Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty

We are delighted to present the collaboration between Petram Resort & Residences and Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty®, the most preferred brand and leader in the luxury real estate market.

By primarily understanding luxury as an overall experience rather than a price point, we want to showcase this premium complex, unique in Croatia, to clients with refined tastes.

Petram Resort & Residences is an idyllic seaside retreat surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, and enchantes with the harmony of contemporary architecture, elegance, and luxurious amenities. It is ideal for those seeking true beauty, a relaxing atmosphere, top-notch service, and rich amenities in an authentic environment.

Ideally positioned in Istria – one of the most attractive destinations in Croatia, mesmerizing with its Mediterranean charm, rich historical and cultural heritage, untouched nature, azure sea, and exquisite gastronomy – Petram Resort & Residences sets new standards for luxury experiences in a completely innovative way.

Spread over eight hectares and built to the highest standards, Petram Resort & Residences sets a benchmark in luxury living. It offers numerous services and amenities to please even the most discerning guests. Reception and concierge services, exclusive restaurants, a wellness center with the largest rooftop infinity pool in Europe, children’s facilities, sports activities, and access to the beach and its amenities make every stay an unforgettable experience.

Near the resort, within the Kempinski complex, is the largest Croatian golf course with 18 holes that will impress all golf enthusiasts. Additionally, a new investment is planned – constructing a golf course with a golf club on the eastern side of the resort.

Petram Resort & Residences comprises 252 luxury properties – 55 villas, an aparthotel with 179 apartments, and 18 residential units, all of high category, with four and five stars.

This is the first residential and holiday resort of its kind in Croatia, where luxury, comfort, and sustainability perfectly complement each other.

The resort is superbly designed with special attention to horticulture, providing a sense of harmony with nature, open vistas, sustainable construction, and the highest level of material quality to ensure maximum energy efficiency, creating a whole world of pleasure to make every stay truly exceptional.

Petram Resort & Residences is an internationally renowned complex and one of the most impressive investments in Croatian tourism.

MK Group and Aleksandar Group, successful and internationally recognized investors, have recognized Croatia as an exceptional destination, considering its beauty, rich culture, and the high demand for luxury real estate.

Architects from the LAD 1 studio of the Lotus Group – Maja Bručić and Eva Cotman, sign the architecture and design.

Located in Savudrija, in a prominent seaside location, Petram Resort & Residences represents an oasis of excellence, exclusivity, and luxury. It attracts the attention of both domestic and international guests seeking an exclusive holiday experience on the Adriatic coast.

Its strategic position near Slovenia, Italy, and numerous European cities ensures excellent accessibility, while the proximity to marinas and several international airports is just some of the additional advantages.

Petram Resort & Residences is truly a unique destination that sets new standards for luxurious enjoyment. It is an ideal choice for all hedonists and a place you’ll find hard to leave but will gladly return to.

Petram Resort & Residences offers a complete property management package, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free vacation. Owners can enjoy their property but also profit from renting it out when they will not be using it.

Future buyers are guaranteed a 5% annual return on investment in the first two years through property rental, with even higher returns expected in the long term.

In cooperation with Gorenjska banka, credit financing is provided up to 50% of the property value.

This collaboration symbolizes a fusion of top quality, expertise, and reputation. Whether you are looking for a holiday home or a lucrative investment opportunity, Petram Resort & Residences promises its owners luxurious living and long-term financial security.

Introducing Petram Resort & Residences, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty invites you to secure your piece of paradise in the beautiful landscape of the Istrian peninsula, where luxury, comfort, and tranquility create perfect harmony.

 

In an era where digitization permeates every aspect of our lives, the integration of cryptocurrencies is changing the way we perceive and conduct financial transactions. In this blog, we introduce the collaboration between Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty and Electrocoin Ltd., a company that has been specializing in cryptocurrency trading mediation and crypto payment processing since 2014.

In Croatia, EUR is clearly defined as the legal means of payment. To comply with this legal provision while still allowing clients to pay with cryptocurrencies, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty has decided to partner with Electrocoin, a company that, through its PayCek platform, enables automatic and instant conversion in the payment process from cryptocurrency to EUR, thus fulfilling all required legal obligations.

