Buying an Apartment in Zagreb
Studios, one and two bedroom apartments and larger family apartments across Zagreb.
Buying an apartment in Zagreb is one of the most common decisions that brings our clients to Hermes Nekretnine. Whether you're looking for your first apartment, a larger property for a growing family, or an apartment as an investment to rent out, the process requires a good understanding of the market, neighbourhood prices, building conditions, and legal checks on the property before signing any contract. This guide covers every step, from the first search to handing over the keys.
Zagreb is the largest real estate market centre in Croatia, with the largest supply of apartments but also the highest demand. The city attracts young families, students, professionals relocating for work, and investors looking for apartments for long-term or short-term rental. This high demand means that good apartments in attractive neighbourhoods sell quickly, often within a few weeks of the listing going live, so it's important to be prepared before you start searching in earnest. Different parts of the city offer different advantages. Gornji Grad and Donji Grad bring a central location and proximity to faculties and the city centre, which keeps demand stable.
Ownership status. Check the land registry extract to confirm there are no liens, mortgages or disputed entries, and that the size and description in the land registry match the actual condition. Building condition and year of construction. Older buildings may have a poor roof, worn-out installations or an upcoming facade renovation, which will affect future co-owner costs. Energy class and heating costs. The energy certificate shows how much it will cost to heat and cool your apartment throughout the year, which is especially important for older buildings without thermal insulation. Proximity to public transport, schools and amenities. Check how far the apartment is from a tram or bus line, kindergarten, school and shops, since this directly affects everyday quality of life. Realistic market price. Compare the price with other apartments of similar size and condition in the same neighbourhood so you know you're negotiating from a realistic basis.
Defining criteria and budget. Before searching, set your maximum budget, including notary costs, taxes and any renovation, so you know your true purchasing power. Search and viewings. We help you find apartments matching your criteria and organise viewings. Offer and negotiation. Once you find the right apartment, we help you make a realistic offer and negotiate the price. Preliminary contract. A deposit is paid and the key terms of the purchase are agreed. Financing and valuation. If buying with a mortgage, the bank arranges a valuation of the property. Main contract and land registry entry. The contract is notarised, after which you are entered as the new owner in the land registry. Handover. We arrange the handover of keys, meter readings and the transfer of utility accounts.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments are popular with students and young professionals, especially close to faculties and the city centre where demand stays stable. Two-bedroom apartments suit couples or smaller families, while three- and four-bedroom apartments are the target category for families with children who need an extra room for work or guests. Penthouse apartments and new-build units with large terraces attract buyers seeking a higher standard and are often a long-term value investment, especially in attractive locations like Gornji Grad or near Maksimir. When choosing the type of apartment, it's important to realistically assess future needs, not just your current situation. A young family planning to have children within a couple of years might consider a two-bedroom apartment with the potential to reconfigure it, or think straight away about a three-bedroom unit, to avoid moving again in a few years and the additional costs of another purchase and sale.
How long does the apartment-buying process take? From the first offer to land registry entry, it usually takes between one and three months, depending on whether you're buying with cash or a mortgage, and the speed of the notary and land registry office. Who pays the agency commission? This is usually agreed before cooperation begins and can be split between buyer and seller or paid by one party alone. Can I buy an apartment as a foreigner? Yes, EU citizens can buy real estate in Croatia under the same conditions as Croatian citizens, while non-EU citizens generally need to check reciprocity conditions.
Watch for signs of dampness or mould on walls and around windows, as these can point to poor insulation or roof problems. Check that all switches and outlets work, the condition of the water and heating installations, and whether there's noise from the street or neighbouring apartments at different times of day. If possible, visit the apartment both in the evening and during the day to get a fuller picture of the light, noise and atmosphere in the building. Talk to neighbours or a co-owners' representative if possible, since they can give you honest information about planned building works, management issues, or the neighbourhood atmosphere that the seller might not spontaneously mention.
Most buyers combine their own funds with a mortgage. When approving a loan, banks look at your creditworthiness, the size of your down payment, usually at least 15 to 20 percent of the property's value, and a valuation of the property carried out by a licensed appraiser. It's worth getting an indicative offer from a bank in advance, before you start negotiating seriously, so you know your true budget and can act quickly once you find the right apartment.
Before signing the main contract, it's essential to verify the seller's ownership through the land registry, confirm there are no outstanding liens or claims, and, where applicable, check the homeowners' association's financial standing and any pending decisions on major building works. We recommend an independent legal review of the contract in addition to the agency's checks, particularly for older buildings or properties with a more complex ownership history.
The most common mistake is focusing solely on the asking price without factoring in additional costs such as notary fees, property transfer tax, and any necessary renovation, which can add up to a significant amount on top of the purchase price. Another frequent mistake is skipping an evening viewing, which can hide noise issues that only become apparent after dark. A third mistake is not checking the building's shared costs and any planned major works in advance, which can result in unexpected extra bills shortly after moving in.
Our team guides you through every step of buying an apartment in Zagreb, from defining your criteria and budget to searching, viewings, negotiation, legal checks and the final handover. We know the city neighbourhood by neighbourhood, allowing us to help you make a well-informed decision and find an apartment that truly fits your needs and budget.