What are the price trends and forecasts in Croatia right now? (2026)

Croatia's property market remains one of the most dynamic in the European Union, driven by record tourism, strong local demand, and limited coastal supply.

This article gives you a clear picture of what Croatian housing prices look like right now, where they're heading in 2026, and what to expect over the next 5 to 10 years.

We keep this blog post constantly updated so you always have the freshest data available.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Croatia.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

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Nikki Grey 🇬🇧

CEO & Director, Europe Properties

Nikki Grey, an expert in European real estate markets, has deep knowledge of Croatia’s growing investment potential. As the CEO of Europe Properties, she connects investors with prime opportunities in Croatia’s dynamic property sector. From historic coastal towns to modern developments, her expertise ensures seamless transactions for buyers seeking homes or investments in this stunning Mediterranean destination.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Croatia. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are the current property price trends in Croatia as of 2026?

What is the average house price in Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average property price in Croatia sits at approximately €2,900 per square meter nationally, which means a typical 80 m² home costs around €230,000 (roughly $240,000 USD).

When you look at price per square meter across Croatia, you'll find a wide spread: Zagreb averages between €3,200 and €4,200 per m², while the Adriatic coast ranges from €3,400 to €5,500 per m², and inland regions stay more affordable at €1,700 to €2,700 per m².

For most property buyers in Croatia, the realistic price range that covers about 80% of purchases falls between €120,000 and €350,000 (roughly €1,800 to €4,500 per square meter), though coastal premium spots and Zagreb's central neighborhoods can push well above this.

How much have property prices increased in Croatia over the past 12 months?

Property prices in Croatia increased by an estimated 10% to 13% over the past 12 months, making it one of the strongest housing markets in the European Union during this period.

This growth wasn't uniform across property types: apartments in Zagreb and coastal cities saw gains closer to 12% to 15%, while detached houses in inland areas grew at a more modest 7% to 10%.

The single biggest factor behind this price surge has been the combination of record tourism demand on the Adriatic coast and limited new housing supply, which created a classic supply squeeze that pushed prices higher across Croatia.

Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices in Croatia are Zagreb's outer districts (Sesvete, Dubrava, Špansko), Split's sought-after areas (Žnjan, Stobreč, Spinut), and Istria's tourism hotspots (Rovinj, Poreč, Pula's Veruda district).

These fast-rising neighborhoods are seeing annual price growth of roughly 12% to 18%, with Zagreb's Sesvete and Split's Žnjan leading the pack as buyers trade proximity to city centers for more affordable square meters and better rental potential.

The main demand driver behind this growth is straightforward: these neighborhoods offer the sweet spot of still-accessible prices combined with good transport links, local amenities, and strong rental demand from both locals and tourists.

By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Croatia.

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Croatia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which property types are increasing faster in value in Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, apartments are appreciating fastest in Croatia, followed by coastal villas and houses, then renovated older-stock properties, with unrenovated homes and large inland houses trailing behind.

Well-located apartments in Zagreb and coastal cities are seeing annual appreciation of around 12% to 15%, outperforming other property types because they're the most liquid and easiest to rent out.

The main reason apartments outperform is simple: they're the entry ticket for most buyers in Croatia, they rent quickly to both tourists and locals, and they require less maintenance than houses or villas.

Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:

• How much should you pay for a house in Croatia?
• How much should you pay for lands in Croatia?

What is driving property prices up or down in Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three factors driving Croatian property prices are record tourism demand on the Adriatic coast, limited housing supply in prime locations, and steady income growth that keeps local buyers in the market.

The single strongest upward pressure comes from tourism: Croatia welcomed record visitor numbers in 2025, which keeps rental yields attractive and brings international buyers into the coastal market, especially in Istria, Dalmatia, and the islands.

If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Croatia here.

What is the property price forecast for Croatia in 2026?

How much are property prices expected to increase in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, Croatian property prices are expected to increase by 4% to 7% nationally over the course of the year, with coastal areas likely at the higher end and inland regions at the lower end.

