Buying a property in Croatia is an exciting opportunity, but it is important to understand the legal aspects of the buying process to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this blog post, we explain the most important legal aspects of buying real estate in Croatia and give you tips and advice on how to ensure a smooth process.
- Land register check Before you buy a property in Croatia, you should check the land register to ensure that the seller is the legal owner and that there are no encumbrances or mortgages on the property. A thorough land register check is crucial to avoid legal disputes later on.
- Building permits and occupancy permits Make sure that the property has all the necessary building permits and occupancy permits. This is particularly important if you want to purchase a new build property or a plot of land. Also check that all structural alterations or extensions have been properly approved.
- Taxes and duties Find out about the taxes and duties payable when buying a property in Croatia, such as land transfer tax, notary fees and estate agent fees. Plan these costs into your budget and make sure you make all payments on time to avoid delays and possible penalties.
- Draft contract and deposit A draft purchase contract should be drawn up by an experienced lawyer or notary and contain all relevant information about the property, the parties to the contract and the payment terms. A deposit of around 10% of the purchase price is usually paid to reserve the property.
- Hiring a lawyer It is advisable to hire a lawyer to assist you with your real estate purchase in Croatia. An experienced lawyer can help you review contracts, conduct due diligence and clarify legal issues to ensure a smooth process.
Notarization and transfer of ownership Once the purchase contract has been signed and the purchase price paid, the contract is notarized. The transfer of ownership is then entered in the land register, whereby you are officially registered as the new owner.
