When to look
Autumn, winter and spring are the best times to look for property, as they are not as busy as during the peak of the tourist season. At all costs avoid property hunting in July and August. It is a good idea to have your finances in place before you go. Once you find a property you need to be ready to make a deposit. Any delay and it could be snapped up by another buyer.

Locating a property

Coastal tourist areas - Istrian West coast
This area is very busy in the summer, so it offers a good return on lettings. Out of season most of these towns are quite quiet, and most tourism-related facilities are closed. However, each year the 'tourist' season is getting longer.

Inland - hilltop towns
Some of the most beautiful locations in Istria, the medieval hilltop towns have an even more pronounced difference between peak and low seasons. The twisty drive to the top is worth it for the spectacular views. They are very active in summer, and very quiet in winter. Yet in these seemingly remote spots you are still never more than 30km from the sea.

Inland from the coastal towns
Properties outside the main tourist areas are considerably cheaper, though often they are only 5km or so from the sea. Here you can often find Istrian stone houses with much character, sometimes with enough garden space for a swimming pool.

East coast
The east coast is generally less developed, though there is no doubt that it will develop in the next 5 to 10 years. (The exception is the town of Rabac which draws thousands of tourists.) The steep forested slopes fall down to a rocky coastline and provide sweeping panoramas over the sea and the islands. In this area it is possible to buy a house with a terrace within a few hundred meters of the coast for not much more that €100,000.

Southern Istria
The convoluted coastline and many coves and inlets make this region ideal for those interested in watersports. New projects to improve the infrastructure for housing mean that this area will also develop quickly.

Estate Agents
There are many agents (Nekretnine in Croatian) in Istria- some are well established and have had experience selling to foreigners. Others may be selling their friend's apartment. As anyone may sell property, it is advisable to deal with a recommended agent. Even those we recommend may not be able to provide the level of service you might expect in the UK. This is because agencies may only have 1 or 2 staff.

You will be expected to sign an agreement that you will not buy the properties you are shown from another agent. (Rememebr that exclusive agency is rare in Istria). Agents in Istria, unlike in Dalmatia, do not charge, (as yet) to show properties. The agents fees are derived from the fees charged to a buyer and the seller (3-3.5% of the property price from each).

Making an offer
Because properties are rarely exclusive with one agent, when you make an offer, it is possible that another agent may also be negotiating with another customer at the same time. This can prompt the owner to a simple remedy - raise the price. Owners sometimes increase their price by as much as 20% at the last minute anyway. Be prepared for this, but if the property has been on the market for several months do not be afraid to negotiate from the lower price.

Once you have decided that the price is reasonable, ask to see a copy of the title deeds. When the contract has been drawn up ask for a certified English translation, (a small additional cost) and arrange for your 10% deposit to be paid to a solicitor. You may either use the solicitor recommended by the agent or choose one yourself. Alternatively you may prefer to use the services of a UK based solicitor specialising in overseas property purchases such as John Howell & Co It is important to note that if you withdraw from the sale you will lose the 10% deposit. If however the owner withdraw then he/she is obliged to pay you a further 10% plus your original 10% deposit.