real estate croatia

In a quest to create a living environment that exudes peace and tranquility that only nature can bring, the biophilic design will become even more popular in the years to come. Devotees of nature, ecology, and sustainability in the design and decoration of interiors and exteriors, buildings, homes, and offices are looking for solutions that will bring us closer to our innate love and need for nature. In collaboration with Sensa magazine, we bring to you a more detailed insight into this major living trend.

Bring nature into our homes

There is growing scientific evidence that supports the fact that distancing ourselves from nature adversely affects our health and well-being. Many experts believe that behind the stress we accumulate lies the lack of adaptation to life in urban areas. That is – the deficit of nature. Natural greenery relieves stress, depression, anger, frustration, improves mood and physical health, concentration, productivity, creativity…

Nature can also help us transform our living space. This is evidenced by biophilia – a term coined by psychologist Erich Fromm and later, in the 1980s, popularized by Edward O. Wilson, an evolutionary biologist at Harvard. Biophilia represents a genuine human need for connectivity and harmony with nature.

Biophilic design is becoming more and more appealing to designers and architects eager to create a space that is custom made for a more human way of living. This type of design and decor includes, among other things, buildings that resemble shells, homes that rotate in daylight, apartments whose balconies resemble small, green jungles, and homes that encourage residents to grow food and even produce themselves foods such as honey. It is obvious that this type of architecture of the future grew out of the roots of our past.

„The biophilic home should, above all, be an oasis and a refuge for the modern person after a busy and stressful day,” defines Nataša Komljenović, an architect and expert in biophilic design from Novi Sad (Serbia), adding that this design is characterized by the urge to reconnect with nature, natural elements and its rhythms. 

7 tips on biophilic design

Amanda Sturgeon, the author of the book Creating Biophilic Buildings, brings the principles of biophilic design into our homes.

Windows to the world

The home should bring an abundance of fresh air and daylight through numerous windows, skylights, and doors to connect with the outdoors. Through the open windows, we can also hear sounds from nature – rain, wind, birds singing. It connects us with the seasons and the weather. 

Interaction of light and shadows

We are healthier when our biorhythm is in balance and when daylight is available to support it. By watching the shadows around the room we intuitively know what time it is and we instinctively gather in places where there is more sunlight. 

Between interior and exterior

In almost every climate, outdoor spaces can be used as a functional study room or living room for at least a few months a year. Spending more time outdoors will make you feel more in tune with nature.

Untouched textures

Too often our living spaces are sterile, with no sign of wilderness. Include as many natural materials as possible in your home, such as wood, stone, wool, bamboo – materials that are not processed. Different textures and patterns will encourage the variety of sensory experiences we usually experience in nature.

All forms of nature

Today, architecture is mostly dominated by straight lines and right angles. Since every home cannot be inspired by forms from nature, we can use many motifs and shapes from nature as decorative details that will make us feel closer to the location or area in which we live, using authentic plants, branches, shells, fountains…

The spirit of the location

Due to the global economy and the availability of diverse materials and products from all around the world, our homes have lost their sense of belonging – they do not reflect our climate and culture. Whether you live near the sea or near the forest, try to understand the character of the location and use it as a décor guide.

Color variations

Nature is not monotonous, it is spacious – from meadows and dense forests to mountain peaks. By mimicking the nature of the home, try to create a variety of micro spaces that will suit a specific purpose or mood. Create a room that is quiet in some corners and “alive” in others by using vibrant and neutral colors for visual partitions. That way you can mimic the experience of being outdoors.

 

Author: Magda Dežđek/Sensa Magazine

Sensa is a Croatian wellbeing monthly magazine covering topics about personal growth, healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and life/work balance.

“New Year – New Trends” is a very true saying, especially at the beginning of not only the new year but also the new decade. What will inspire interior designers in 2020? What real estate decisions in Croatia should you make to keep up with the latest trends? Let’s look at current trends in the real estate world!

