Croatia: selling property
The full process in 6 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~70 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
Process steps
1
Get the energy certificate
⏱ 3-7 days · 💰 €100-300
2
Check the building is legalised and matches the registry
⏱ 1-3 weeks · 💰 €200-600
3
Sign the preliminary contract
⏱ 1 day · 💰 10% deposit
4
Buyer due diligence
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 free
5
Notary certifies the signatures
⏱ 1 day · 💰 notary fees
6
Register in Land Registry
⏱ 2-4 weeks · 💰 €50-200
Taxes & fees
capital gains
12% — exempt after 2 years or if it was your home
transfer tax
3%, paid by the buyer
agency fees
2-3%
energy certificate
€100-300
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
Two years is the line. Sell after owning it more than 2 years — or if it was your own home — and the gain is untaxed. Sell at 23 months and you owe 12%. If you are close, the calendar is worth more than the negotiation.
Check the building is legalised. Unregistered extensions and conversions are common in Croatia. A buyer’s bank will refuse the mortgage if what stands does not match the registry — and legalising afterwards takes months.
Every sale needs an energy certificate — mandatory since 2013, and it has to exist before the advert, not before the signature.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation