7,479 first-home tax support applications as young buyers seek relief

ZAGREB, 11 September 2026 – Croatia has received almost 7,500 applications from people seeking state support for the purchase or construction of their first home, with more than €36.9 million in payments already approved.

The latest figures, released by the Agency for Transactions and Mediation in Immovable Properties (APN) on 11 September, provide the clearest picture yet of demand for the new housing support scheme.

A total of 7,479 applications had been submitted by Friday.

Of these, 6,249 applications had been processed, while 4,881 had been approved for payment.

A further 268 applications were returned for additional documentation, while 1,101 applications had been rejected either because applicants did not meet the legal conditions or because they withdrew their applications.

The measure is designed to help young citizens and families with the cost of buying or building their first residential property.

One of the key conditions concerns the price of the property.

According to APN, 310 applications – 4.96% of rejected applications – were rejected because the property price exceeded the permitted threshold, which is set at 50% above the average price used under the scheme.

Other reasons for rejection include properties exceeding permitted size limits, sales contracts signed before 1 January 2025, applicants being above the prescribed age limit, applicants already owning other property and multiple applications being submitted by members of the same household.

The scheme has attracted considerable attention as housing affordability remains a major issue in Croatia, particularly among younger people and families.

Housing prices have risen significantly in many Croatian cities and coastal areas in recent years, while demand from both domestic and foreign buyers has remained strong.

The first-home support is therefore being closely watched as part of wider efforts to make home ownership more accessible.

The latest APN figures also show that the programme is generating substantial financial commitments from the state, with approved payments already exceeding €36.9 million.

The figures are likely to provide an important indication of the scale of demand for housing support as Croatia continues to address affordability, population trends and the challenges faced by younger households.