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Croatia requires a standard 10% deposit when purchasing property, regardless of whether you're a local or foreign buyer. For mortgage applications, Croatian banks typically require foreign buyers to provide at least 25% as a down payment, which may include the initial deposit.
Understanding deposit requirements is crucial for successful property purchases in Croatia's growing real estate market. The country's straightforward deposit structure applies uniformly across different property types and buyer nationalities, making it relatively simple to budget for your Croatian property investment.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Croatia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Croatia maintains a consistent 10% property deposit requirement for all buyers, with mortgage applicants needing an additional 15% down payment beyond the initial deposit.
Foreign buyers face the same deposit rules as locals, but should budget extra for international transfer fees and comprehensive closing costs that total 4-6% of the property value.
| Deposit Component | Percentage/Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deposit | 10% of purchase price | Required at pre-contract signing |
| Mortgage Down Payment | 25% total (including deposit) | Croatian bank requirement for foreigners |
| Transfer Tax | 3% of purchase price | Not applicable to new-builds |
| Notary/Legal Fees | 1-2% of purchase price | Mandatory for all transactions |
| Agency Commission | 2-3% of purchase price | If using real estate agent |
| Payment Currency | Euros only | Since Croatia adopted Euro in 2023 |
| Deposit Timing | Immediate upon signing | No grace period allowed |
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CEO & Director, Europe Properties
How much deposit do I need to pay upfront when buying a property in Croatia?
The standard deposit requirement in Croatia is 10% of the agreed purchase price, paid when signing the preliminary contract (predugovor).
This 10% deposit serves as a commitment from both buyer and seller, securing the property transaction. For example, if you're purchasing a €200,000 apartment in Split, you'll need to pay €20,000 as your deposit.
The deposit amount is non-negotiable in most cases, as it's established by Croatian real estate customs and legal practices. Real estate agents and sellers expect this standard percentage regardless of the property's location within Croatia.
This deposit is separate from any down payment requirements if you're seeking mortgage financing from Croatian banks. The 10% deposit secures your purchase agreement, while mortgage down payments represent your equity contribution to the loan.
As of September 2025, this deposit structure remains consistent across all Croatian regions, from coastal areas like Istria to inland cities like Zagreb.
Is the standard deposit percentage in Croatia the same for locals and foreigners?
Yes, both Croatian citizens and foreign buyers face identical deposit requirements of 10% of the purchase price.
Croatian property law does not differentiate between local and international buyers regarding deposit amounts. Whether you're a Croatian national buying in Zagreb or a German investor purchasing in Dubrovnik, the 10% rule applies universally.
Foreign buyers from EU countries have exactly the same rights and obligations as Croatian citizens when it comes to property deposits. Non-EU buyers also face the same deposit percentage, though they may need additional documentation for the purchase process.
The only differences foreign buyers might encounter relate to currency exchange fees or international bank transfer costs, not the actual deposit percentage required by Croatian law.
This uniform approach makes Croatia's property market transparent and predictable for international investors compared to some neighboring countries with varying rules for foreigners.
What is the minimum deposit required if I buy a property worth €150,000 in Croatia?
For a €150,000 property in Croatia, the minimum deposit required is €15,000, representing the standard 10% of the purchase price.
This €15,000 must be paid immediately upon signing the preliminary contract, typically within 24-48 hours of agreement. Croatian sellers and real estate agents expect prompt payment without delays.
The €15,000 deposit amount cannot be reduced below 10% in standard transactions. Some sellers might accept payment in installments for the deposit, but this requires specific negotiation and written agreement in the preliminary contract.
If you're financing this €150,000 purchase through a Croatian bank, you'll need an additional €22,500 (15% more) to reach the required 25% down payment, totaling €37,500 in upfront costs before closing.
Remember that this €15,000 deposit is just one component of your total upfront costs, which will also include transfer taxes, notary fees, and potential agency commissions.
Do new-build properties in Croatia usually require a higher deposit than resale properties?
New-build properties in Croatia typically follow the same 10% deposit requirement as resale properties, with no standard increase in deposit percentage.
However, some developers of new-build projects may implement staged payment schedules that differ from traditional resale transactions. These might include multiple payments during construction phases rather than a single 10% deposit.
Off-plan purchases (buying before construction completion) sometimes involve 10% at contract signing, followed by additional payments at specific construction milestones like foundation completion or roof installation.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
Developers typically offer more flexible payment terms for new-builds compared to individual sellers of resale properties, but the total upfront commitment often remains around 10-20% before key handover.