Electrocoin Ltd. leads the integration of cryptocurrencies into real estate transactions. Specializing in cryptocurrency trading mediation and crypto payment processing, Electrocoin operates under the supervision of the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa). As the first company registered in the Register of Virtual Asset Service Providers in Croatia, Electrocoin has been a pioneer in the crypto world.

With its proprietary cryptocurrency payment processing system, “PayCek,” Electrocoin, in collaboration with Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty, enables buyers to seamlessly purchase properties listed by the agency using cryptocurrencies.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Sales Agreement

The buyer and seller initiate the process by entering into a standard real estate sales agreement.

2. Assignment Agreement

Subsequently, based on the real estate sales agreement, the buyer concludes an Assignment Agreement with Electrocoin and the seller. This agreement lays the foundation for the cryptocurrency transaction.

3. Cryptocurrency Payment Instruction

Using its “PayCek” system, Electrocoin generates a cryptocurrency payment instruction tailored to the specific transaction.

4. Execution of Cryptocurrency Transaction

The buyer executes the cryptocurrency transaction, initiating the transfer of digital assets as payment for the property.

5. Processing of Transaction by Electrocoin

Electrocoin carefully processes the cryptocurrency transaction and transfers the equivalent amount in EUR to the seller’s account.

6. Confirmation and Communication

The buyer receives confirmation of the completed transaction via email. Simultaneously, the buyer informs the seller of the successful transaction.

7. Tabular Statement

Upon confirming full payment, the seller issues a tabular statement, finalizing the real estate transaction.

Integrating cryptocurrencies into real estate transactions marks a new era in the industry. Through this collaboration, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty offers its services to a new generation of clients, ensuring fast and secure transaction processes. This represents a step forward for the Croatian real estate market.

Navigating the real estate investment or sales process is like exploring a labyrinth filled with potential opportunities, challenges, and possibilities. This is why collaborating with a renowned agency, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty, can transform the entire experience, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

 

1. Expert Knowledge and Price Insights

One advantage of partnering with a real estate agency lies in gaining access to expert knowledge and price insights. Our professionals can help clients distinguish good from excellent investment opportunities in this dynamic environment, thanks to their extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate market.

      

2. Time and Energy Savings

The real estate transaction world is filled with numerous tasks that require a significant amount of time and attention, from thorough property advertising to organizing viewings and conducting negotiations. Entrusting these responsibilities to experienced professionals allows investors to focus on making timely decisions, staying informed about market trends, and effectively managing their investment portfolios.

 

3. Destination Knowledge and Property Scouting

Experts in this field have excellent knowledge of destinations, future development opportunities, and local amenities. For those seeking exclusivity, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty offers specialized “property scouting” services for VIP clients, providing access to hidden gems in the real estate market before they are officially listed. Being among the first to learn about potential opportunities before they hit the broader market is a valuable advantage that can significantly impact finding sought-after properties.

 

4. Transaction Security

The security of transactions is the undisputed priority of a reliable real estate agency such as Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty. Security and ease of the buying or selling process are key, giving a sense of trust to both buyers and sellers.

Whether it’s ensuring legal compliance, verifying ownership documents, or managing complex financial transactions, the thorough protocols of a professional agency contribute to a sense of trust and peace of mind. With us, your safety is not only a priority but also the foundation of our business.

 

5. Negotiation Skills

Real estate negotiation is an art, and experienced real estate agents have perfected this skill through years of work.

When it comes to securing the best terms for our clients, our professionals guide them through the negotiation process. Their ability to understand market dynamics, assess real estate values and represent clients’ interests positions them as invaluable allies in achieving optimal results. Negotiation skills can result in significant savings or improved return on investment.

 

6. Guidance and Support

In addition to transactional aspects, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty provides support during the entire buying and selling process.

By providing constant support and guidance, we ensure clients are constantly informed and reliable at every step. From the initial real estate search to the closing of the purchase deal, the presence of a dedicated team of experts ensures a pleasant experience for the investor.

Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty is a trusted advisor, offering insights, answering questions, and providing support during what can be an emotionally challenging process.

