Kvarner, Makarska, Dalmatia agents?

[Dreamer]

We are travelling to Croatia on the 12th April to seek a purchase and have 10 days there.

After having done some research we feel it is best to focus on the above regions.
With a max 70Keuro budget, we were originally looking at the Islands of Korcula, Hvar, Brac & P.Peninsula but feel prices are racing ahead and we'd now get better value on the Dalmatia Coast or Kvarner region. The only Islands we'd like to consider are Krk or Pag.

We think it's best to look for:

a 2 bedroom apartment with sea view, or
a large stone house with sea view (needing rennovation).

Do you think we are correct in looking away from the more popular islands now or can bargains still be had there?

Also, even though we have trawled through the net for many agents, does anyone know of any good/reliable estate agents in these regions which have experience of having sold to foreign customers before?

Idealy we'd love a place in Opitaja, but don't feel we havethe budget for this (unfortunately!)

Many thanks in advance.

PK

We do recommend Martin Westby's book "How to buy a property in Croatia" it's concise and very useful. (no sales push intended...just a good/helpful read)

[robert]

Dreamer,

You are probably right that Hvar is getting out of you price range but I am surprised that you think the same of Peljesac Peninsula. I know that this region gained some popularity with the British buyers in the past year, but in Croatia Peljesac is still considered remote and not-so-sought-after. I am not an expert for that region so you should, of course, rely on your own research.

Nonetheless, your budget is very optimistic for said specifications (sea views and 2 bed apartments or large stone houses don’t mix well with 70k E) anywhere on Croatia’s coast but I wouldn’t give up on southern Dalmatia islands so easily if that is really your cup of tea. If you are just looking for an investment fine, but on a different level… well… Krk can’t really be compared to Korcula or Hvar.

Also, you are mistaken if you think that Krk and Pag mean good value for money. Both island are connected to the mainland by bridges (I suspect this is also attraction from your point of view), which makes them very popular with Croatians and seasonal foreign tourists. With the new motorway extension it is now easy to get there for a weekend from Zagreb, for example. And all that equals high prices.

If you are set on Kvarner (and there is no reason why you shouldn’t be – I am Istria and Kvarner man myself) I would seriously consider Cres. It has two ferry ports (one connecting Krk, one connecting the Istria mainland), which makes it very accessible. Also, it sits opposite your bellowed Opatija so you can be there sipping coffee on a terrace of one of the majestic Austro-Hungarian era hotels in no time – which you can forget if you are on Pag.

Hope this was of some use to you.

Robert