As for the trends for 2020, they are evident at the beginning of the year. Designers seek less anxiety and stress and more design that matches health, well-being, sustainability, and a sense of calm.

Combine this basic postulate with Mediterranean culture, and you can already see how this will be a great year (and a decade) for Croatian real estate. Here are our guidelines for making trendy choices when buying a property in Croatia in 2020

Connecting with nature

The introduction of natural elements into our homes is a major trend in 2020. People want to reconnect and find a balance with the environment, even within their homes. These aspirations are mostly represented by trends in the choice of colors (green, blue, and earth tones), materials (natural wood, stone, jute), organic forms, indoor plants, indoor gardens and micro-greens, and even indoor water elements (e.g., mini fountains). ). Be sure to combine these details with warm metals such as gold and brass for that ultimate luxury stamp.

Not to be misled, this does not mean that the indoor greenery will replace the outside. Spacious gardens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the forest, remain very popular in 2020.

Therefore, when choosing a property in Croatia, think of greenery – indoor and outdoor.

Emphasized multifunctionality

Following our changing and accelerating lifestyles, we want our homes to be multi-functional in 2020. “Home” has ceased to be an exclusive place to live, and has become a place for all kinds of activities, from living to working, exercising, entertaining…

Bellaria EstateSingle-use spaces are slowly becoming dated as our demands for functionality grow year by year. Spaces that were usually located outside our homes, such as a gym or office, are increasingly located inside our homes. Also, spaces that can be easily adapted for various purposes, such as a lounge that can easily be converted into an entertainment space, are in high demand in 2020.

Sustainability

Sustainability is written with a capital “S” in interior design trends in 2020. As global concerns for our planet’s ecological future grow, they are increasingly evident in real estate in Croatia. More and more homes, especially luxury homes in Croatia, come equipped with their own solar panels. Simultaneously, plastics become a major “no-no” when choosing materials to incorporate into the design.

We want our homes to not only look green but to be truly green: energy efficient and self-sustaining.

Bright colors and striking details

In addition to the balanced, harmonious interior, dominated by natural materials and colors, designers advise adding some striking details. Colorful silks and patterns from India, China, and Japan, handmade wooden furniture, large sculptures, hand-painted tiles, brass lamps, fine woven rugs – these are just some of the ideas you can incorporate into your design. The best part about these details is that they are easily added to any home, so they do not have to be there when buying a property. Imagine these details and where to place them, and then apply your vision to purchased real estate in Croatia.

Bellaria Estate

So, choose a place that suits your needs, surround yourself with a multitude of natural elements, add a few details of your own, and enjoy 2020 in your Croatian dream home!

You are only as good as your partners are, which is why we are in constant search of the best allies! Therefore, we are proud to announce our newest partnership! In the global market context, we have established a strategic collaboration with Andorra Affiliates, an alliance that goes beyond a frequent collaboration between companies to offer great advantages to our clients through exclusive new cross-marketing initiatives.

If you are interested in buying real estate in the Principality of Andorra, reach out to our team, and our professionals will guide you through the process!

Lush greenery, open spaces, blue sky, amazing design, and lots of privacy – is there anyone who would not want this? Estate living offers it all and even more! Estate living in Croatia comes with numerous advantages, making this form of living very hard to resist. Great square footage on exclusive locations in Croatia enables you to live your days to the fullest, with an endless choice of hobbies you can dedicate yourself to, right there in the privacy of your own estate. Spoil yourself with comfort and luxury, as nobleman used to!

Estate living in Croatia

Set in an unspoiled natural environment in the small picturesque town of Klek, the 30.100 square meter Bellaria estate represents a true oasis of comfort with scenic sea and island view. Its top of the notch modern apartment is beautifully combined with a stunning, cascading vineyard.

Unique pebble beaches are just around the corner. Autochthonous plant species are present throughout the estate, perfectly framing the estate’s pool and barbeque area.