 

7. Worry-Free Purchase or Investment

In the quest for the perfect home or investment opportunity, one of the key features to consider is proper property documentation.

Our agency proudly stands out as a reliable partner because all our properties go through a thorough check of all documentation, providing you with complete security at every step.

Every property we present reflects our commitment to quality, making us a reliable partner in achieving your goals.

 

In conclusion, the advantages of engaging a real estate agency are truly countless. It enables the saving of precious time and energy, ensures transaction security, and provides clients with continuous support. Strategic positioning in the real estate world enhances the overall experience for investors, making the decision to collaborate a pleasant one. Whether for seasoned investors or individuals entering the world of real estate transactions for the first time, the assistance of a professional agency is invaluable. It acts as a compass, guiding clients through the intricacies of the market, offering protection, and unlocking opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. In the real estate world, where decisions can have profound financial and life impacts, a partnership with an agency becomes an investment in itself—an investment that pays off in terms of knowledge, expertise, and ultimate success.

If you are interested in investing in luxury real estate, you should not overlook Croatia. This beautiful Mediterranean country has a lot to offer. In this blog, we will outline ten reasons Croatia is ideal for investing in luxury real estate.

1. Coastline

Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is one of the most stunning in the world. Crystal-clear sea, picturesque coves, and over a thousand islands attract millions of tourists yearly. This Mediterranean gem offers unique properties along the coast, ideal for clients seeking prestige. Moreover, luxury villas, apartments, and houses with pools, private access to the sea, and other amenities provide the highest level of comfort and enjoyment of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

2. Heritage

Croatia is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with many UNESCO-protected landmarks. Cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Šibenik, and Zadar have impressive histories, with countless historical buildings, museums, galleries, and cultural assets. Properties located in historic city centers or near cultural attractions are attractive to investors due to the high potential for investment in elite tourism.

3. Nature

Croatia is famous for its diverse nature, with beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes, and national parks, making outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, cycling, and sailing popular year-round. Properties in stunning natural surroundings attract investors looking for a luxury lifestyle connected with nature.

4. Safety

Croatia has stable legislation that provides a favorable environment for real estate investment. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, it is aligned with European legislation, providing security to investors. Buying properties in Croatia is relatively simple and transparent, with clear laws that protect the interests of property owners. Additionally, the tax system is competitive, with reasonable tax rates.

Croatia is a politically stable country that provides security to investors. Its economy benefits from the growing number of tourists and investments in various sectors. It is expected that tourism and the economy will continue to develop, with a positive impact on the real estate market. Croatia has also been declared one of the safest European countries due to its low crime rate and modern border protection.

5. Nautical paradise

One of the most indented coastlines in the world, with over a thousand islands and a mild Mediterranean climate, provides an unforgettable experience for sailors who have ranked Croatia among the world’s leading destinations in recent years. Many modern marinas, scattered throughout the Adriatic, are easily accessible to owners of luxury properties who prefer privacy and the romance of sailing over the hustle of city centers.

6. Prices

Croatia is an appealing choice for investors searching for value in their luxury real estate investments because remarkable properties are more reasonably priced than in other Mediterranean luxury locations.

7. Tourism

Croatia is a renowned tourist destination experiencing steady growth in tourism numbers. With its stunning coastline, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural beauty, Croatia attracts millions of tourists annually, creating a strong demand for luxury accommodations. This is an opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the thriving tourism industry by investing in luxury real estate properties.

8. Accessibility

Croatia is well-connected to major international cities with its modern airports and excellent infrastructure. Many airlines operate regular flights to Croatia, making it easily accessible for international travelers. This accessibility makes it convenient for luxury real estate investors to visit and manage their properties in Croatia.

9. Gastronomy

Croatia’s gastronomic offering is rich, diverse, and based on local ingredients and tradition. It is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, a global standard for healthy living for centuries. The influence of various international cuisines also enriches the restaurant scene, with many receiving international recognition, and ten of them awarded the prestigious Michelin star.

10. Investments

Croatia actively promotes real estate investments through incentives and facilitation to attract foreign investors. Efforts have been made to simplify administrative procedures and expedite the property purchasing process, including reducing bureaucracy, digitalization, and improving legal security for investors.

