Croatians remain among Europe’s top homeowners

Split

Croatians continue to be among Europe’s leaders when it comes to property ownership, according to a new housing trends report published by international real estate agency Re/Max.

The study shows that 69% of Europeans own at least one home, while around a quarter also own a second property. Croatia ranks near the top, with 37% of people owning two properties – behind only Bulgaria (46%) and Greece (39%).

Empty homes and rising prices

Despite this high level of ownership, the situation in Croatia is far from straightforward. Minister of Construction Branko Bačić recently highlighted that there are around 600,000 empty flats in the country, a figure that is placing extra strain on the housing market and pushing prices higher, Tportal writes.

The rental market has been particularly active in recent weeks as students relocate to university cities, where demand for accommodation far exceeds supply.

Croatia is not alone in facing housing difficulties. In the Netherlands, just 8% of people own a second home, yet 57% believe properties are too expensive. In Ireland, only 11% own a second property, while 71% say housing prices are unaffordable.

Almost one in five Irish respondents reported being dissatisfied with their current living conditions – the highest rate across Europe, Euronews reported.

The report also sheds light on why people invest in second properties. For 44% of Europeans, it is a holiday home. Around 23% plan to move into their second property once they retire, while 16% rent them out long-term and another 16% use short-term rental platforms.

For 14%, property is simply part of an investment portfolio, and around one in ten use multiple homes to live between two cities.

Nearly 40% of those who own a second property keep it in their home country, and 13% of Europeans who do not currently own a second property say they are likely to buy one in the future.

While owning more than one home remains an aspiration for many, critics argue that the trend is driving prices higher and fuelling overtourism.

Alexandra Latham, communications director at Housing Europe, warned that “where holiday homes are empty or only temporarily occupied in high-demand areas, tension rises as there is often a shortage of affordable housing options for residents.”

This has led to tougher regulations across the continent. Several countries have increased taxes on second homes and short-term rentals, while others have introduced affordable housing schemes. In Barcelona, short-term rentals were banned earlier this year, with existing licences set to expire in 2028.

In Croatia, similar discussions are under way as policymakers try to balance high levels of homeownership with the need for more accessible and affordable housing.