Costs of buying property in Croatia: what you pay on top of the price

On top of the purchase price, budget 5 to 7 % in extra costs, or up to 10 % if you take a mortgage and buy through an agency. Here is the breakdown.

Real estate transfer tax: 3 %

Paid by the buyer on the market value. For new builds from a developer, VAT applies instead and is usually already included in the price. See the guide Real estate transfer tax.

Agency commission: 2 to 3 % + VAT

Croatian agencies usually charge 2 to 3 % of the purchase price plus 25 % VAT, sometimes from both sides. The commission is negotiable and must be stated in the brokerage agreement. Listings by private sellers on Nekredo carry no commission.

Notary: 100 to 300 €

Certification of the seller's signature and transmission of the contract to the Tax Administration and the land registry. If the notary drafts the contract as a solemnised deed, the cost is higher and depends on the value.

Lawyer: 0.5 to 1.5 %

Preliminary and main contract, land registry check, representation at registration. Many lawyers work for flat fees of a few hundred to about a thousand euros for a standard apartment purchase. For foreign buyers a lawyer is practically essential.

Land registry entry

The court fee for registering ownership is low (a few dozen euros); the electronic application is filed by the notary or lawyer.

Mortgage costs

• property appraisal: 150 to 300 €,
• processing fee: many banks no longer charge one, ask,
• registration of the mortgage at the notary: 150 to 400 €,
• insurance policies (building, often also life insurance).

Energy certificate

Paid by the seller; the buyer must receive it at handover.

Example: 200,000 € apartment with mortgage and agency

Without agency and mortgage the same apartment costs about 7,500 € extra (3.8 %). The down payment for the loan (at least 20 %) is not included.

Indicative figures for 2026, depending on location, bank and lawyer.