Located only an hour’s drive away from Dubrovnik, this estate offers the city’s proximity and all its perks, yet always enabling you to come back to enjoy the peace of your estate.

Those looking for more rustic real estate in Croatia will surely like the Ambient estate. Extending over 8.500 square meters, this gorgeous estate borders the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain. Located between Stari grad and Vrbovska on Hvar’s sunny island, it offers utmost privacy and a unique Mediterranean ambiance you cannot resist.

The location also offers great proximity to the beach, while the closest town center is only two kilometers away! The total of four homes on this estate, a 28 – square meter heated swimming pool with a sunbathing area, a summer kitchen, and lots of other additional amenities make for a unique private oasis.

Yet, when it comes to privacy, there is an extraordinary place that must be mentioned. Right in the heart of the island of Vis, the Topiaria estate has found its place under the golden Mediterranean sun.

This 31.088 square meter estate boasts a spectacular view of the sea and the sunset. The estate is cultivated with a grapevine of high quality and 200 olive trees, surrounding the amazing stone villa with a swimming pool. Additionally, a smaller stone house and a wine cellar are also a part of this amazing estate in Croatia.

 

Going up north, Istria has a Jewell of its own. Surrounded by the picturesque countryside, the Fantasia estate is a true paradise for the romantic Istrian landscape’s nature lovers and admirers. Forty kilometers away from any larger city, Croatia’s estate offers full privacy and comfort to its residents.

Two main buildings and several additional smaller objects can be found on this estate, complemented by high-quality equipment, a heated swimming pool, and 700 types of trees brought from different parts, lavender fields, and a tennis court.

Last but certainly not least, feast your eyes on the Aroma estate. Located in the Istrian peninsula’s interior, this energy class “A” property consists of 10 hectares of owned land and more land in the concession. The farm is cultivated with plantations of gardens, vineyards (2,400 tbsp), olives, orchards, figs, plantations of medicinal herbs, and aromatic plants.

The estate possesses excellent infrastructure, a 5.000 m2 plateau planted with a young xeranthemum, and an amphitheater in three cascades. The amphitheater is engraved in the rocky hill’s natural stone and is enclosed in the form of hexagonal horseshoes in three buildings – an area of 1,000 m2.

When in the mood for visiting the city, only a 12 km drive will lead you to the charming town of Rovinj. The rest of the time, you can use it to enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own natural oasis.

When buying a property, often the foremost is the aesthetics or location of the property itself. However, the purchase of real estate is a legal process, so we must not neglect the legal side. What should you do, and how or when should you do it to make your purchase neat and easy as possible? All of this shall be explained through a series of blogs by our tax advisor Ivica Baban.

Foreign citizens who buy real estate in the Republic of Croatia are generally divided into two groups, depending on where they come from. Citizens living within the European Union make one group, while those living outside the EU make the other.

Why is this important?

While foreigners from the European Union may purchase real estate in the Republic of Croatia under the same conditions as nationals of the Republic of Croatia, those living outside the EU must obtain consent for the purchase of a real estate in the Republic of Croatia from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic in the administrative procedure. Without this consent, the new owner could not registrar his ownership of the land he purchased.

The only exception from this rule are agricultural land, for they are subject to a moratorium on their purchase by foreign nationals from the EU until June 2020.

There is an additional requirement concerning non-EU citizens. Only citizens coming from countries with which Croatia has reciprocity in acquiring the ownership rights of their nationals may go to administrative proceedings and seek the Ministry of Justice’s consent.

Consequently, other non-EU nationals coming from countries with which the Republic of Croatia does not have the principle of reciprocity in acquiring ownership of their citizens’ real estate may not, as natural persons, purchase real estate in Croatia.

Yet, there is another option for them. They may decide to set up a company (most often, it is a limited liability company or abbreviated d.o.o.) in Croatia. As owners of companies with headquarters in the Republic of Croatia, they may acquire ownership of the real estate.

It is necessary to know that the owner of the purchased property is then the company, not the owner of the company himself.

