New rules introduced to help first-time homebuyers in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Croatia Introduces New Housing Subsidy for Citizens Under 45
ZAGREB, 5 June 2025 – Croatia’s Ministry of Construction, Physical Planning and State Assets has unveiled four new rulebooks aimed at improving housing support and building management across the country.
One of the most significant of these measures, which comes into force next week, focuses on helping citizens purchase or build their first home.
Announcing the changes, Minister Branko Bačić said the new regulation outlines the conditions and procedure for granting non-refundable subsidies to Croatian citizens buying or building their first residential property.
Who Can Apply?
The support is intended for Croatian citizens under the age of 45 who are addressing their housing needs for the first time.
Applicants who have already paid value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase or construction of their first home are eligible for a subsidy covering 50% of the VAT paid.
Alternatively, if the applicant paid real estate transfer tax on their first property, they are entitled to a full refund of that tax.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted to the Agencija za pravni promet i posredovanje nekretninama (APN – Agency for Legal Transactions and Real Estate Brokerage).
The application must include all required documentation, such as: a purchase or construction agreement, proof of residence, property details and evidence of tax payment.
Subsidies will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the order of receipt of complete applications.
Conditions for Retaining the Subsidy
There are restrictions on what recipients can do with the property. If the home is sold, rented out, or left unoccupied within five years of receiving the subsidy, the beneficiary will be required to return the funds.
Property Size Limits
The regulation also defines the maximum eligible size of both flats and houses for subsidy purposes, depending on the number of household members.
Also published was the local average price per m2.
(Image: MPGI)
(Image: MPGI)
