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Croatia's property market continues its upward trajectory as we reach mid-2025, with prices rising approximately 10% year-on-year, making it one of the EU's top performers. The Croatian residential market shows no signs of slowing down, driven by strong tourist demand, foreign investment accounting for 37.5% of transactions, and the country's upcoming OECD membership in 2026.
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Croatia's property prices are continuing to rise as of June 2025, with nationwide increases averaging 10% annually. Coastal regions and islands are experiencing the strongest growth at 10-13%, while Zagreb maintains steady growth around 9-12%.
The average property price per square meter nationally stands at €2,834, with significant regional variations ranging from €2,059 in inland areas to over €3,500 in prime coastal locations and tourist hotspots.
| Metric | Value (June 2025) | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| National Average Price | €2,834/m² | +10.1% |
| Zagreb Average | €2,830/m² | +9.4% |
| Coastal Regions | €3,500-4,000/m² | +10.6% |
| Croatian Islands | €3,650/m² | +7% |
| Foreign Buyer Share | 37.5% | Stable |
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.
How much have property prices increased in Croatia over the past 12 months?
Property prices in Croatia have surged by approximately 10.1% over the past 12 months as we reach June 2025.
This double-digit growth places Croatia among the top performers in the European Union for property price increases. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics reports that the house price index reached 12.3% in late 2024, maintaining strong momentum into 2025.
The coastal regions have experienced even stronger growth, with prices rising 10.6% year-on-year, while Zagreb saw a 9.4% increase during the same period. New apartments in prime locations are commanding premium prices, with Zagreb averaging €2,830 per square meter and coastal areas reaching €3,500-4,000 per square meter.
This continued price growth represents a cumulative increase of 74% since 2015, demonstrating the Croatian property market's resilience and attractiveness to both domestic and international buyers. The market shows no immediate signs of cooling, though experts predict a gradual moderation in growth rates moving forward.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
Which Croatian regions are seeing the fastest property price growth in 2025?
The Adriatic Coast and Croatian islands are experiencing the most rapid property price growth in 2025, with annual increases reaching 10-13%.
Istria remains a hotspot for international buyers, particularly Germans, Austrians, and Slovenians, driving prices up by 13.18% for houses. The region continues to attract premium investments despite already high price levels, with properties in Rovinj and Umag commanding top prices.
Split and the surrounding Dalmatian coast have seen a 20% rise in demand for luxury apartments over the past two years. The city benefits from its status as a tourist hub, with over 1.5 million visitors annually, creating strong demand for short-term rental properties.
The Croatian islands, including Hvar, Brač, and Krk, have witnessed a 7% price increase over two years, with Krk now averaging €3,650 per square meter. These locations benefit from limited supply and high tourist demand, making them particularly attractive for vacation home investors.
Zagreb, while not coastal, maintains steady growth at 9-12% annually, driven by its status as the capital and economic center, attracting both domestic buyers and foreign professionals.
What are the current average property prices per square meter across Croatia?
As of June 2025, the national average property price in Croatia stands at €2,834 per square meter.
However, prices vary significantly by location and property type. Zagreb averages €2,830 per square meter for all properties, with new apartments reaching €3,000 per square meter and used apartments around €2,600 per square meter.
Coastal regions command premium prices, with Dubrovnik-Neretva County leading at €3,381 per square meter, despite a slight 2.72% drop from 2024. Istria follows closely at €2,863 per square meter for houses, while prime coastal locations in Split, Rovinj, and Opatija range from €3,500 to €4,000 per square meter.
| Location | Average Price/m² | Property Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik-Neretva | €3,381 | Apartments |
| Istria | €2,863 | Houses |
| Zagreb (new) | €3,000 | Apartments |
| Zagreb (used) | €2,600 | Apartments |
| Other settlements | €2,059 | Mixed |
The most affordable properties are found in inland regions, with rural areas and smaller towns offering significantly lower prices than coastal and urban locations.
What property types are experiencing the biggest price surges in Croatia?
Apartments and vacation homes, particularly in tourist hotspots and coastal areas, are seeing the most significant price increases in 2025.
Existing dwellings are outpacing new constructions, with prices rising 10.6% year-on-year compared to 5.4% for new dwellings. This trend reflects the scarcity of well-located older properties and their appeal to investors seeking renovation projects.
Luxury apartments in Split have experienced a 20% rise in demand over the past two years, driven by the tourism boom and the potential for high rental yields. Properties with sea views command a premium of approximately €740 per square meter, representing a 27% markup over similar properties without views.
Short-term rental properties are particularly sought after, with 10% of Croatia's housing stock now dedicated to this market. In tourist centers like Dubrovnik, with 4,503 active Airbnb listings and an 81% median occupancy rate, these properties achieve average daily rates of €136.