Conclusion

All of the above makes Croatia a perfect destination for investment. Whether you are looking for your luxurious villa by the sea, an investment in the tourism sector, or a luxury apartment in the historic UNESCO cities, Croatia has it all.

With in-depth knowledge of the local market, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty can discreetly assist you in finding the perfect property or investment that fits your needs and goals.

Building a luxury villa is a challenging process during which the support of experts is necessary to achieve the goal effectively. In this blog, we will take you through the basic five steps needed to realize your vision and describe how Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty can facilitate every step, from idea to realization.

Step 1: Vision

Before starting construction, it’s important to have a clear idea of ​​what you want to achieve, considering your wishes, expectations, and lifestyle. Our team of experts enriches ideas, puts the concept into a realistic and feasible framework, and informs you about the means and time required for implementation.

Step 2: Location

The location of the building land is one of the most important decisions at the beginning. It strongly affects the value of the property, and the life quality of those who will stay there.It’s also important to consider the privacy aspect, the land’s orientation, and the accessibility of the facilities. It’s essential that you collaborate with a trustworthy partner to find the ideal location for your investment, ensure that all of your needs are satisfied at a reasonable price, and discover the market possibilities relevant to your vision.

Step 3: Design

Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty cooperates with renowned architects and interior designers who, taking into account the details of your vision, create architectural projects and an idea of ​​the interior appearance to know the cost parameters and the possible sale price before construction. What sets us apart from the competition is the implementation of world design trends when creating the book of standards so that you can assess the details as clearly as possible and make the necessary decisions more simply. Obtaining a building permit is the crown of quality project preparation, after which construction begins.

Step 4: Construction

During construction, the support of everyone initially involved in the project is crucial. During construction, Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty can also offer you the possibility of “pre-sale”, that is, sell your property while still under construction. The fact that we were involved in the project from the beginning allows us to guarantee the quality of planning and execution to the client, in cooperation with the investor.

Step 5: Sale

If you decide to sell, the best moment is immediately after the completion of construction, when the property is finalized and equipped, because the luxury that our prestigious clients prefer can only be experienced in its full glory when all the requirements of the initial vision have been met.

The end of the construction cycle brings satisfaction to everyone involved in the process because the investor’s expectations have been fulfilled, the buyer’s dream has come true, and we are overjoyed because we’ve fully justified the demands of our clients.

Since joining the EU, Croatia has been attracting increasing attention from international clients looking for investment opportunities in one of the most emerging regions in the Mediterranean.

Croatia is widely known for its natural beauties, rich cultural and historical heritage, and mild Mediterranean climate, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities almost all year round.

The most attractive destinations in Croatia offer a wide array of prestigious modern properties in unique locations by the sea and traditional rustic style villas that represent a perfect fusion of authentic stone exterior and attractive interior that combines modern amenities with autochthonous details that won’t leave you indifferent.

Record numbers of visitors and tourist overnights and a stable economic environment of our country are just some of the reasons that provide investors with security and optimism in planning new investments.

 

Josip Krnić Photography

Who can buy real estate in Croatia?

Villa Sealine

 

Purchase Costs

If you decided to buy luxury real estate in Croatia or indulge in an investment and development project you should know there are some additional costs.
The most of property purchasing expenses are paid by the buyer:

If you want to purchase luxury real estate in Croatia or any other property from a legal entity, please pay attention to whether VAT is already included in the price. The standard VAT rate in Croatia is 25%. We also recommend that you hire an established real estate agency with extensive experience in the real estate market and local expertise, as well as internal legal support.

Josip Krnić Photography

Personal Identification Number – OIB

Before the conclusion of the legal matter it is necessary to obtain a personal identification number issued by the Tax Administration:

Without the personal identification number, it is not possible to sign any contract or to establish a company.

