Buying property in Croatia is becoming harder for many families

Property prices across Croatia continue to rise, with some of the country’s most popular coastal destinations now beyond the reach of many average-income households.

Dubrovnik, Opatija and Rovinj remain among the most expensive property markets, followed by Zagreb, while more affordable options can still be found in parts of continental Croatia.

In Dubrovnik, where demand from foreign buyers remains strong, prices illustrate the growing gap between property values and local incomes. Estate agents say older apartments can typically be found for between €4,000 and €6,000 per square metre, while prices for new-build properties have moved well beyond that level.

“New-build properties have long since passed €6,000, €7,000 and even €8,000 per square metre,” Davorin Krešić, owner of a real estate agency, told HRT.

For many local residents, purchasing a home in the city has become increasingly difficult.

The situation is being driven by a combination of strong demand and insufficient supply, experts say.

Lana Mihaljinec Knežević of the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s Real Estate Business Association said much of the existing housing stock had been sold in recent years, while some properties currently on the market are being advertised at prices considered excessive.

At the same time, not enough new homes are being built, with developers largely concentrating on luxury properties aimed at buyers with higher purchasing power.

More affordable opportunities remain in continental Croatia, with Osijek attracting increasing interest from buyers looking for apartments and houses outside the most expensive markets.

Around Zagreb, buyers are also increasingly looking towards satellite towns such as Velika Gorica, Zaprešić and Samobor.

Samobor has become particularly attractive to younger families, with prices around €3,500 per square metre, compared with significantly higher prices in many parts of Zagreb.

Property market expert Sanjin Rastovac expects demand for towns surrounding the capital to continue increasing.

However, experts warn that rising demand could eventually push prices in these areas towards €5,000 per square metre, meaning that the search for affordable housing may increasingly extend further from Croatia’s major cities.