Houses in prime coastal locations, especially stone farmhouses and waterfront villas in Istria, are experiencing strong demand due to their limited supply and unique character, making them increasingly valuable investment opportunities.
How do Croatia's 2025 property prices compare to 5 years ago?
Croatian property prices have increased dramatically over the past five years, with values nearly doubling in many areas.
Since 2020, residential property prices have risen by approximately 74% nationwide. The average price per square meter has jumped from around €1,630 in 2020 to €2,834 in 2025, representing one of the strongest growth periods in Croatian real estate history.
The coastal regions have seen even more dramatic increases, with apartment prices rising by about 30% since 2020 alone, reaching €3,090 per square meter in prime locations. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics recorded annual price growth accelerating from 6.3% in 2020 to peaks of 17.3% in December 2022.
| Year | Annual Growth Rate | Cumulative Growth Since 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6.45% | ~40% |
| 2022 | 17.3% (peak) | ~60% |
| 2024 | 10.1% | ~74% |
| 2025 (June) | ~10% | ~80% |
This sustained growth has been driven by Croatia's EU integration, euro adoption in 2023, post-pandemic tourism recovery, and increased foreign investment, transforming the market from a hidden gem to a mainstream European investment destination.
What are experts forecasting for Croatian property prices in 2026?
Experts predict Croatian property prices will continue rising in 2026, but at a more moderate pace of 5-7% annually.
The European Commission forecasts GDP growth of 2.9% for 2025 and similar levels for 2026, supporting continued but slower property price appreciation. Real estate professionals anticipate that the rapid double-digit growth phase is ending, with markets transitioning to more sustainable levels.
Croatia's anticipated OECD membership in 2026 is expected to provide additional momentum, as citizens from all OECD countries will be able to purchase property without special permissions. This liberalization could introduce new demand, particularly from American and Canadian buyers who currently face restrictions.
However, affordability concerns are mounting, with property prices now beyond reach for many young Croatians. This could dampen domestic demand and lead to selective price corrections in overheated secondary markets, though prime coastal locations are expected to maintain their value.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
Which Croatian cities offer the best property investment value in 2025?
Split and Zagreb currently offer the best balance of growth potential and investment value in Croatia's property market.
Split combines strong tourist appeal with year-round livability, benefiting from international airport connections and ferry links to the islands. The city's property market has shown consistent growth, with luxury apartments experiencing 20% increased demand, while still offering better value than Dubrovnik.
Zagreb provides stability and diversification away from tourism-dependent coastal markets. At €2,830 per square meter, the capital offers more affordable entry points than prime coastal locations while maintaining steady 9-12% annual growth driven by economic fundamentals.
Emerging value can be found in secondary coastal cities like Zadar and Šibenik, which offer coastal lifestyle benefits at lower prices than established hotspots. Northern Istrian towns like Novigrad and Poreč also present opportunities, with prices 20-30% below premium locations like Rovinj.
For budget-conscious investors, inland regions near major cities, including Zagreb County and Krapina-Zagorje County, offer properties at €1,500-2,000 per square meter with potential for appreciation as urban sprawl continues.
How is tourism demand affecting Croatian property prices in 2025?
Tourism continues to be the primary driver of Croatian property price growth, with the sector fully recovered and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Croatia welcomed over 19.5 million tourists in 2023, with further growth in 2024 and 2025, including a 21% rise in foreign arrivals in May 2024 alone. This surge directly correlates with increased demand for short-term rental properties, particularly in coastal areas.
The short-term rental market has exploded, with 10% of Croatia's housing stock now dedicated to tourist accommodation. Dubrovnik leads with 4,503 active Airbnb listings achieving 81% occupancy rates and €136 average daily rates, making property investment highly lucrative.
This tourism-driven demand has created a two-tier market: properties suitable for short-term rentals command significant premiums, while those in less touristy areas see more modest appreciation. The trend has priced out many locals from coastal areas, leading to government discussions about potential regulations.
Islands and coastal towns are particularly affected, with properties on Hvar, Brač, and along the Makarska Riviera seeing the strongest price growth due to their appeal to international tourists seeking authentic Mediterranean experiences.
What percentage of Croatian property buyers are foreign investors?
Foreign investors accounted for 37.5% of all Croatian real estate transactions in 2024, purchasing over 11,000 residential properties.
This high level of international investment primarily concentrates in coastal areas and tourist destinations, where foreign buyers often comprise over 50% of transactions. Germans, Austrians, and Slovenians lead in Istria, while the Croatian diaspora from Sweden, Slovakia, and Czech Republic dominates Dalmatian purchases.
The euro adoption in January 2023 and Schengen Area membership have made Croatia more attractive to EU buyers by eliminating currency risk and simplifying travel. These changes have particularly benefited the market by attracting investors who previously favored Spain or Portugal.
