Real estate terminology in Croatia

If you're planning to move to Croatia or simply looking for accommodation in Croatia, it's important to familiarize yourself with the most common real estate terminology used in the country.

Croatian real estate terms can be very different from those used in other countries, and understanding them can enhance your rental experience.

Types of accommodation
Key terms for transactions
Tips for renting or buying

Types of accommodation in Croatia

In Croatia, you can find a variety of accommodation for rent. Each of them has its own specific terms.

Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:

Stan (apartment)

Stan - This is the general term used to refer to a flat or an apartment. Stans are typically located in residential buildings. Their sizes range from small studios to large apartments with multiple rooms.
Garsonijera - A small studio apartment. Garsonijera typically consists of one room that serves as both the sleeping and living area, together with a bathroom and a small kitchen.
Jednosobni Stan - A one-bedroom apartment. It literally translates to a "one-room apartment." However, it’s commonly understood as a living space that has a separate living room and kitchen together with the bedroom.
Dvosobni Stan - A two-bedroom apartment. It’s similar to the above but has two bedrooms.
Trosobni Stan - A three-bedroom apartment.
Četverosobni Stan - A four-bedroom apartment.

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Kuća (house)

Kuća - This term is used to refer to a standalone house. These can range from large family homes to small cottages.
Vikendica - A holiday home. It’s often located in coastal or rural areas. These properties are typically smaller and used as vacation houses.
Dvojna kuća - A semi-detached house. This means that it shares a wall with another house.
Samostojeća kuća - A detached house that doesn’t share a wall with neighboring houses.

Vila (villa)

Vila - A large, typically luxurious house. It usually has a garden and sometimes a pool. Villas are very common in coastal areas and are often rented out as vacation rentals.

Soba (room)

Soba - A room. This term is typically used to refer to renting a single room within a larger house or apartment.
Jednokrevetna soba - A single room that has one bed.
Dvokrevetna soba - A double room that has two beds or a double bed.

Poslovni Prostor (commercial space)

Poslovni prostor - This term is often used for commercial properties. These include offices, warehouses, and retail spaces.
Ured - An office space.
Trgovina - A retail shop or space.

Key terms for real estate transactions

You’ll come across specific terms related to the process of renting, buying, or leasing property when dealing with real estate in Croatia.

Najam (rent)

Najam - This is the general term used to refer to rent. When you see "stan za najam," it means an apartment available for rent.
Najmodavac - The property owner or landlord who is renting out the property.
Najmoprimac - The tenant (the person renting the property.)
Mjesečna najamnina - Monthly rent. It’s typically paid at the start of each month.

Prodaja (sale)

Prodaja - This term means sale. "Stan na prodaju" refers to an apartment available for sale.
Prodavatelj - The seller of the property.
Kupac - The buyer.
Cijena po kvadratu - Price per square meter. It’s a common way to express the prices of a property in Croatia.
Zaloga - A deposit that’s typically paid by the buyer in order to secure the property.

Najamnina (lease)

Najamnina - A term that’s similar to rent. It’s typically used interchangeably with "najam."
Ugovor o najmu - Rental contract or lease agreement. It details the rental terms, which include the rental price, payment deadlines, and responsibilities of both parties.
Rok najma - Lease term. It could be long-term (e.g., "dugoročni najam") or short-term (e.g., "kratkoročni najam").

Usluge (utilities)

Komunalije - Utilities. They include services such as water (voda), gas (plin), and electricity (struja).
Režije - Monthly utility bills. In many cases, tenants have to pay these bills separately from the rent.
Paušal - A flat fee for utilities. This fee is sometimes used in short-term accommodations to cover utility costs.

Additional terms

Namješten/Nenamješten - Furnished/Unfurnished. "Namješten stan" refers to a furnished apartment, while "nenamješten stan" is not equipped with furniture.
Kaucija: A security deposit. It’s often required by landlords and is used to cover unpaid rent or potential damage.
Održavanje - Maintenance. This could include fees for building maintenance, especially in apartment buildings.
Etažno vlasništvo - Condominium ownership. It’s common in apartment buildings where each unit is owned individually.
Suvlasništvo - Co-ownership. It refers to a situation in which a property is owned by more than one person.

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Tips for renting or buying property in Croatia

Understand the market: Rental rates and property prices significantly vary depending on location. Coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik are more expensive than those in inland areas.
Legal assistance: It’s advisable to hire a lawyer, particularly if you're purchasing property. Since Croatian real estate laws can be complicated, a lawyer can help you put all paperwork in order.
Lease agreement: Make sure you completely understand the lease agreement before you sign it. All terms, including the rental price, payment deadlines, and responsibilities for maintenance and utilities are clearly stated.
Documentation: For renting, you’ll need a valid ID (passport). Sometimes proof of employment or income is required. For purchasing property, you'll need your ID, a tax identification number (OIB), and a bank account in Croatia.
Negotiation: If you’re renting or purchasing property in person and the price is not fixed, don’t shy away from negotiating the sale or rent price. In many cases, there is some room for discussion, particularly if you’re dealing with the owner directly.
Inspect the property: Always inspect the property carefully before agreeing to anything. Check if there’s any issue with electricity, plumbing, or general maintenance that could become problematic later on.
Know the neighborhood: Properly research the neighborhood you’re considering. Look into important factors like safety, quietness, and proximity to public transport, shops, schools, and safety.