Top 5 Croatian Cities to Buy an Apartment in 2025 – Where Does It Pay to Invest?

· · Tips for Buyers

Planning to buy an apartment? Location is still everything.

Whether you are buying an apartment to live in or as an investment, one question always comes first: where? The Croatian real estate market in 2025 is showing interesting shifts – some cities are growing at lightning speed, while others are stagnating. If you are looking for a place with good infrastructure, value growth and real demand, this is the list you need to read.

1. Zagreb – still number 1 for serious buyers

Why Zagreb? The capital offers the best balance of opportunity, stability and liquidity. Whether you are aiming for long-term rentals, short-term tourism or your own home, Zagreb remains the most dynamic market.

Neighbourhoods in focus in 2025: Trešnjevka, Vrbani, Donji grad, Špansko Average price: €2.900 – €3.500/m²

Pros

  • Diverse demand
  • Good connections (tram, train, airport)
  • Universities, hospitals, business zones

2. Split – an Adriatic gem with strong tourism potential

Why Split? The tourist season is no longer "three months and done". Split is increasingly becoming a year-round destination and a digital nomad hub. In addition, more and more locals are looking for apartments for long-term rent – and supply is not keeping up with demand.

Neighbourhoods in focus: Žnjan, Meje, Bol, Split 3 Average price: €3.400 – €4.500/m²

Pros

  • Ideal for short-term rentals
  • Rising prices per square metre
  • Close to the sea and the airport

3. Rijeka – a city in transformation

Why Rijeka? Although it was undervalued for a long time, Rijeka is entering a serious phase of development. Building renovations, new hotels and a growing number of foreign buyers are increasing the city's appeal. Apartments are still more affordable than in Split and Zagreb.

Neighbourhoods in focus: Zamet, Krnjevo, Potok, Turnić Average price: €2.200 – €2.800/m²

Pros

  • Real growth potential
  • Student and worker rentals
  • Opportunity to buy larger properties for less money

4. Osijek – the return of a Slavonian heavyweight

Why Osijek? Tech companies, EU funds and IT development are bringing Osijek back to life. The city has one of the best ratios of price to quality of life in Croatia. For investors with a smaller budget, this is a golden opportunity.

Neighbourhoods in focus: Retfala, Jug 2, Tvrđa, Donji grad Average price: €1.500 – €2.000/m²

Pros

  • Low entry price
  • Growing student and working population
  • High rental ROI

5. Zadar – a balance of tourism and local life

Why Zadar? Zadar offers what Split no longer can: peace, nature and still relatively reasonable prices. The city is especially interesting for investors looking to buy tourist apartments or combine living and renting out.

Neighbourhoods in focus: Borik, Bulevar, Voštarnica, Diklo Average price: €2.600 – €3.400/m²

Pros

  • Quick payback through tourist rentals
  • Well-developed infrastructure
  • Stable local demand

Conclusion – not every location is a good investment

In 2025, buying an apartment is more of a strategic decision than ever. Although prices are rising, so are the differences between cities. Pay attention to location, demand, market conditions and development plans. If you are not sure where to start, get in touch. We help clients find properties that are not just square metres, but opportunities that grow in value.

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