croatia real estate

Istria real estate - property for sale

Istria - general info

Istria is situated on the northeastern part of Adriatic, and is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic region. Mild climate, fresh air and clean seawater provide an active vacation in Istria all year round. The Istria landscape is breathtaking - there are lovely historic coastal towns (Pula, Porec, Rovinj) including any picturesque little villages and vineyards.

For some 500 years Istria was the summer playground of the Venetian republic. The city of Venice, just a 90 minute boat ride away, is clearly visible on a sunny day. Istria retains a distinct Italian flavour. Architectural reminders including piazzas and Tuscany-style farmhouses are everywhere. The heritage of tourism can be traced back in the 19 century. The time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy saw the boom of tourism and the growth of numerous facilities along the coastline: restaurants, hotels, beaches and spa baths. Towns like Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Pula and the Brijuni Islands on the west and the town of Rabac, Lovran and Opatija, started growing into real tourist centers.

Why buy a property in Istria?

Proximity to Europe; less than 30K from the Italian border; Easy access: by road, air and sea.
Stunning landscape and historic villages: Istria is often called "the Croatian Tuscany".
Many of the towns along the Istria coast have harbours for Yachts. The clear seas and many islands are increasingly attracting the yachting set.
Istria is the most developed and most popular tourist resort in Croatia
Great wine and food. Istria featured in the Times food section in May 2005.

Istria real estate trends

Istrian property market is a strong contender over most of its neighbours. Croatia is due to join the European Union very soon which means house property prices are more than likely to keep on rising. Also, an increase in tourism has already brought low-cost airlines to Croatia, from Zagreb and Dubrovnik to Pula in Istria, which in the last few years, more than doubled the number of passengers passing through its gates. Property in Istria is in high demand due to the popularity of the area, beautiful landscapes and beaches, and close proximity to the rest of Europe. Istria offers a very good investment opportunity. Prices are rising steadily and rises of 20 % per annum are considered to be reasonable forcasts.