 

Real Estate Taxation

  1. Real Property transfer tax is calculated and paid on acquisition of property in the Republic of Croatia when no VAT is to be paid on such acquisition. The real property transfer tax base is the market value of the real estate at the moment of acquisition. and is calculated at the rate of 3%. Real property transfer tax taxpayer is the acquirer of the real estate – the buyer.
  2.  Value-added tax (VAT) is calculated and paid by the taxpayers who are registered in the VAT payers registry when they deliver, give or in any other way transfer a construction land and a building or parts of the buildings (as well as the land on which they are built) if those buildings and their parts have been inhabited or used for less than 2 years. The VAT for delivering real estate is to be paid at a rate of 25%.
  3. Income tax on assets based on property alienation is calculated and paid:
    a) if the natural person is alienating the real estate within 2 years from the day of its purchase, under the condition that he/she hasn’t used it for residential purposes.
    b) if the natural person sells, exchanges, or does any other taxable ownership transfer on more than 3 properties that are the same type in the period of 5 years since the day of their purchase.

We hope that this blog hides the answers to some of the questions you should have resolved before deciding on buying or selling real estate in Croatia.

For all additional information and advice, our team of experienced real estate agents and legal experts will be happy to provide support with the highest degree of discretion and professionalism.

The luxury real estate market is experiencing a real boom in Croatia as one of the emerging sectors during the ongoing global pandemics. Even after we win the fight against Covid, the real estate market will probably not look the same. For over a year now, circumstances have been unfavorable for mass tourism. Consequently, the demand for carefully selected dream villas has increased and set new travel trends and investment opportunities.

Josip Krnić Photography

High-end photos of villas and surroundings – a necessity or a luxury?

Looking at the current situation from a photographic and marketing point of view, nowadays, more than ever before, the overall quality presentation of luxury real estate on websites and social media comes to the fore. When people generally travel far less, more and more buyers and travelers want to find out everything they need to know about the property in one place – whether they are looking to purchase or rent. Therefore, investing in high-end premium photography today is becoming a necessity, not a luxury, as many property owners are prone to think.

Photographs of the real estate are often the first and fundamental way for the client to get acquainted with your offer. Research has shown that clients spend more than 60% of their time reviewing photos of the property they consider interesting and only subsequently studying the accompanying content.

Josip Krnić Photography

Furthermore, the fact that objects must be accompanied by equally high-quality landscape photographs of cities, sights, and natural beauties of the region where the property is located is often understated. When purchasing photographic licenses for the use of landscape photographs, it is important to request that potential copyright elements be removed from the photograph.

Josip Krnić Photography

Aerial, i.e., drone photography, is a great way to show your object and landscape from a different and unusual perspective. In this comprehensive way, you can be sure that your property will be presented to the clients in a modern way which represents a standard in the world of luxury real estate.

Josip Krnić Photography

Professional real estate photos – advantages and current trends

One cannot stress enough the importance of original and exclusive photographs whereby the techniques of photo post-processing and basic marketing knowledge come to the fore and easily set you apart from the competition.

Some of the important benefits of high-end photography, to name just a few, include the following: leaving an impression of professionalism and savoir-faire on prospective clients and depicting the property in a luxurious light, luxury real-estate agencies can market your property more successfully and reach out to clients more efficiently, you are favored by algorithms of social networks and web browsers, boosting your visibility and allowing you to sell the property significantly faster and within higher price range.

Josip Krnić Photography

Photographing real estate only in classic photographic landscape formats is a thing of the past, and it should be adapted to the requirements of modern platforms like Instagram that favor the vertical format of photography.

You cannot afford yourself the luxury of having subpar quality photos of your luxury real estate, least of all in today’s world, which is changing at an incredible pace towards increasing digitalization.

 

Josip Krnić Photography
@dreamer4787

We are only a few weeks away from the official beginning of summer, and sunny spring days have been inviting us for quite some time to enjoy the outdoors and spend more time in nature. And while we are slowly leaving the pandemic behind and returning to old habits and life pace, it seems that long quarantine days have motivated us to return to living in harmony with nature and devote more time and attention to our terraces, balconies, and backyards.

It comes as no surprise that outdoor patios have never been more luxurious. New trends and innovations in the decoration of outdoor spaces encourage villa owners to push the boundaries of luxury and comfort. The interiors and exteriors harmoniously complement and intertwine, and the result is an almost idyllic blend of interior and exterior spaces, as befits the Mediterranean way of life that takes place outdoors for most of the year.

