Selling a house requires a different approach than selling an apartment, because buyers of family houses look at different criteria: the condition of the roof and installations, the size of the plot, and the legality of construction. Hermes Nekretnine helps house owners in Zagreb and the wider area sell their property at a realistic price, with thorough documentation preparation and professional marketing.
A house's price depends on location, the size of the building and plot, year of construction, condition of the roof and installations, and the legality of construction including any extensions. Houses with tidy documentation and recently renovated key elements such as the roof or facade achieve a higher price and sell faster than those with unresolved legal or technical issues. A realistic valuation based on comparable houses in the same area is key to a successful sale within a reasonable timeframe.
Houses generally sell somewhat more slowly than apartments, because the pool of interested buyers is narrower, so it's important to plan the sale timeline realistically, especially if you plan to use the proceeds to buy another property. Spring and early autumn are traditionally the most active periods for viewings, as the garden is at its best and the weather favours visits, while winter months are usually quieter.
Valuation. We analyse comparable house sales in your area and propose a realistic price. Listing and marketing. Professional photos and publication on relevant platforms. Viewings. First impressions matter as much for houses as they do for the interior. Negotiation. We negotiate the price and terms on your behalf. Preliminary contract, main contract and land registry entry. Standard legal steps follow through to handing over the keys to the new owner.
Besides tidying the grounds, the interior of the house should feel spacious and bright. Remove excess furniture from smaller rooms, open the curtains during photography, and make sure every lightbulb works, since a well-lit space looks significantly more appealing in photos. If the house has rooms currently used as storage or an untidy workspace, it's worth temporarily arranging them so buyers can picture their full potential, for example as an extra bedroom or home office. It's also worth making a short list of commonly overlooked details before the first viewing: check that all windows and doors open smoothly, fix any dripping taps, and refresh yellowed bathroom grout, since small details like these, though they may seem insignificant, affect the overall impression of a well-maintained home.
For houses, the exterior and grounds often carry as much weight in the first impression as the interior itself. A well-kept garden, a functional fence and a tidy driveway signal to buyers that the property as a whole has been cared for, while an overgrown or neglected yard can raise doubts about the condition of the house even if the interior is in excellent shape.
Buyers commonly ask about heating costs and the type of heating system, the age of the roof and any past water damage, and whether all outbuildings and extensions are legally registered. Being able to answer these questions clearly and with supporting documentation on hand builds trust and often speeds up the buyer's decision.
The most common mistake is neglecting the exterior while focusing only on the interior, since an unkempt garden can create doubt before a buyer even steps inside. Another frequent mistake is not resolving the legal status of extensions or outbuildings before listing, which can stall negotiations once a serious buyer requests documentation.
A pool, outdoor kitchen or sports court on the grounds can significantly increase a house's appeal, but also its maintenance costs, which some buyers may perceive as an added obligation rather than a benefit. Clearly communicating the annual maintenance costs of these amenities helps buyers realistically assess the overall value of the offer, rather than being surprised by high costs only after moving in. We also recommend preparing a short maintenance history in advance, including the year the roof, facade or installations were last replaced, since serious buyers almost always ask, and having a ready answer with supporting invoices leaves the impression of a well-organised, transparent owner.
Houses outside city limits, in smaller settlements or villages around Zagreb, have a narrower circle of interested buyers, but often attract those looking for peace and quiet, more space and a lower price per square metre than in the city. Marketing such properties benefits from highlighting the surrounding nature, proximity to Zagreb, and potential for minor renovations before moving in. Being open to such additional arrangements, with clearly defined boundaries, often makes it easier to reach a final agreement without lowering the price.
If the house has a garage, shed or other outbuilding, check that everything is legalised and accurately listed in the sale documentation. Unlegalised outbuildings can slow down the sale or require additional negotiation over who bears the cost of legalisation, which is best clarified before you start advertising.
If the house still has an active mortgage, the sale is still possible with coordination with the bank. Part of the sale price is used to settle the remaining debt at the time of handover, after which the bank issues the deed of release needed to register the new owner free of encumbrances. This step requires some extra time for coordination but is routinely carried out in practice.
Do I need legal assistance alongside the agency? We recommend an independent contract review by a lawyer or notary, especially for houses with more complex ownership or construction history. How long does it take to sell a house? Depending on location and price, it typically takes longer than an apartment, often three to six months. Can I negotiate with families as the main target group? Yes, families are often the primary buyers of houses, and we tailor the presentation and negotiation approach accordingly, highlighting space, safety and proximity to schools.
Families looking to buy a house often prioritise the number of bedrooms, a safe and quiet neighbourhood, proximity to schools and kindergartens, and a garden where children can play. Understanding these priorities helps us position the property correctly during negotiations and highlight the features that matter most to this buyer group.
Our team guides you through every step of selling your house, from valuation and legalisation of any extensions to professional marketing, buyer screening and negotiation, all the way to handover and land registry entry. We understand what matters to buyers of houses specifically, allowing us to present your property in the best light and connect it with genuinely interested buyers.