Buying Property in Croatia
The Republic of Croatia is a European country situated along the Adriatic Sea and its hinterland. It stretches from the slopes of the Alps and deep into the Pannonian Valley, to the banks of the Danube and the Drava rivers.
New Property Developments
Croatia has a long way to go before it catches up with Spain (if it ever does) and the prices reflect this. The quality of some of the new developments is questionable and there are few to choose from. No one could accuse Croatia (yet) of being overdeveloped like the Costas. The better bargains can be found in rural Croatia, where there are farmhouses and buildings in need of repair, or plots of land which are available for sale.
Key Facts
- Population: 4.4 million.
- Croatia was founded on the ruins of the Roman Empire .
- Climate: Mediterranean and continental. Hot summers and cold winters.
- Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and is the country's political, economic, intellectual and cultural centre.
- Istria is the most developed Croatian tourist region and is most easily accessible from Western Europe. Vineyards and picturesque little towns are scattered all over the interior of the peninsula.
- Dalmatia is a region of long beaches and ancient towns, such as: Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Trogir, Omis and Dubrovnik.
- Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the regional capital of Dalmatia .
- Dubrovnik, a medieval aristocratic republic from the 12th-19th centuries, is the best preserved walled city in the Mediterranean and a world heritage site.
- Korcula is an island and is the birthplace of Marco Polo.
- Croatia has seven national parks.
- The economy emerged from its mild recession in 2000, with tourism the main factor.
- Literacy rate: 98.5%.
- Language: Croatian 96%, others 4%.
- Industries: manufacturing, shipbuilding, petroleum refining, textiles, paper, wood products, tourism.
Overview of Croatia
Parliamentarians are far from ratifying the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime agreement. Serbia and Montenegro are still unable to come to an agreement on the economic aspects of the new Federal Union. Croatia and Italy still continue to debate bilateral property and ethnic minority issues, stemming from border changes after the Second World War. Although to all intents and purposes the conflict in Croatia is over, there are still issues to be resolved. This is not to say that Croatia is not on course to become a popular tourist destination. Properties are cheap and the country is beautiful. Investment opportunities are to be had but you would be wise to research the region you are considering investing in carefully before deciding to purchase.
