How Much Does It Really Cost to Buy Property in Croatia (2025)

How Much Does It Really Cost to Buy Property in Croatia (2025)

Buying a property in Croatia is an important step – whether you’re planning your new home, a holiday apartment by the sea, or a long-term investment.
Beyond the purchase price, many buyers wonder how much the actual costs of purchasing property in Croatia really are.
Here’s an overview of the key expenses to consider to make your buying process smooth, safe, and transparent.

Purchase Price and Property Transfer Tax

The main cost is the agreed purchase price stated in the contract.
If the property is purchased from a legal entity registered for VAT, there is no property transfer tax.
In all other cases – when buying from a private individual or a property not subject to VAT – the buyer pays a property transfer tax of 3%.
The tax declaration must be submitted to the Tax Administration within 30 days of signing the contract.

Agency Fee and Post-Purchase Assistance

The standard real estate agency fee is 3% + VAT, covering the entire process – from document verification and negotiation to contract preparation.
Through collaboration with Marvel Real Estate, buyers receive complete support not only during the purchase but also afterwards.
We assist with furnishing the property, coordinating additional renovation or installation work, and managing the necessary paperwork for ownership transfer.
Our goal is to make every purchase secure and every move-in stress-free.

Notary and Administrative Fees

The purchase agreement must be certified by a public notary.
The fee is charged per signature and depends on the number of copies and pages of the contract.
The cost usually includes the land registry registration of the new owner, and the total amount is typically paid together with the notarization.

Bank Transfer and Payment Costs

Buyers transferring funds from abroad may incur additional international bank charges.
The exact fee depends on the bank and the country from which the payment is made.
Within the European Union, a SEPA transfer is recommended, as it ensures a faster and more affordable process.

Example of Total Purchase Costs

For a property worth €200,000, where the seller is not registered for VAT, the buyer can expect the following expenses:

• Property transfer tax (3%): €6,000

• Notary and administrative fees: a few dozen euros

• Bank transfer cost: depending on the bank

In total, the buyer should expect a few thousand euros of additional costs beyond the purchase price — a reasonable estimate for a safe and complete transaction.

Conclusion: How Much to Budget Beyond the Purchase Price

Buying property in Croatia involves several additional costs, but they are relatively small compared to the value of the property itself.
On average, buyers should plan for around 3% of the property’s value to cover taxes, administrative costs, and agency services.

All prices mentioned in this article reflect average market values as of the date of writing (2025).

A professional real estate agency such as Marvel Real Estate typically prepares sales contracts, pre-contracts, and powers of attorney if needed, and assists with transferring utility accounts from the previous owner to the new one – ensuring the entire process is simple, secure, and complete.

If you’re considering purchasing a property on the Croatian coast or need expert guidance through the process, explore our current property listings and discover the opportunities available today.