Is the deposit amount different if I'm paying cash versus taking a mortgage in Croatia?
The initial 10% deposit remains the same whether you're paying cash or financing through a Croatian mortgage.
Cash buyers pay the 10% deposit at preliminary contract signing, then pay the remaining 90% at the final closing with the notary. This straightforward approach typically speeds up the transaction process.
Mortgage buyers also pay the 10% deposit initially, but must then provide an additional 15% down payment to Croatian banks (totaling 25% of purchase price). This means mortgage buyers need 25% upfront funds compared to cash buyers' 10% until closing.
Croatian banks typically finance up to 75% of the property value for foreign buyers, making the 25% down payment requirement standard across most lending institutions.
The 10% deposit counts toward your 25% down payment requirement, so mortgage buyers don't pay extra deposit fees, just additional equity contribution to secure bank financing.
How much deposit do Croatian banks typically ask for if I want a mortgage as a foreign buyer?
| Bank Requirement | Percentage | Amount (€150K Property) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 25% | €37,500 |
| Initial Deposit | 10% | €15,000 |
| Additional Payment to Bank | 15% | €22,500 |
| Maximum Loan Amount | 75% | €112,500 |
| Typical Interest Rate Range | 3.5-5.5% | Variable based on profile |
Croatian banks require foreign buyers to provide a minimum 25% down payment, which includes the initial 10% property deposit.
Major Croatian banks like ZagrebaÄŤka banka, Privredna banka Zagreb, and Erste Bank maintain consistent 25% down payment requirements for non-resident buyers across different property types and locations.
Are there any legal limits or government rules on the minimum deposit in Croatia?
Croatia has no government-mandated minimum deposit requirements for property purchases, making the 10% standard a market custom rather than legal obligation.
The 10% deposit amount derives from established real estate practices and standard preliminary contract templates used by Croatian notaries and real estate professionals.
While no legal minimum exists, practically all Croatian property transactions follow the 10% custom because it provides adequate security for both buyers and sellers in preliminary contracts.
Croatian contract law does specify deposit refund rules: if the seller backs out, they must pay double the deposit to the buyer; if the buyer withdraws, they forfeit the entire deposit amount.
The Croatian Chamber of Commerce and real estate associations recommend the 10% standard, but individual parties can technically negotiate different amounts if both agree in writing.
Do I need to pay the deposit in euros or kuna, and are there extra bank fees for foreigners?
Since January 1, 2023, all property deposits in Croatia must be paid in euros, as the country officially adopted the euro as its currency.
Foreign buyers no longer need to worry about kuna exchange rates or currency conversion for property transactions. All contracts, deposits, and final payments are conducted in euros.
International bank transfer fees may apply when sending euros from foreign bank accounts to Croatian banks or sellers. These fees vary by your home bank but typically range from €15-50 per transfer.
Croatian banks don't charge special fees to foreign buyers for receiving deposit payments, but they may apply standard international transfer processing fees of €10-25.
Some foreign buyers use specialized money transfer services like Wise or Remitly to reduce international transfer costs compared to traditional bank wire transfers.
Is the deposit refundable in Croatia if the sale falls through, and under what conditions?
Deposit refunds in Croatia follow strict legal rules outlined in the preliminary contract, with outcomes depending on which party causes the transaction failure.
- Seller backs out: The seller must pay double the deposit amount to the buyer as compensation for breach of contract
- Buyer withdraws: The buyer forfeits the entire deposit, which the seller keeps as compensation
- Financing failure: If mortgage approval is denied despite buyer's good faith efforts, deposits are typically returned (must be specified in contract)
- Property defects discovered: Deposits may be refunded if significant undisclosed issues are found during inspection
- Legal complications: Deposits are refundable if property ownership or legal status prevents completion
The preliminary contract must specify exact conditions for deposit return to avoid disputes. Croatian courts generally enforce these contract terms strictly.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
How much extra should I budget on top of the deposit for closing costs, taxes, and notary fees in Croatia?
Beyond the 10% deposit, budget an additional 4-6% of the purchase price for mandatory closing costs, taxes, and fees in Croatia.
| Cost Category | Percentage | Amount (€150K Property) |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | 3% | €4,500 |
| Notary Fees | 1-1.5% | €1,500-2,250 |
| Legal Representation | 0.5-1% | €750-1,500 |
| Property Registration | 0.1% | €150 |
| Real Estate Agent Commission | 2-3% | €3,000-4,500 |
| Bank Fees (if mortgage) | 0.5-1% | €750-1,500 |
| Property Survey/Valuation | 0.2-0.3% | €300-450 |
New-build properties are exempt from the 3% transfer tax but subject to 25% VAT, which is typically included in the advertised price.
Total closing costs for a €150,000 resale property typically range from €6,000-9,000, while new-builds may have slightly lower costs due to transfer tax exemption.
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Do deposits in Croatia need to be paid into an escrow account or directly to the seller?
Croatian law doesn't require escrow accounts for property deposits, allowing direct payment to sellers or holding by real estate agencies in client accounts.
Many transactions involve direct payment to the seller's bank account, with the preliminary contract serving as the primary protection for both parties.
Some real estate agencies offer to hold deposits in special client accounts, providing additional security for buyers, though this isn't mandatory under Croatian law.
Notaries can provide custody services for deposits, holding funds until transaction completion, but typically charge 0.5-1% of the property value for this service.
The safest approach involves using a reputable real estate agency or notary custody service, especially for high-value properties or complex transactions involving foreign buyers.
How soon after signing the preliminary contract do I need to transfer the deposit in Croatia?
Croatian property deposits must be transferred immediately upon signing the preliminary contract, typically within 24-48 hours maximum.
Most Croatian sellers and real estate agents expect same-day or next-day deposit payment after preliminary contract execution. Delays beyond 48 hours may void the agreement.
International bank transfers from foreign accounts should be initiated on the same day as contract signing to ensure timely arrival in Croatian bank accounts.
Weekend or holiday signings may extend the payment deadline to the next business day, but this should be specifically noted in the preliminary contract.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Croatia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What happens if I can't secure mortgage approval after paying the deposit in Croatia?
If mortgage approval is denied despite good faith efforts, most preliminary contracts include clauses allowing deposit return to protect buyers from financing failures.
The preliminary contract should specify that deposit refunds apply when mortgage applications are rejected by Croatian banks, provided the buyer submitted complete applications within agreed timeframes.
Buyers must typically apply for mortgages within 30-60 days of preliminary contract signing and provide evidence of rejection letters from at least 2-3 Croatian banks.
Pre-approval from Croatian banks before signing preliminary contracts significantly reduces this risk and strengthens your negotiating position with sellers.
Without proper financing contingency clauses, buyers who can't secure mortgages may forfeit their deposits, making careful contract negotiation essential.
Are there different deposit requirements for coastal versus inland properties in Croatia?
Deposit requirements remain consistent at 10% across all Croatian regions, whether purchasing coastal properties in Istria or inland properties in Zagreb.
Coastal properties in areas like Dubrovnik, Split, or Rovinj follow identical deposit structures to inland cities like Zagreb, Osijek, or Slavonski Brod.
The main differences between coastal and inland purchases relate to property values and closing costs rather than deposit percentages. Coastal properties typically command higher prices due to tourism demand.
Island properties accessible only by ferry may involve additional logistics for deposit transfers but maintain the same 10% requirement and payment timelines.
Some coastal developments targeting international buyers may offer more flexible payment schedules, but the standard 10% deposit remains the Croatian market norm.
Can I negotiate a lower deposit percentage with Croatian sellers?
While the 10% deposit is standard practice, motivated sellers may occasionally accept lower deposits, typically ranging from 5-8% in exceptional circumstances.
Negotiations for reduced deposits are most successful in buyer's markets, during off-seasons, or for properties that have been listed for extended periods without offers.
Cash buyers have stronger negotiating positions for deposit reductions compared to mortgage applicants, as they eliminate financing risks for sellers.
Sellers accepting lower deposits often require faster closing timelines or higher purchase prices to compensate for reduced security deposits.
Real estate agents generally discourage deposit negotiations below 10% as it may signal buyer financial weakness or reduced commitment to completing the purchase.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Croatia's property deposit system provides clarity and predictability for both local and international buyers, with consistent 10% requirements across all regions and property types.
Foreign buyers benefit from Croatia's transparent approach, facing identical deposit obligations as Croatian citizens while enjoying the security of established legal frameworks for deposit protection and refund procedures.
Sources
- Expat in Croatia - Buying Croatian Property Tips
- Expat in Croatia - Real Estate Costs
- Move Croatia - Property Buying Guide
- Croatia Property Network
- Connect Houses - Legal Steps Guide
- MojKey - Real Estate Buying Tips
- Dream Croatia - Buying Guide 2023
- Balustrade Estates
- Adriatic Estates - Purchase Procedure
- Varso Invest - Croatia Property Guide