Pool area design trends

Lounge area surrounded by greenery

Since all life has turned within four walls, people most often find relaxation zones in nature today, to move away from everyday stress and the monotony of work within the living space. Just facing nature, there is a growing trend of creating lounge zones in the exterior of real estate that is often surrounded by lots of greenery to fulfill the desire to go to nature and rest in it within the living space.

Villa Hedonist Dream

What is widely sought in the field of the landscaping of a such zone is multi-purpose outdoor furniture that will have different ways of use with minimal changes. Taking into account the need for physical distance when gathering, with such furniture in the blink of an eye, the sofa is transformed into several seats that will allow distance. Drinking compartments or simple snacks can also be set up inside the tables and then served to guests. When it comes to designer outdoor furniture, standard traditional materials such as wood and fabrics in soft tones in contrasting wood colors still prevail. Opposite the wood, we come across anthracite rattan with pillows of the same or contrasting color. Indispensable parts of outdoor furniture are corner sets, dining sets, deck chairs, and auxiliary furniture such as relaxation bags, swings, and side tables.

Villa Sunrise

Firepit as a gathering place

Fire has always been a gathering place, and as such, is an indispensable part of the lounge zone of modern villas today. The gathering around the fire comes in several forms, all depending on the wishes of the user. Often part of the lounge zone is an outdoor firepit which during the night becomes a favorite gathering place for family and friends. Around the fire pit usually is located a piece of circular outdoor furniture, with the designer’s signature, which with its decor fits into the very motif of the fire. The second most common form of gathering around the fire is certainly the one around the outdoor fireplace, which will also serve as a place for preparing meals, but also as a place for socializing and talking. Many villas today like to connect incompatibly, so next to, or inside the pool itself, they design a part that will contain a fireplace that will illuminate the pool and its swimmers, especially at night.

Villa Authentic Retreat

Modern swimming pools with sun deck

Today, the relaxation zone extends to the area of the pool itself, where the deckchairs are no longer in their immediate vicinity, but they occupy a position inside the pool itself. This innovation is characterized by specially made lounge ledges that are located in the shallower part of the pool and are partially immersed in water, which allows you to lie down comfortably with constant refreshment by the pool water. An umbrella can be added to these sunbeds so that lying down is carefree even in the early hours.

Villa Appeal

In addition to the pool and sun loungers, you can often find a hot tub as a luxury accessory that equates the relaxation zone with that of the best spa. With the classic whirlpool tubs that can accommodate 2 to 5 people, and are located as a separate unit, today we encounter a growing trend of implementation of whirlpool units within the pools so that they are separated by a safety barrier. This innovative technology allows you to switch from a relaxing position in a hot tub to a slightly more active one in the blink of an eye by swimming from one end of the pool to the other.

Villa Ventura

Innovative luxury accessories – outdoor showers

An indispensable part of every pool area is its outdoor shower, which ensures quick refreshment during hot summer days. Today, there is a unique outdoor shower from the Infinity Luxury company on the market, which with its appearance, represents a luxury sculpture enriched with shower and lighting functions. This innovative combination of natural materials, water, and LED lighting can completely change the design of the exterior of the property and raise it to a completely different level. It is adorned with a modern inverted L design with simple lines that fit into any exterior completely naturally. Showers are a fusion of tradition and innovative technology because they are made of natural materials, while at the same time they contain special technologies for saving water, filtration, and lighting of the shower itself.

Black Marbella Shower (Photo credits: Dominik Benčan)

Infinity Luxury showers come in 3 models: Marbella, Infinity, and Safari. The Marbella model is made of natural stone, the Infinity is adorned with ceramics from the renowned Italian brand Marazzi, while the Safari is created from an environmentally friendly material, HPL. The outdoor shower can be created according to your wishes and the style of the exterior of the property. If you have a traditional-style property made of stone, the Marbella shower is the ideal choice for you. The type of stone is chosen by the client, often the type that corresponds to the one on the front of the property or from the exterior area. If ceramics dominates the property, the Infinity model and a large selection of Marazzi decor will fit best as part of the exterior. The Safari model will fit perfectly with properties of modern design that do not run away from atypical decors and materials, and at the same time, are focused on sustainability.