Don’t forget the taxes.

When buying a property in Croatia, in addition to the purchase costs, the buyer may be obliged to pay a real estate tax (PPN). The height of this tax can be defined in two ways. It is either 3% of the property’s purchase price or 3% of the estimated property value by the Croatian Tax Administration.

This will occur when the seller does not calculate value-added tax (VAT) for the property sold, as evidenced by the seller’s purchase contract or invoice issued.

Notaries are obliged to submit a copy of the purchase contract to the Republic of Croatia’s Tax Administration, which will send a decision on the obligation to pay real estate taxes.

In case that a notary does not certify the real estate transfer documents, the buyer is obliged to declare the obligation to pay real estate sales tax in Croatia within 30 days for those real estates that have not been subject to value-added tax on the sale.

Taxes apply to all – a foreign citizen from outside the EU who requires the Ministry of justice’s consent becomes taxable at the moment of obtaining that consent.

The Easter holidays have marked yet another beginning of the tourist season in Croatia. The country of 1244 islands and 1777 km long coastline attracts more than 17 million tourists every year. Crystal clear sea, fresh air, beautiful beaches, and rich history make for a perfect vacation package which anyone would like to experience. To round up these amazing features, all one needs is the right accommodation. As the demand for high-quality accommodation is rising, investment opportunities in tourism are rising as well! We can’t help noticing that this year’s period is just right for making great investment choices. Therefore, we’ve singled out these unique and payable real estate tourism investments in Croatia.

Project Poseidon

Picture this – a 2000 sqm boutique hotel on a 6670 sqm large plot, located in the heart of the city, right on the promenade. Although it may sound like a fantasy, we assure you that this project is very much real.

Located in one of Croatia’s most popular regions, Kvarner, project Posejdon includes a construction plot with a building plan and a valid construction permit. Besides the projected boutique hotel, it is also possible to build other tourist facilities per the city’s spatial plan. The vicinity of the Rijeka airport and the Kvarner islands’ breathtaking view guarantees a fast return on investment.

Hotel Libero

Brač is home to many great tourist facilities, and we would like to draw your attention to the amazing hotel Libero. Located in Supetar (Brač’s center), this 705 sqm large hotel is very well connected to the mainland.

 

When discussing Croatia’s most prominent tourist destinations, it is just impossible to skip Brač. Located near Split, the island of Brač is visited by more than 240 thousand tourists every year. Among its other features, you must have heard of the famous Zlatni rat beach and the island’s 778 meters high peak – Vidova gora.

Ensuring complete privacy on the 2000 sqm land surface, this two-floors hotel with six suites and five double-rooms can also be turned into a villa. Among other appealing features, the hotel’s swimming pool, summer kitchen, and fireplace are sure to draw lots of potential guest’s attention. It sure sounds like a great investment opportunity.

Villa Prestige

If a luxurious modern style villa is more to your appeal, brace yourself for this amazing property project. Near the town of Rogoznica, a 334 sqm large villa is just waiting to be constructed on a 720 sqm plot.

As one of Croatia’s most beautiful and secure seaports, Rogoznica and its surroundings are adored for their sunny weather (2600 sunny hours per year!) and the original Mediterranean appeal, kept in the numerous stone houses and monuments.

Designed to fit into this autochthonous atmosphere, villa Prestige is meant to extend over three floors, with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace, an amazing terrace, and an infinity pool. Combined with the first row to the sea location, all this guarantees an amazing property with a timeless appeal and a great investment return potential.

Lagoon complex

Equally as sunny as the island of Hvar, Pakleni islands are a frequently visited tourist location, thanks to their natural beauty and vicinity to Hvar’s island. It is exactly the natural beauty that makes inlet Palmižana the most prominent part of the Pakleni islands.

