete legal check for you and cooperates with lawyers and notaries so you can buy without fear.

Yes, foreign citizens can buy real estate in Croatia, but the conditions depend on their country of origin. EU citizens can buy freely, while citizens of third countries must have the approval of the Ministry of Justice or have an established company in Croatia. Our team provides complete support to foreign buyers - from preparing documentation to explaining tax and legal aspects.

Yes, you can. Most banks in Croatia offer housing loans to domestic and foreign citizens, but the conditions vary depending on your residence, income, and status. If you plan to buy with a loan, we recommend that you contact your bank or a financial advisor in advance. Regent cooperates with several banks and can connect you with reliable loan advisors to get the most favorable conditions.

A reservation is made by signing a statement of intent to purchase and paying a reservation deposit - usually 1% to 3% of the agreed price. This 'takes the property off the market' and holds it for you while the documentation and contract are being prepared. The deposit is counted towards the total purchase price. In case of withdrawal without a justified reason, there is a possibility of losing the paid amount, depending on the agreement.

This means that the property is clean, i.e., it is not encumbered by a mortgage, notation, third-party rights, or court disputes. Such a title deed guarantees that the owner has the full right to dispose of the property, which is a key condition for a safe purchase. Our agency, in cooperation with lawyers and public registries, verifies this information for all properties we offer.

You can move in immediately after signing the contract, paying the full amount, and registering in the land register, unless otherwise agreed in the contract (e.g., a specific period for the seller to move out). In practice, this can be within a few days to a few weeks. The Regent agency organizes all stages of the transfer and ensures a smooth transition of ownership and use.

Before buying a property, it is important to check the land registry extract, which determines who the legal owner is and whether there are any encumbrances or liens on the property. The possession certificate allows you to check the actual state of the property in the cadastre and its ownership. It is also important to check the building and use permits to ensure that the property was built in accordance with regulations and can be legally used.

A preliminary contract is a legal document that defines the terms of sale before the main contract is concluded. Although not legally binding, it is often used for the buyer and seller to secure their interests before the final transaction. It usually establishes the purchase price, payment deadlines, obligations of both parties, and the deadline for concluding the main contract. The buyer often pays a down payment as security that the transaction will be realized, and in case of withdrawal, loses the amount paid. The preliminary contract also provides security to the seller and can be useful when applying for a loan, as banks often require proof of intent to purchase.

After signing the sales contract, the buyer is obliged to pay the agreed purchase price in accordance with the agreed deadlines. They must also file a real estate transfer tax return with the competent Tax Administration and pay the corresponding tax, unless the property is exempt from taxation (e.g., new construction with VAT). The next step is to submit an application for registration of ownership in the land register, whereby the buyer formally becomes the legal owner of the property. After that, it is necessary to take possession of the property from the seller, including the keys and any technical documentation. Additionally, the buyer needs to transfer utility costs (electricity, water, gas, internet) to their name and, if necessary, arrange for property insurance.

The price is most often paid in two phases - by paying a down payment when concluding the preliminary contract and the rest of the amount when signing the main sales contract or after the registration of ownership. Payments are made via bank transfer, very often in the presence of a notary.

After signing the sales contract, the new owner can immediately initiate the procedure of registration in the land register. The deadline for registration varies depending on the workload of the competent court, but on average it takes from a few days to a few weeks. The application can be submitted in person or via the e-Justice system, with the mandatory fee and original documentation.

Real estate in Croatia can be purchased by citizens of the Republic of Croatia, foreign citizens from EU member states, and citizens of third countries if there is reciprocity between the states. Legal entities registered in Croatia also have the right to purchase. Foreign citizens must first request the consent of the Ministry of Justice, unless they come from countries with which Croatia has a mutual agreement.