Property
for Sale in Croatia
View property
for sale in Istria
Regions
Brac Istria
Zadar
This
page is an overview of the types of properties available and the
buying process.
The
Istrian property market
The Istrian Property Market is more stable than the rest of Croatia
due to the fact that foreigners have been buying property there
for many years. There are many Italian, German and Austrian property
owners. Until recently this has meant that Istrian prices were higher
than the rest of Croatia, but now with the recent property boom
in Dalmatia, prices have equalised.
When to look
Autumn, winter and spring are the best times to look for property,
as they are not as busy as during the peak of the tourist season.
At all costs avoid property hunting in July and August. It is a
good idea to have your finances in place before you go. Once you
find a property you need to be ready to make a deposit. Any delay
and it could be snapped up by another buyer.
Locating a property
Coastal
tourist areas - Istrian West coast
This area is very busy in the summer, so it offers a good return
on lettings. Out of season most of these towns are quite quiet,
and most tourism-related facilities are closed. However, each year
the 'tourist' season is getting longer.
Inland
- hilltop towns
Some of the most beautiful locations in Istria, the medieval hilltop
towns have an even more pronounced difference between peak and low
seasons. The twisty drive to the top is worth it for the spectacular
views. They are very active in summer, and very quiet in winter.
Yet in these seemingly remote spots you are still never more than
30km from the sea.
Inland
from the coastal towns
Properties outside the main tourist areas are considerably cheaper,
though often they are only 5km or so from the sea. Here you can
often find Istrian stone houses with much character, sometimes with
enough garden space for a swimming pool.
East
coast
The east coast is generally less developed, though there is no doubt
that it will develop in the next 5 to 10 years. (The exception is
the town of Rabac which draws thousands of tourists.) The steep
forested slopes fall down to a rocky coastline and provide sweeping
panoramas over the sea and the islands. In this area it is possible
to buy a house with a terrace within a few hundred meters of the
coast for not much more that €100,000.
Southern
Istria
The convoluted coastline and many coves and inlets make this region
ideal for those interested in watersports. New projects to improve
the infrastructure for housing mean that this area will also develop
quickly.
Estate
Agents
There are many agents (Nekretnine in Croatian) in Istria- some are
well established and have had experience selling to foreigners.
Others may be selling their friend's apartment. As anyone may sell
property, it is advisable to deal with a recommended agent. Even
those we recommend may not be able to provide the level of service
you might expect in the UK. This is because agencies may only have
1 or 2 staff.
You
will be expected to sign an agreement that you will not buy the
properties you are shown from another agent. (Rememebr that exclusive
agency is rare in Istria). Agents in Istria, unlike in Dalmatia,
do not charge, (as yet) to show properties. The agents fees are
derived from the fees charged to a buyer and the seller (3-3.5%
of the property price from each).
Making
an offer
Because properties are rarely exclusive with one agent, when you
make an offer, it is possible that another agent may also be negotiating
with another customer at the same time. This can prompt the owner
to a simple remedy - raise the price. Owners sometimes increase
their price by as much as 20% at the last minute anyway. Be prepared
for this, but if the property has been on the market for several
months do not be afraid to negotiate from the lower price.
Once you have decided that the price is reasonable, ask to see a
copy of the title deeds. When the contract has been drawn up ask
for a certified English translation, (a small additional cost) and
arrange for your 10% deposit to be paid to a solicitor. You may
either use the solicitor recommended by the agent or choose one
yourself. Alternatively you may prefer to use the services of a
UK based solicitor specialising in overseas property purchases such
as John Howell & Co It is important to note that if you withdraw
from the sale you will lose the 10% deposit. If however the owner
withdraw then he/she is obliged to pay you a further 10% plus your
original 10% deposit.
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