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The Croatian government actively encourages overseas investment in Croatian property and have enshrined in statute law the principal that both Croatians and other nationals are treated equally under the law.
Winkworth Croatia are the leading vendor of Croatian property to non Croatians and have an expertise second to none. As well as sourcing the property that best suits your needs, Winkworth can advise you and provide you with the most appropriate lawyers, either in the UK , the EU or within Croatia.

Holiday Homes and Investment Properties

When looking to purchase property abroad, most people have a limited amount of time to set aside for gathering information, viewing property and making their decision. This is where Winkworth Croatia’s expertise can assist you, saving you time and money in the process. Winkworth Croatia has the expertise you need and will provide you with a personalized service as well as confidential advice appropriate to your needs.

Purchase Process

Once we have found your ideal property we will act for you and will provide you with full legal and accounting services through one of our associates, if you wish. From there we will act as your agent through to completion. You are welcome to make use of our experienced panel of lawyers or, of course, to use your own.

Surveys

In Croatia surveys are not typically commissioned and are not legally required. However this service can be arranged if you require it.

Clean Title

Winkworth Croatia know that one of the most important aspects of any property purchase in Croatia is establishing that the property has a clean title, that is, that the seller has legal authority to sell the property and there are no claims pending on the property before the courts.

Why Croatian property purchasers can be risk free

With considerable financial assistance from Germany and the EU the Croatian government is setting up a fully computerized land registry. Checking that the title is clean is no longer the burden that it once was and our lawyers, indeed any Croatian lawyer, the has access to the Land Registry which shows any property claim pending and where a property is free to be sold.

Winkworth’s legal associates rigorously check that all titles are clean. The requirement to have an updated and effective land and building registry system was recognised by The Croatian Government several years ago and of course by The European Commission, who are working with the Croatian government to ensure that the EU and Croatian systems are fully harmonized.

Property and land purchasers - Private or Company

Private Buyer Route

Most European citizens, under condition of reciprocity, may acquire real estate in Croatia subject to approval by the Ministry of Justice. Purchasers may, however, take possession of the property pending formal approval. The process of approval can take from 12-18 months and is usually a simple formality, the Croatian government being active in seeking overseas investors. However the private purchase route is time consuming and can be disadvantageous from the point of view of taxation. Winkworth Croatia can advise you according to your own situation.

Company Buyer Route

There are advantages in purchasing property in Croatia via the company route, that is setting up a special purchase vehicle (”SPV”) company within Croatia. Our legal panel can advise you on the most appropriate route and a Croatian company can be established within two weeks and hence allow you to purchase a property almost immediately.

The advantages of the “SPV” route are simple that approval by The Ministry of Justice is not required and you have full ownership of the property as soon as the final payment is made.

• If you plan to sell your property within the first three years, the profit realised (appreciation) from the sale is not subject to Capital Gains tax (35%) and company (profit) tax is payable at just 20%. There are provisions in the Croatian law to offset against tax capital invested in the real estate, as well as depreciation of buildings. Our legal panel can advise you on the issues according to your own tax and nationality status.
• When selling a property purchased under the SPV route, depending on the date the property was built, there are additional tax benefits to the seller. The sale of a Croatian company that owns real estate may be the most tax efficient exit strategy for a foreign investor.
• Again, Winkworth’s panel of lawyers and tax planners can advise and give full details depending on individual requirements and circumstances.