Real Estate, Architecture & Properties Panel – Event Recap
We welcomed members and guests to an insightful evening featuring three speakers who shared their experience and perspectives in the real estate and architecture industries in Croatia. The panel covered key challenges, opportunities, and practical advice for anyone looking to buy, build, or invest in property locally.
Meet the Speakers
Andrea Vidović – A Croatian architect and founder of Meandarh Studio in Split. Andrea brings international experience from Berlin and focuses on sustainable, contemporary design deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition.
Ben Smith – A RIBA Chartered Architect with a practice based in both London and Kaštela. Ben specializes in private residential design and is passionate about making quality architecture more accessible through his adaptable pre-designs.
Mirela Rubić – Founder of Rubić Real Estate and co-director of DALMACONSULT Ltd. Mirela has over 20 years of experience supporting German-speaking investors in Croatia and is also known for her work in tourism and sustainable agriculture.
Property Ownership & Market Insights
✔️ Many foreigners are choosing to move to Croatia permanently, often selling properties in Germany or elsewhere and enjoying a higher quality of life here with lower living costs.
✔️ Foreigners currently represent a significant percentage of real estate investors, while many Croatians living abroad are also returning and investing in property.
✔️ Croatia has one of the highest ownership rates in Europe, with 90% of people owning their homes and carrying very little mortgage debt.
✔️ Gifting land between family members is tax-free in Croatia.
✔️ Most properties are still bought with cash, as getting a mortgage as a foreigner is a lengthy and difficult process.
Where & What to Buy
✔️ Residential property is generally easier to manage than commercial, but both have potential. Zagreb remains the top market, followed by urban areas within 20 km of major cities.
✔️ In Split, commercial space is in demand—especially for storage, services, and laundry. Restaurants face significant challenges.
✔️ Islands are cheaper largely due to their shorter tourist season (90 days vs. 120 on the mainland). But pricing also depends on accessibility, demand, and amenities.
✔️ Istria is gaining popularity for its accessibility to major cities (Zagreb, Ljubljana, Venice), more affordable prices, and faster permit approvals.
✔️ Emerging areas include parts of Zadar, Split, Omiš, Ogorski Kotar, and Gorski Kotar. There are also emerging rural communities where houses can be bought for as little as 20,000 EUR.
Design, Permits & Building
✔️ Hiring an architect or interior designer is essential—they know the process, the right people to work with, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
✔️ Getting permits can take up to a year or even two, especially for historic buildings under conservation rules. The process can be managed smoothly with proper guidance and respect for the regulations.
✔️ Land must be zoned as "buildable" to be developed—not all land is, so doing a proper check is vital.
✔️ June and September are months with restricted exterior construction.
✔️ Hard construction costs average around 2,000 EUR per square meter (not including land).
✔️ Always detail your project clearly—the more specific your plan, the more accurate your quotes and comparisons will be.
Tips & Advice for FBOA Members
✔️ Avoid sharing your location in Facebook groups when looking for services—prices often go up if people think you’re a foreigner who can afford more.
✔️ Work with locals who can negotiate on your behalf.
✔️ Apartments for tourism often lack storage—plan accordingly.
✔️ There are apps that help identify water access and conditions for land parcels.
✔️ Be cautious: Some listings advertise a low price, then claim the owner raised it upon arrival.
✔️ Do your research before committing. Use certified surveys, expert advice, and local professionals.
✔️ Think of property as a long-term investment: "Instead of investing in luxury goods, buy land or build something real."
✔️ Consider buying and building together with trusted partners to reduce costs and complexity.
This panel was a valuable resource for anyone considering entering the Croatian real estate market. Whether you're looking to settle, invest, or simply learn more, the key takeaway was clear: get informed, get connected, and always work with people who know the system.
Stay tuned for our next FBOA event!