Marbella Shower  (Villa Crystalline)

Infinity Luxury showers cannot be compared to anything on the market, so they are considered unique in the world, and their approach in making is based on the client’s choice of the model or material, followed by the selection of the desired decor or type of stone, and the additional possibility of ambient lighting of the shower itself. The personalization of this unique sculpture ends with the possibility of engraving the logo or name of the property itself on the front of the shower.
By choosing this eco-friendly shower, the preservation of nature and water is affected regarding the shower’s special ECO-tech shower rose that saves water up to 50%, while the NATURRA water filtration system improves water quality and neutralizes the negative effects of chlorine and its compounds.
When designing the exterior itself, it is possible to plan this shower to ideally fit into the design of the property and its exterior.

Marbella Shower ( Photo credits: Villa Lucija)

We are happy that architects and investors have started to pay particular attention to outdoor spaces. In the Mediterranean, which enjoys a mild climate all year round, the outdoors is a kind of a living rooms extension, so the tendency is to connect the interior and exterior in one harmonious area adopting innovative methods; therefore, the border between the two becomes almost imperceptible since all the beauty and fullness of life in the Mediterranean comes to the fore precisely by staying outdoors in a picturesque environment of magnificent nature and crystal clear sea.

We hope that we have inspired you with the latest trends and innovations in landscaping that enhance the outdoor experience and allow you to enjoy the outdoors even more. Spending more time outdoors has a beneficial effect on health and enriches our everyday life. We are convinced that, with luxury and innovative accessories, you will succeed in creating an idyllic oasis that you will be proud of and enjoy in the company of family and friends.

The year behind us was marked by a global pandemic of unprecedented proportions and consequently with an almost complete halt in all economic activities that ceased abruptly due to restrictive measures, which led to the total collapse of nearly all sectors.

And it is precisely in 2020, an unprecedented year in many ways, that the real estate market experts faced significant challenges. The key to success was in their rapid response and adapting to market conditions and trends that were changing at a relentless pace.

Despite negative statistics and economic indicators that were by no means promising, Sotheby’s International Realty is very proud to announce that our brokers and sales representatives have achieved a record sales result of $150 billion at the global level, marking a continued increase in sales growth year over year.

“Thanks to innovations we pioneered nearly a decade ago, our affiliated companies and agents made the impossible possible. Their adaptability to serve clients safely further extended our position as a leader in luxury real estate,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Modern Technologies and Trends in Property Viewings

As the luxury real estate sector leader, Sotheby’s International Realty guarantees global marketing reach and high advertising standards for both sellers and end buyers looking for their new home or dream vacation villa and constantly offers innovative tools for its loyal customers. At the peak of the pandemic, clients were unable to travel and view real estate in person, and agents were faced with the daunting task of finding new solutions that could replace traditional ways of real estate viewings.

Facing unenviable circumstances, sales representatives invested much energy to fully exploit all available brand tools to present real estate to prospective buyers in the best possible way through virtual platforms. New technologies and innovative marketing solutions that Sotheby’s International Realty is continuously improving have certainly contributed to these record results. The numbers are supported by more than 43 million views on the brand’s official YouTube channel and more than 6,000 properties on the global website that have video materials or provide the possibility of a virtual tour.

Global Trends in the Local Market

As the leading luxury real estate agency in Croatia and a representative of the brand synonymous with a professional approach and commitment to each client, our team of professionals is constantly working to improve their skills and replicate global trends in the Croatian market. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that clients remained loyal to our brand even in extraordinary circumstances, keeping their expectations high as always. Our real estate experts readily accepted the challenge and provided unconditional support to clients by organizing their arrival in Croatia despite restrictive measures and carrying out virtual tours of properties.

Despite the unfavorable global situation and strict measures that were eagerly implemented in almost all countries, our Croatian office followed the global trend of Sotheby’s International Realty and achieved a record sales result. Comparing global trends with the local market situation, we can conclude that clients worldwide increasingly value privacy and isolation and prefer secluded real estate surrounded by large plots, which allows them to enjoy a peaceful stay far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Regardless of skeptical forecasts, the corona crisis leads us again to the conclusion that foreign investors gladly invest in exclusive real estate in unique locations. Given the limited number of properties in premium locations, our offer of such properties very often does not satisfy the clients’ demands. One can easily deduce that this type of real estate arguably does not undergo large oscillations in the asking price, regardless of the current market challenges.

