ZAGREB, 15 Nov (Hina) - The Croatian property market recorded 85,600 sales in the first nine months of 2025, a 13% drop year-on-year, with Split-Dalmatia County leading the decline at 30%, according to an analysis by real estate agency Opereta.

Flats and holiday apartments remain the largest segment, with 17,164 sales, down 13%, while 2,278 houses were sold, 22% fewer than last year. Overall, the residential sector fell by 14% but continues to drive market activity with 19,442 sales.

Opereta notes that while growth is slowing, the market remains dynamic, with changing buyer habits. Director Boro Vujović attributes the trend to slower markets in key buyer countries, higher eurozone interest rates and strong price growth in Croatia.

Regionally, only three counties saw transaction growth: Varaždin (+38%), Koprivnica-Križevci (+18.2%) and Lika-Senj (+13.6%), reflecting a decentralisation of interest towards northern and inland areas, mostly from domestic buyers.

Foreign buyers fell by 22% overall, particularly along the Adriatic. Germany, Slovenia and Austria remain the largest sources but saw double-digit declines, while smaller markets such as Serbia (+28%), North Macedonia (+38%), and Romania (+50%) are growing. Vujović notes that limited supply at affordable prices, especially properties under €500,000 on the coast, constrains foreign interest.

In Zagreb, 11,682 properties were sold, down 20% on last year, but the capital remains the country's most active market. Vujović highlights that demand for new-builds is strong, helping stabilise asking prices, particularly for older properties. He concludes that the market is now ideal for long-term buyers, with more stability, negotiation space and a focus on value and investment security.