Different analysts put their forecasts in a range from a conservative 3% to an optimistic 8%, depending on how they weigh tourism strength, interest rate stability, and local affordability constraints.

The main assumption underlying most forecasts is that the European Central Bank will keep rates broadly stable through 2026, which prevents mortgage costs from rising further and keeps buyers in the market.

We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Croatia.

Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in Croatia are Zagreb's commuter districts (Sesvete, Novi Zagreb, Trešnjevka), Split's livable-yet-rentable areas (Žnjan, Spinut, Stobreč), and Istria's tourism-driven towns (Pula's Veruda, areas near Rovinj and Poreč).

These top neighborhoods are projected to see price growth of 8% to 12% in 2026, outpacing the national average because they combine relative affordability with strong demand from both locals and renters.

The primary catalyst is the spillover effect: as central Zagreb and prime coastal spots become too expensive, buyers move one ring outward to neighborhoods that still offer good transport, schools, and rental potential.

One emerging area that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is Rijeka's Kantrida and Zamet districts, where the new port terminal is boosting local employment and infrastructure investment.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Croatia.

What property types will appreciate the most in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, apartments are expected to appreciate the most in Croatia, particularly well-located, energy-efficient units in Zagreb and major coastal cities.

The top-performing property type, efficient apartments in good locations, is projected to appreciate by 8% to 12% in 2026, driven by their liquidity and strong rental demand from both tourists and locals.

The main demand trend is that buyers increasingly prioritize move-in-ready, low-maintenance properties that can generate rental income, and apartments fit this profile perfectly in Croatia's market.

On the other hand, large unrenovated houses in inland areas are expected to underperform in 2026 because they require significant investment to meet modern energy standards and don't appeal to the rental market.

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.

How will interest rates affect property prices in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the stable ECB interest rate environment is expected to support Croatian property prices by preventing further erosion of buyer affordability and keeping mortgage demand steady.

The current benchmark ECB deposit rate sits around 2.75%, and mortgage rates in Croatia have been averaging in the low-to-mid 3% range, with expectations that they will stay broadly flat through 2026.

As a general rule, a 1% increase in mortgage rates reduces buying power by roughly 10% to 12% in Croatia, which would cool demand significantly, but current forecasts suggest rates will hold steady rather than rise.

You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Croatia.

What are the biggest risks for property prices in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three biggest risks for Croatian property prices are an affordability ceiling after years of double-digit gains, a potential tourism shock that would hit coastal demand hardest, and any unexpected credit tightening from banks or regulators.

The risk with the highest probability of materializing is the affordability ceiling: Croatian prices have risen much faster than local incomes for several years, and there's a natural limit to how much further buyers can stretch.

We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Croatia.

Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Croatia in 2026?

As of early 2026, buying a rental property in Croatia looks favorable for buyers who target the right locations, particularly apartments in Zagreb or coastal cities where year-round or seasonal rental demand remains strong.

The strongest argument for buying now is that rental yields in tourist areas remain attractive thanks to record visitor numbers, and prices are expected to keep rising, so waiting could mean paying more for the same property later.

The strongest argument for waiting is that affordability has become stretched after years of rapid price growth, and there's a chance that a tourism slowdown or economic shock could create better buying opportunities down the road.

If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in Croatia.

You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Croatia.

Where will property prices be in 5 years in Croatia?

What is the 5-year property price forecast for Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Croatian property prices are expected to grow by a cumulative 20% to 30% over the next five years, bringing the national average from around €2,900 per square meter today to roughly €3,500 to €3,800 per square meter by 2031.

The range of 5-year forecasts spans from a conservative 10% to 15% total growth (if tourism weakens and credit tightens) to an optimistic 35% to 45% (if tourism stays exceptional and supply remains constrained).

This works out to an average annual appreciation rate of roughly 4% to 6% per year, which is more sustainable than the double-digit gains Croatia saw in recent years.

The key assumption most forecasters rely on is that Croatia's tourism sector will remain competitive and that the ECB will maintain a relatively stable interest rate environment, supporting both demand and affordability.

Which areas in Croatia will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?

The top three areas expected to have the best price growth in Croatia over the next five years are the Adriatic coast tourism hubs (Istria, Split-Dalmatia, Zadar region), Zagreb's commuter-friendly outer districts, and the Rijeka-Kvarner corridor benefiting from port and logistics investment.

These top-performing areas are projected to see cumulative 5-year price growth of 30% to 45%, outpacing the national average because they combine structural tourism demand with infrastructure improvements and relatively better affordability.

This 5-year outlook largely mirrors the shorter 2026 forecast, but the key difference is that infrastructure-linked areas like Rijeka become more significant over time as port and rail projects mature and create sustained local employment.

One currently undervalued area with strong 5-year potential is Pula and its surrounding Istria south region, where prices remain lower than Rovinj or Poreč but tourism and second-home demand are steadily spilling over.

What property type will give the best return in Croatia over 5 years as of 2026?

As of early 2026, well-located apartments in Zagreb and major coastal cities are expected to give the best total return over five years in Croatia, combining solid appreciation with reliable rental income.

The projected 5-year total return for top-performing apartments, including both price appreciation and rental income, is estimated at 45% to 65%, assuming 4% to 6% annual appreciation plus net rental yields of 4% to 6% per year.

The main structural trend favoring apartments is that they're the most liquid property type in Croatia, they rent easily to both tourists and long-term tenants, and they require less maintenance and management than houses or villas.

For buyers who want a balance of solid returns and lower risk over five years, renovated older apartments in established Zagreb neighborhoods or Split's residential districts offer steady demand without the volatility of pure tourism plays.

How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Croatia over 5 years?

The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact Croatian property prices over the next five years are the Rijeka Gateway port terminal expansion, Zagreb's tram network and public transport upgrades, and the EU-funded building renovation wave targeting energy efficiency.

Properties near completed infrastructure projects in Croatia typically command a price premium of 10% to 20% compared to similar properties further away, though this varies based on the scale and visibility of the improvement.

The specific neighborhoods that will benefit most are Rijeka's Kantrida and surrounding areas (from the port investment), Zagreb's Novi Zagreb and Sesvete (from transport improvements), and any buildings that receive EU-funded energy renovations, which can see immediate value uplift.

How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Croatia in 5 years?

Croatia's population is expected to remain broadly stable or decline slightly over the next five years, but the key factor for property values is where people choose to live, with Zagreb and coastal cities continuing to attract residents while rural inland areas lose population.

The demographic shift with the strongest influence on Croatian property demand is the concentration of younger, higher-income households in Zagreb and coastal employment centers, which keeps demand for modern apartments and well-connected neighborhoods strong.

Migration patterns will support Croatian property values in specific areas: international buyers and remote workers continue to favor the Adriatic coast, while domestic migration flows toward Zagreb and Split keep those city markets active.

The property types and areas that will benefit most from these demographic trends are apartments in Zagreb's job-rich districts, coastal properties in tourism hotspots with year-round appeal, and renovated homes that meet modern lifestyle expectations.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Croatia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What is the 10 year property price outlook in Croatia?

What is the 10-year property price prediction for Croatia as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Croatian property prices are expected to grow by a cumulative 40% to 70% over the next ten years, which translates to roughly 3.5% to 5.5% average annual appreciation.

The range of 10-year forecasts spans from a conservative 25% to 35% total growth (assuming weaker tourism and tighter credit) to an optimistic 80% to 100% (if Croatia's coastal markets continue behaving like premium lifestyle destinations).

The projected average annual appreciation rate of 3.5% to 5.5% represents a normalization from the recent boom years, bringing Croatia closer to typical EU housing market growth patterns.

The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year predictions for Croatia is the future of tourism competitiveness: if Croatia maintains its appeal and extends its season beyond summer, prices stay well-supported, but if competing destinations erode its market share, coastal valuations could stall.

What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Croatia?

The top three long-term economic factors that will shape Croatian property prices over the next decade are tourism sector performance and season extension, the euro-area interest rate environment, and the quality upgrade of the housing stock through energy-efficient renovations.

