So, you are ready for that step, becoming a home owner. Destination – Croatia, that is, the Croatian part of the Adriatic coast. What to expect and what you need to know?

If you are a first-time home buyer and are looking for a home on the Croatian coast, read on. Our expert agents bring you a detailed tour guide for first-time apartment buyers!

Tips for Buying a House for the Croatian Coast and Islands

What are the ultimate tips for buying a house when it comes to the Croatian coast?

As you already know, Croatia is a real beauty, it is a famous tourist destination, which is why there is a high demand for real estate on the coast.

There are famous destinations like Split, Hvar, Zadar and Dubrovnik, but there are also smaller places, hidden gems of the coast such as Sv. Filip i Jakov, located in Zadar County.

And there are also islands.

Living on an island it has its appeal, but also its drawbacks. For example, there is no place you would rather be during the hot summer months than on one of the Croatian islands. Crystal clear sea, evening breeze that helps you sleep better, the song of crickets.

On the other hand, some islands can be crowded in the summer. If you like a quieter environment, look for less popular island places or others less populated islands.

Traffic and infrastructure can also be a problem, especially in the off-season months. The good news is that the Tourist Union is trying to extend the tourist season in Croatia, which should ease the pressure of the summer months.

Let's continue with our tips for buying a home for the Croatian coast. They are there several types of real estate in Croatia such as apartments, family houses, agricultural land, construction land.

 Your can buy real estate in Croatia even as a foreigner, but there are certain rules and procedures you must follow (read our guide to buying real estate in Croatia as a foreigner). For example, to buy real estate in Croatia, you must have an OIB - personal identification number.

Also, it is very important to check whether the property "papers" are in order. In other words, check whether ownership of the property is clear and whether there is any responsibility. Our agents will be happy to help you with that!

The First Time Home Buyer's Guide - A Must-Do Checklist, Straight From The Experts!

There is no place like home, and now you will have your own home on the Croatian coast. Fresh sea breeze, delicious food, lots of sunny days and many islands to visit during the weekend. Amazing, yes!

Before you step into our paradise (remind yourself why Croatia is truly an amazing country to own a home), you need to find the right property for you.

What are the steps you must take as a first-time home buyer in Croatia?

We bring it to you a guide for first-time apartment buyers created by our experienced agents, just for you.

Ready, ready - read!

Location, Location, Location!

First things first - you need to know which coastal region you see yourself living in.

Is that of the northern Adriatic with the Istrian peninsula, close to Italy and Slovenia?

Is that middle Adriatic, with cities like Zadar, famous for its divine sunset, and Split, famous for Diocletian's Palace?

Or you prefer the southern part of the Adriatic, where is the famous city of Dubrovnik and the island of Pelješac?

After deciding on a region, you need to see in which part of that region you want to live.

What are the most important things to you and your family? Close to the beach, shops, restaurants, medical facilities? Do you want peace and quiet or maybe you prefer to be in a more urban environment?

Defining a Budget Is at the Top of the Real Estate Buyer's Process Checklist

Before you start looking for real estate, define your budget.

It is important that you know how much money you have at your disposal. Once you've defined your budget, search the market and see what you can get for your money. 

Remember to include the following expenses in the budgeting portion of your home buying process checklist:

• 3% real estate tax
• 3% + provision of the tax agency
• costs of purchase ticket, notary public, legal translators.

Create a Financial Plan

This is what we consider a very important item in this guide for first-time home buyers.

Whether you are financing the property from a personal fund or getting a loan, you must have a solid financial structure before you go "hunting" for real estate.

Otherwise, you can simply find the perfect property and watch it disappear before your eyes.

Getting a loan takes time, and the market on the Croatian coast is hot!

Check the Property Documentation

This is where we are of use! If you buy real estate with the help of an agency, we are the ones who have to make sure that everything is in order with the ownership of the real estate.

It is extremely important to make sure that there are no encumbrances on the property and that the documents are as clear as they can be.

View Real Estate - Advice For First Home Buyers That You Shouldn't Ignore

While viewing the property, be sure to inspect it. Check if everything is in order, if there are any problems, defects. Calling in an expert is always a good idea when deciding on the purchase of your home. Don't leave anything to chance - this is the place to live, after all!

Reach the Perfect Home through negotiations

It's good to have negotiation skills - they can make your life and work much easier. They can also ensure that you get better value for your money when (first time) buying a home.

When it comes to buying real estate - don't be afraid to negotiate the price. In general practice, it is very common - something like an unspoken rule - yes the seller is willing to reduce the price to 5%.

Before you start negotiations, be sure to prepare. Search the market and find out the prices of similar properties. Learn the numbers and prepare arguments for an even better offer!

Those who buy a house for the first time must think about maintenance and security

If you are not going to use the property all year round, maintenance is what you have to think about. Who will take care of the property? We suggest you hire a local maintenance service.

Also, it is very important that insure your property. No matter how you look at it, buying real estate is an investment. And you have to protect that investment in any way you can. In our agency, we connect you with the insurance companies that best suit your needs.

Errors of First Home Buyers

In the end, we talked about what you should know and do, and now we will say a word about the things you should not do.

What are the most common mistakes of those who buy an apartment for the first time?

First, buying more than you can truly afford. Maybe your bank tells you that you can afford a certain loan amount, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Think about your lifestyle, needs and monthly fee. How much are you willing to spend monthly on loan repayment? Choose the amount that works for you, not the amount you can just take.

Second, hiring the wrong real estate agency. Think about the real estate agent you will hire to find you the home of your dreams. The first agency you come across is not necessarily the best choice for you. You want an agent who knows the local market and knows how to negotiate a better price for a better property.

Furthermore, don't forget check out the neighborhood. Talk to people, feel the community.

Finally, don't skip home inspection. This will give you a greater sense of security and make your decision easier.

And that's it folks, on the subject of buyers of the first house on the Croatian coast, at least for now. If you are looking for real estate on the Adriatic, contact us. There's a good chance we'll be able to help you!

Photo: Pexels, Unsplash.