Best approach to finding property

[Jan]

I'm trying to get my head around the best way to find the property I want in Croatia.

I've looked at loads of agents websites and hundreds of properties, but from reading the threads here, there seems to be a possibility that some of these properties might not have clean papers or might not even be for sale at all. Since a lot of the agents charge a fee to the buyer, and also charge for viewings, and the airlines have to make a living, I want to avoid a situation where I waste thousands of euro and a lot of time on a fruitless search.

A lot of the agents say on their websites that they will send me details of more properties if I let them know what I want. Does this mean that they will put out local queries in areas that might be of interest to me and find properties that I might never find otherwise ?

What I really want to know is, is the charge to the buyer seen as a finding fee? Should I be approaching this by sitting back and getting a couple of reputable agents to source the right properties for me, including ones not on their websites, then meeting me in Croatia for an inspection trip? Is this a more expensive way, or is it sensible since I'll be paying the agent a fee regardless? Or should I continue browsing property lists and try to meet up with loads of different agents while I'm over there?

I hope someone can help, as the Croation property market seems so different to the one here in Ireland, and I'm a bit lost. Also, if I want someone to source a property for me I'll have to tell them my price range. Is that a good idea? It's something I'd never disclose to an estate agent here at home!!

[Mac]

Jan,

have a look at your email box.

[The Davies Family]

We have just purchased a property in Istria using Croatia Property Services.

Peter Ellis does not charge for viewings the charge is on the sale of the property so no problems with viewings. Only property with clean title is shown on the website so reducing risk.

Please mention us if you contact Peter he and his wife who are extremely helpful.

[Nicola]

The Davies family
Would you mind me asking what sort of property you have bought in Istria - new or old?
Thanks

[pacificstar]

Where in Irstria is your property? Please share your experience with us all. Thanks! Congrats!

[Davies Family]

We have purchased an old property in Buzet the old hilltop town. It has been totally renovated and has three floors including one mezzanine floor.
We originally wanted a property by the beach but had second thoughts as this house had wonderful views of the Mirna valley. You also get more space for your money. It is only about 45 minutes drive to Rovinj or Porec and once the motorway system is complete it will be quicker. Ryanair fly into Trieste in Italy which is only 1 hour away. Infortmation on Buzet is on www.buzet.hr

Hope this helps!

[Jan]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

Davies Family, I'm starting to think like you too. Originally I was looking for anywhere near the sea, but now I'm thinking why not inland? I'd get more for my money, and the views are just as spectacular.

[sanny]

Best way is to fly over there before the season starts, it will not cost a lot of money. stay in few diferent areas and take it from there. Everywhere you go is nice but different. It is important to know if you like large or small villages. Do you expect to drive or walk to your nearest market, shop, bank, reastorant...
Do you like to have your own privat acces to the sea or you rather walk /drive to the large beach?
Agencies can help with all this if you can specify more clearly will save you lot of time and yes it is very important you are able to say how much you want to spend. Croatians are nice people, comunities are small and if an agent is looking for a property in a small village 20 m from the sea near the shops restorants and banks they usualy know who to talk to. Comunities are close nit and word goes round. It is a slightly diferent world. You do not need to worry about beeing open and once they find you property you realy like you can still nagotiate your side of the fee, should not be more than 3% and it is easy to get it down to 1.5%.
Good luck to you!
If you need more info on a particular area or village will be hapy to help.
I traveled extensively along Croatian coast during last 20 years and may be able o help.

[Terra]

Dear Jan,

most "smart" people have bought inland properties (old stone houses which have been converted into luxury country estates with private pools). We have seen German, Austrian, and English aristocrats who all bought country estates in the area around Motovun. Many have swapped their Finca in Mallorca for a new unspoilt area in the hills. This will be the most exclusive area in the near future. It is the truffle area, a golf course is under construction at the moment, and a group of Austrians are planning to build a polo club.
I would advise you not to buy a re-sale property, as there is hardly any good quality development on the market. Buy a new build house with traditional materials which will be very precious in two years as the old materials are already hard to find.

Regards

www.dussmannhomes.com

[McMahons]

Interested in your comments....where would you advise to purchase for investment/rental purposes...new developments?

Thanks

[doris]

Jan

I have sent you an email about how we did it.

Doris