The single factor with the most positive long-term impact on Croatian property values is sustained tourism competitiveness: if Croatia continues attracting visitors and successfully extends its season beyond peak summer, coastal property demand remains structurally strong.

The greatest structural risk to long-term property values in Croatia is the affordability gap: if prices continue outpacing local incomes, the buyer pool shrinks and the market becomes increasingly dependent on foreign and second-home purchasers, which creates volatility.

You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Croatia.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Croatia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source	Why it's authoritative	How we used it
Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS) House Price Index	Croatia's official statistics agency publishing the national HPI using EU standards.	We used it as the backbone for quarterly and annual price growth figures. We also relied on its regional split (Zagreb, Adriatic, Other) to tailor trends to Croatia's real geography.
DZS HPI Database Hub	The official portal where HPI time series and release schedules are published.	We used it to verify which quarters are the latest available as of the first half of 2026. We also checked publication timing to ensure our language matches official data cadence.
DZS Prices of Sold New Dwellings	Official transaction-based statistics giving concrete price per square meter figures.	We used it to anchor our national price per square meter level. We then uplifted this to January 2026 using official HPI growth rates.
Eurostat House Price Index Euro Indicators	The EU's statistical office standardizing housing indicators across member states.	We used it to benchmark Croatia against EU and eurozone trends. We also used it as a second authoritative cross-check versus DZS releases.
Eurostat Compliance Monitoring Report (Croatia HPI)	Documents how Croatia's HPI is compiled and reviewed against EU rules.	We used it to justify why the HPI is a reliable official measure. We ensured our interpretation aligns with what the index measures.
BIS Property Price Statistics via FRED	BIS is a top-tier international institution; FRED republishes the series with consistent access.	We used it to extend long-run price history and confirm the direction of the current cycle. We treated it as a third sanity check alongside DZS and Eurostat.
European Commission Croatia Economic Forecast	An EU institutional forecast widely used by policymakers and markets.	We used it for 2026 macro backdrop including growth, inflation, and labor market conditions. We translated these forecasts into housing demand implications.
ECB Monetary Policy Decisions	The official record of ECB interest rate decisions.	We used it to ground the rate cycle story and what the ECB has been doing. We connected this to mortgage affordability in Croatia as a euro-area country.
Reuters Croatia Tourism Record	A major global wire service that typically cites primary data and officials.	We used it to support the tourism demand channel that drives coastal markets. We also explained why coastal prices behave differently from inland.
DZS Tourism Arrivals Release	Official statistical confirmation of tourism activity by county.	We used it to explain why hotspots like Istria and Split-Dalmatia sustain pricing power. We linked county-level tourism intensity to housing demand.
EU Commission Croatia RRF Building Renovation Scheme	An EU program page describing funded renovation targets and timelines.	We used it to discuss how renovation subsidies can lift property values. We incorporated it into the 5-year view on quality gaps between upgraded and non-upgraded buildings.
Port of Rijeka Authority Terminal Milestone	The official port authority reporting a major infrastructure event.	We used it as a concrete example of infrastructure upgrades supporting jobs and housing demand. We tied it specifically to Rijeka and the broader Kvarner region.
Nekretnine.hr Zagreb Asking Price Trend	A large national property portal publishing consistent asking-price data.	We used it as a street-level cross-check for city momentum and within-city differences. We kept it clearly labeled as asking prices and triangulated with DZS transaction data.
Nekretnine.hr Split Asking Prices	Provides a systematic view of Split's internal price spread by area.	We used it to support neighborhood examples in Split where official data isn't available. We combined it with local knowledge of districts like Žnjan, Bačvice, and Meje.
Reuters ECB Rate Outlook Poll	A credible poll of economists on ECB rate expectations.	We used it to set the interest rate backdrop for our 2026 forecasts. We translated rate stability into mortgage affordability implications for Croatian buyers.
Global Property Guide Croatia Mortgage Rates	An established research aggregator publishing ECB-based mortgage data.	We used it to cross-check current mortgage rate levels in Croatia. We factored these rates into our affordability and rental investment analysis.