However, there was a slight decrease in foreign buyer activity in 2023, attributed to global economic uncertainty and high Croatian prices relative to other Mediterranean destinations. Despite this temporary dip, foreign demand remains robust in 2025, supported by Croatia's political stability and lifestyle appeal.
The upcoming OECD membership in 2026 is expected to further boost foreign investment by removing purchase restrictions for citizens of all OECD countries, potentially increasing the foreign buyer share to over 40%.
Are there any Croatian regions where property prices are declining?
While most of Croatia experiences price growth, Northern Croatia and some inland regions are seeing stagnation or slight declines.
Virovitica-Podravina County stands out as the only region recording negative price movement, with apartment asking prices dropping by 3% in 2024. This decline reflects limited economic opportunities and population outflow to larger cities.
Northern Croatian regions away from Zagreb are experiencing declining demand and falling land prices, as younger populations migrate to urban centers or coastal areas for better employment prospects. Rural properties in Slavonia, Lika-Senj, and Bjelovar-Bilogora remain the most affordable but show little appreciation potential.
Even in growth markets, experts anticipate selective corrections for overpriced older properties, particularly those in secondary locations where asking prices have overshot market reality. Properties requiring significant renovation in less desirable areas may see price adjustments of 5-10%.
Market experts suggest that the era of universal price increases is ending, with location and property quality becoming increasingly important determinants of value retention and growth potential moving forward.
How much more expensive are new builds compared to existing properties?
New buildings in Croatia command an average premium of €860 per square meter over existing properties as of 2025.
This represents a significant increase from 2020 when the premium was just €460 per square meter. The widening gap reflects strong demand for modern, energy-efficient properties and limited new construction supply in prime locations.
Regional variations are substantial, with Kvarner Bay showing the highest premiums at €1,380 per square meter for new constructions. Northern Dalmatia offers the smallest premium, with new buildings averaging around €3,300 per square meter compared to older stock.
| Property Type | Premium Over Existing | Average Price/m² |
|---|---|---|
| New Houses | €990/m² | €3,850 |
| New Apartments | €670/m² | €3,500 |
| Kvarner Bay New | €1,380/m² | €4,000+ |
| Northern Dalmatia New | €400/m² | €3,300 |
Buyers particularly value new constructions for their earthquake resistance following Croatia's 2020 seismic events, modern amenities, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements, justifying the significant price premiums.
What long-term property price forecast exists for Croatia through 2030?
Long-term forecasts suggest Croatian property prices will continue rising through 2030, but at gradually moderating rates.
Experts predict annual growth rates will stabilize between 3-5% after 2026, following the current period of rapid appreciation. This moderation reflects market maturation, affordability constraints, and alignment with broader European property market trends.
Key drivers supporting continued growth include ongoing EU integration, infrastructure improvements funded by EU programs, sustained tourism growth targeting 25 million annual visitors by 2030, and Croatia's increasing attractiveness as a remote work destination.
However, several factors may limit explosive growth: property prices reaching Western European levels in prime locations, demographic challenges with youth emigration, potential regulatory changes to protect local buyers, and global economic uncertainties affecting foreign investment.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
By 2030, experts anticipate a more balanced market with greater differentiation between regions, premium coastal properties maintaining value while secondary locations see modest appreciation, and increased focus on sustainable and energy-efficient developments.
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Conclusion
Croatian property prices are definitively going up in 2025, with the market showing strong momentum across most regions. The answer to whether property prices are rising in Croatia is: Yes a lot.
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 market continues its impressive growth trajectory as we move through 2025, with nationwide prices rising approximately 10% year-on-year. This positions Croatia among the EU's top performers for property price appreciation, driven by robust tourism, foreign investment comprising 37.5% of transactions, and upcoming OECD membership.
While growth is expected to moderate to 5-7% annually by 2026, the fundamental drivers remain strong. Coastal regions and islands lead with 10-13% growth, while Zagreb offers stability at 9-12%. Despite affordability concerns for locals, international demand shows no signs of abating, particularly with the market liberalization expected from OECD accession opening doors to North American buyers.
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.
Sources
- Global Property Guide - Croatia Property Market Analysis
- Croatia Week - Croatia Records Highest Property Price Growth in EU
- Expat in Croatia - Residential Property Prices in Croatia's Biggest Cities
- Investropa - 11 Statistics for the Croatia Real Estate Market in 2025
- Croatia Real Estate Insight - Croatian Property Market 2025
- Trading Economics - Croatia House Price Index
- European Commission - Economic Forecast for Croatia
- Investropa - 14 Strong Forecasts for Real Estate in Croatia in 2025
- Total Croatia News - Croatian Property Prices Increasing
- Croatia Week - Asking House Prices Rise 47% Over Three Years
- Investropa - Croatian Islands Property Market Statistics