The process of purchasing a property in Croatia is structured through several key steps. Excluding the legislative details, which we will examine in the next step, the process can be divided into the following phases:

Selecting a Property:
Research: Start by browsing online property listings and contacting real estate agencies or working with a real estate agent who can inform you of the current offers.
Viewings: Schedule viewings of selected properties. It's a good practice to personally inspect the property and verify its actual condition. Our service portfolio offers online tours, which we can arrange for you without needing to personally visit the property before buying.

Financial Preparation:
Financing Check: Ensure you have sufficient funds for the property purchase, either from your own resources or through a mortgage.
Currency: This question especially pertains to foreign investors ready to purchase any property in Croatia. Croatian properties are often priced in euros, although it's not uncommon to still find prices in Croatian kunas. If you don't own a bank account in euros, prepare for potential currency conversions.

Purchase Process:
Deposit: After finding a suitable property, a deposit is often required, which is a percentage of the purchase price that secures the property for the buyer.
Preliminary Agreement: This is an agreement between the buyer and seller defining the terms of sale. If this agreement is accepted, typically another payment follows.
Property Verification: Even though this step is not mandated by law, it's important to verify the property's condition and its history, such as if it was legally built and has no hidden risks.
Final Contract: After all agreements are closed and the property status verified, the final contract is signed.
Payment: Following the contract signing, the remaining part of the purchase price is paid.

Post-sale:
Land Registry Entry: Although this is related to legislation, it's essential to remember to register the new owner in the land registry.
Property Handover: After the full payment and registration in the land registry, the property is handed over to the new owner, which includes handing over the keys and any necessary documents.

It's recommended to collaborate with a trustworthy real estate agent or a lawyer specializing in properties to ensure the entire process goes smoothly and without complications.

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The legislative process of purchasing property in Croatia is a fundamental part of the overall buying process and is essential to ensure the legality of the transaction. Below is an overview of the key legislative steps you need to go through when buying a property in Croatia:

Tax Identification Number (OIB):
OIB Requirement: Every foreign buyer must obtain a Croatian tax identification number (OIB). This number is essential for various administrative procedures associated with property purchase.

Legal Property Check:
Legal Status Verification: It's important to check if the property you intend to buy does not have any encumbrances, liens, debts, or other legal issues.
Cadastral Records Review: In Croatia, it's important to verify the cadastral records of the property to ensure that the seller is the real owner and has the right to sell the property.

Property Registration:
Application: After completion of the purchase, the property must be registered to the new owner in the land registry.
Fees: There is a fee for this registration, the amount of which may vary depending on the value of the property and local rates.

Property Transfer Tax:
Tax Payment: In Croatia, a property transfer tax must be paid after a property purchase. Its rate can vary depending on the type of property and region.
Payment Obligation: This tax should be paid within several months after property purchase.

Final Steps:
Notary Verification: All contracts associated with the property purchase must be notarized.
Document Handover: After fully completing the transaction and paying all fees, all relevant documents are handed over to the new owner.

The process of buying property in Croatia requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of local legislation. Therefore, it's recommended to work with a local lawyer specializing in properties, who can provide you with the necessary advice and representation throughout the entire process.

Purchasing a property in Croatia is a process that might have a different time frame compared to what buyers from Western Europe are used to. Let's take a look at how long purchasing a property might take.

Time frame for property selection:
Research and viewings: Choosing the ideal property can take weeks to months, depending on the specific requirements of the buyer, availability of properties in the market, and the flexibility of the real estate agent.

Legal and administrative steps:
Legal verification: A legal check of the property might take 1-2 weeks.
Property registration: Upon completion of the purchase, registering the property under the new owner's name at the cadastre office might take 1-3 months, depending on the specific area and the office's workload.

Final steps:
Notary verification: Verification of all contracts and documents by a notary might take several days to weeks.
Property transfer tax: After purchasing a property, you typically have 1-3 months to pay the property transfer tax.

It's important to realize that administrative and bureaucratic processes in Croatia might move a bit slower than in some Western European countries. Croatians are known for their "pomalo" approach, which translates as "slowly" or "at ease". This cultural difference might feel unfamiliar to some foreign buyers, but it's a part of Croatian lifestyle and something many end up appreciating. Therefore, it's advised to approach the process with patience and openness.