Global Expansion and Strategic Brand Growth

In 2020 Sotheby’s International Realty continues its constant growth in the global market by opening more than 50 new offices worldwide, further enhancing the brand’s global network currently present in more than 75 countries in nearly 1,000 offices with approximately 24,000 sales associates. In addition to opening new offices in existing markets, the brand has expanded to key international markets, establishing offices in seven new territories.

“I am very proud of our brand and the whole team in Croatia. It is a great success that we followed the world trends in the local market and achieved a record sales result in these difficult times”, concluded Marko Pažanin, managing director of Croatia Sotheby’s International Realty and a global partner.

As we are still evaluating the direct and indirect effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the global economy, there has been increasing speculation over the future of the tourism sector in general since it has suffered a huge setback from this crisis and all the challenges it inevitably brings.

Considering that the Croatian economy is extremely dependent on tourism, which directly generates a significant share of the country’s GDP, it is not surprising that investors and rental property owners found themselves in an unenviable situation overnight, facing numerous inquiries from concerned guests who wanted to cancel their reservations or inquired about the current epidemiological situation in the country, as well as the procedures that would be implemented at border crossings. A fierce battle for each and every reservation ensued since the confirmed reservations could have been canceled at any moment due to the introduction of quarantine in certain emitting markets, or the recommendation to postpone travel until further notice, but also due to a number of new rules introduced on a weekly basis.

Exposed to a large amount of often contradictory information, and the recommendation of global booking platforms counseling implementation of high-risk cancellation policy without any penalties for last-minute cancellations, vacation rental owners and travel agents had very modest expectations for the so-called ‘new normal’ tourist season in unprecedented circumstances.

luxury rental market
Villa Endless View

Given that the epidemiological situation in the country has been stable, and that the spread of the virus has been kept under control, Croatia has been recognized as a safe destination, and despite skeptical announcements and cautious forecasts of expected numbers and results, there has been an increased interest in luxury holiday villas.

Tourists’ expectations and demands

What conclusions can be drawn about the profile of travelers who were not discouraged by the Covid-19 and who decided to take their seaside vacation nonetheless?

First of all, it is clear that new time brings new expectations and standards that property owners must successfully meet in order to gain the trust of customers and provide them with absolute security that they can spend their vacation carefree regardless of the challenging circumstances we are currently facing. According to the latest inquiries and trends, most clients seek to book luxury villas in prestigious locations and oftentimes tend to book longer stays and additional services such as daily cleaning, grocery procurement, and a private chef who will take care of all meals during their stay. Such requests were more easily accommodated by the owners of prestigious villas who had previously been in contact with clients who want a little something extra for their vacation and by that, we don’t mean just modern amenities or a picturesque sea view.

A new era of travel – trends, and opportunities

Current trends again lead us to the conclusion that these extraordinary times have not by any means seen a downfall in demand for the most luxurious properties in exclusive locations. Moreover, the demand for facilities of this type seems to greatly exceed the supply, so customers are often compelled to change their plans and choose another destination that can meet their expectations. The largest number of confirmed reservations has been made by guests from neighboring countries who, thanks to the favorable geopolitical position of Croatia and excellent infrastructure, traditionally arrive on vacation by cars, and due to shorter trips prefer to choose holidays in the northern parts of the Adriatic and Istria.

Villa Appeal

It is very difficult to predict future developments in the global market and the dynamic world of the travel industry, but we are certainly at the dawn of a new era of travel that will be defined by adaptation to a new lifestyle promoting strong awareness of values ​​such as health safety, environmental protection, and socially responsible behavior.

With growing awareness of the effects of mass tourism, clients are nowadays looking for more ecologically sustainable destinations and accommodating facilities, therefore we are presented with a unique opportunity to position Croatia as a destination that can meet new challenges and readily accept new conditions that might potentially result in a more responsible and innovative offer tailored to the current market needs.