The Lagoon complex is located right in the heart of this cove. This formerly family-owned and run property truly is a luxury dream getaway. On more than 1800 sqm of land, ten objects of a total surface of 1200 sqm were built with different stories and purposes. This unique complex with villas and a well-known restaurant can be transformed and upgraded in different ways. For example, its residential capacities can be merged into a small 5* hotel, an excellent opportunity in a place that longs for luxury accommodation capacities. Don’t miss out on this great investment opportunity!

Magnificent view Hvar

As the name itself clearly states, the Magnificent view complex on the island of Hvar will take your breath away with the amazing view of the Adriatic! In Hvar, located within a 10-minute walking distance from the old town, 7 unique villas are being built.

With over 30 thousand daily visitors (!), the „sunny island, “as it is often called for the yearly average of 2726 sunny hours, has won many foreigners’ hearts. As the number of guests is increasing year after year, the time is right to invest in this island’s tourist capacities!

All Magnificent villas will offer a “smart house” concept. Each villa will have a Smart car and a sea bob at its disposal, which further alludes to the complete alignment of the property itself with the environment in which it is located. This complex will represent the ideal solution for all in search of peace and privacy, yet close to the town facilities.

Has any of these tourism investments in Croatia caught your eye? Be sure to let us know!

An invitation with the text “Everything Happened on the Square – Galerija Mala” in 1989 marked the beginning of a small yet important gallery in the heart of Zagreb.

At the very beginning, the gallery’s management stated that they would only present the most current production and contemporary art. Galerija Mala was one of the first private galleries in Croatia.

Located between Mala kavana and Ban cafe, Galerija Mala represents the cultural point of the northern side of the main Zagreb square. It acts as a sales gallery of works of Croatian authors and thus promotes Croatian art.

 

Photo credit: Galerija Mala

 

History of Galerija Mala

Opened just before the holidays, the gallery started working with the exhibition of Miroslav Šutej, a prominent and popular academic artist whose career was then at its peak. After the holidays, the gallery hosted presentations of the book “Zagreb before the beginning,” the Golden Bule facsimile, the new Zagreb postcards … Thanks to the attractive location, right next to Harmonica, the rich and always up-to-date program, Galerija Mala became an unavoidable place of cultural encounters. Social events are scheduled throughout the year, under the continuous and independent guidance of Mirna Hromatko Reiser.

The gallery space was formerly used by the publishing organization Mladost. For the needs of the gallery, space was rebuilt by the Architectural Design Institute of Zagreb. In just over 40 square meters, this gallery is home to many artwork and activities.  For example, sales and promotion of paintings and graphics, fine plastic, art jewelry, bibliographic and art-related publications, graphic maps, and graphic sheets.

 

Simple and effective interior

The interior of the gallery is fascinating. The ground floor is dominated by a rock placed opposite the passage, so it’s intended to display paintings and graphics. The second rock is located opposite the entrance and decorated for shelves and showcases. It is suitable for exhibiting other works. The gallery’s central space has remained free so that visitors can see exposed works of art. Since 1989, space has kept all its essential features. It is always painted in neutral white, suitable for displaying all the artwork.

 

Photo credit: Galerija Mala

 

Gallery’s activities

Among many artists whose works were exhibited in Galerija Mala, it is hard to point up anyone in particular. Still, we will mention Nikola Reiser, Marijan Muljevic, Milan Steiner, Luj Logic, Stip Nobil, Vasko Lipovac, and Dimitar Popovic. Particularly noteworthy was the „Kravate“ exhibition, an authoring project by Andrew Seifried, also presented in Zadar and Dubrovnik.

 

The gallery also receives numerous inquiries from artists living and working in Europe, especially from Vienna, Ljubljana, Budapest, and Venice. One of the Gallery’s goals is to enhance and expand the cooperation with artists and raise the cultural and artistic level, not only of the Gallery but of Zagreb as one of the most interesting tourist European cities.

 

The Gallery can also boast of participating in numerous hotel and business interiors furnishing with artwork and graphics. Artworks can breathe a whole new life into our everyday living space and refresh it. The leadership of Galerija Mala recognized this a long time ago.