Real Estate in Maksimir
Family houses and apartments near Zagreb's largest park and zoo.
When people in Zagreb mention Maksimir, the first thing that comes to mind is almost always the park. Rightly so, since the park of the same name is one of the oldest and largest in this part of Europe, and its proximity shapes the character of the entire district that carries its name. Hermes nekretnine regularly works with buyers and sellers in Maksimir, a district that combines urban connectivity to the center with a quieter, almost suburban feel in its northern parts.
The Maksimir district covers nearly 1,500 hectares and has a population of over 47,000, making it one of the largest and most populated parts of Zagreb. It includes nine local committees, ranging from urbanized neighborhoods along Maksimirska cesta to hillier, greener areas such as Bukovac, Remete and Dotrščina.
The southern, more urban part of the district stretches along Maksimirska cesta and Petrova ulica, right next to the park, the zoo and Maksimir Stadium. This area is also home to important educational institutions such as the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Forestry, as well as the Faculty of Economics, and the Kraš factory has long been a recognizable part of this part of the city's identity. The housing stock in this belt includes both older buildings and newer apartments, and proximity to tram lines makes it extremely practical for everyday life without a car.
The northern, hillier part of the district, which includes the neighborhoods of Bukovac, Remete, Kozjak and Dobri Dol, is an entirely different story. Family homes and villas on larger plots dominate here, the streets are quiet, and greenery literally surrounds every property. Buyers looking for a house with a garden, space for children, and peace and quiet while staying close to the city naturally gravitate toward this part of Maksimir.
Maksimir Park itself represents a huge plus for any property nearby. Inside the park is Zagreb Zoo, founded back in 1925 on Labuđi otok (Swan Island), and the park offers kilometers of paths for running, walking and cycling, lakes and expansive green spaces. Along the southern edge of the park is Maksimir Stadium, home to a football club and the venue for numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the year.
For families who value an active, outdoor lifestyle, this combination of park, sports facilities and green space is hard to match anywhere else in the city. Children grow up with the chance to step out into nature every day, while parents appreciate having jogging and cycling paths literally at their doorstep.
Maksimir has excellent tram connections to the city center. Line 11 runs directly from Trg bana Jelačića through the park, the zoo and the stadium, while line 12 also runs along Maksimirska cesta. The Maksimirska ulica stop is served by as many as four lines, and the Svetice stop by three more, giving residents of this district quick and easy access to almost every part of the city without needing a car.
Maksimir is among the more sought-after and higher-priced Zagreb districts, though the price per square meter varies significantly depending on the specific micro-location within the district. Apartments on Maksimirska ulica itself, right next to the park, traditionally command significantly higher prices than the district average, while houses in the northern, hillier part are valued primarily according to plot size, the condition of the building and the specific position on the slope.
Precisely because of this variation, at Hermes nekretnine we assess every property in Maksimir individually, taking into account distance from the park, tram lines, orientation and the condition of the building itself. A generalized price per square meter for the whole district rarely reflects the real value of a specific property, given how diverse Maksimir is within its own boundaries.
Experience shows that Maksimir is an almost ideal choice for families with children who want peace, greenery and space to play, while staying connected to the city center. Buying a property in this district is often described as a safe, long-term decision, precisely because of the constant demand and good liquidity this kind of location carries on the market.
The northern part of the district attracts those looking for a house with a garden and a quiet neighborhood, while the more urban part along Maksimirska cesta suits buyers who value a fast tram connection to the center while staying close to the park. Investors considering long-term rental recognize stable demand thanks to the proximity of the faculties, which generates a need for apartments suitable for students and young professionals.
According to data after the earthquake of March 22, 2020, Maksimir is the city district with the highest number of building inspection requests in the whole of Zagreb, nearly 3,700 requests. At the same time, it is also the district with the highest number of buildings that remained fully usable after inspection, so a blanket generalization in either direction would not be fair to the buyer. Instead, we recommend checking the status of each specific building before making a decision, particularly for older construction in the more urban part of the district.
It is also worth noting that school and kindergarten capacity in some parts of Maksimir is not always sufficient for the current population density, information that is useful for families planning to move with young children. We always check and communicate these kinds of details transparently with every client before a final decision is made.
Buying a house in the northern part of Maksimir differs from buying an apartment in the more urban belt in several key ways. Plots on the hillier terrain are often not flat, so the slope of the land directly affects building possibilities, garden layout and, in the long run, the value of the property itself. Older houses in this area may have valuable, large plots, but may also require investment in infrastructure such as access roads, retaining walls or stormwater drainage, a less common issue for apartments in flatter parts of the city.
Buyers considering building or extending on an existing plot in Maksimir should check the zoning conditions for the specific micro-location in advance, since the rules can differ even between neighboring settlements within the same district. We always recommend requesting cadastral and land registry records before making a final decision, to avoid unpleasant surprises after the purchase.
Proximity to the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Economics creates stable, almost year-round demand for renting smaller apartments and studios in the more urban part of Maksimir. Students and young professionals who work or study in this part of the city regularly look for accommodation within walking or tram distance of the faculties, offering investors a predictable, long-term source of rental income independent of the tourist season.
Unlike more tourist-oriented districts closer to the center, rental demand in Maksimir is less seasonal and more tied to the academic year, which many investors see as a more stable, if perhaps somewhat less profitable, option compared to short-term tourist rental. This stability makes Maksimir particularly appealing to investors who prioritize predictable income over maximizing yield.
Whether you are looking for a family house in a quiet, green part of Maksimir or a modern apartment near the park and tram connections, Hermes nekretnine knows the specifics of every micro-location within this diverse district. We track the condition of buildings after the earthquake, the price differences between the urban and hillier parts, and the current market offer to help you make an informed decision.
Contact us for a free valuation of your property in Maksimir or for help finding a property that fits your needs, whether you are buying, selling or renting.
Knowing the differences between the local committees within the district itself, from the more densely populated Maksimir neighborhoods to quiet Dobri Dol, allows us to offer every client recommendations that genuinely fit their lifestyle, not generic advice that supposedly applies to "the whole of Zagreb" equally. This level of detail is exactly what sets a local expert apart from an agency that only knows a district from the map.
See our overview of all Zagreb districts on the Real Estate by Location page, or explore the neighboring districts Upper Town-Medveščak and Peščenica-Žitnjak. If you are planning to buy or sell a property, also check out our Guide to Buying a House.
Maksimir combines apartments in quieter streets by the park with family houses in Bukovac, while land is rare and commercial spaces are mostly smaller units and offices. Find the city-wide overviews by property type here:
Explore the neighbouring districts as well: Gornja Dubrava and Podsljeme.