Property in Croatia climbs into the big league

Property in Croatia has climbed into the big league, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s Top of the Props. The country entered the European Union last month, 10 years after it first applied. At the same time, demand rose on the property portal, as the country joined the 10 most popular destinations in the world for the first time in 12 months.
 
The country’s surge in popularity marks the second month of rising interest in a row. In June, Croatia’s share of enquiries grew from 1.07 per cent to 1.09 per cent as buyers started to return to Europe. That small increase was enough for Croatia to jump seven places in the Top of the Props chart to number 14. Demand continued to climb in July as the country overtook Cyprus, Greece and Bulgaria to become TheMoveChannel.com’s tenth most sought-after property market. The last time it was so popular was in July 2012.
 
Interest in Portugal also increased significantly, almost tripling month-on-month as the country entered the top three countries for the first time since January 2013. France fell to fourth place but confidence in the continent appears to be improving: Spain remains the most sought-after country on the portal, followed by the USA. America’s share of enquiries fell from 20.95 per cent in June to 14.63 per cent, on a par with July 2012. Spanish property, on the other hand, has seen its share soar by over 10 per cent year-on-year to make up almost one in three of all enquiries on the site. Indeed, the Eurozone now accounts for three of the top five destinations on TheMoveChannel.com.
 
Investors are still looking outside of Europe, though, for stable alternatives. Buyer appetite for Brazil bounced back as the booming South American market landed in fifth place. Canada also enjoyed a strong surge up the charts to ninth, entering the top 10 for the first time, just below Thailand. Malta leapt an equally large 12 places to sit outside the top flight but the island, featured in the TV series Game of Thrones, lost out to Croatia, also used as a filming location. As the EU’s newest member becomes a household sight around the world, Croatia’s climb into the major league could well spell big things for the tiny property market.
 
Director Dan Johnson comments: “As London celebrates the anniversary of its Olympic Games, investors are still looking to Brazil’s economy ahead of its upcoming sports tournaments, but while far-flung destinations such as Thailand remain popular, buyers appear to be returning to the Europe.

“The area is still struggling with recession, but low prices and lifestyle appeal are winning back house hunters. Croatia is no exception. The country’s popularity on TheMoveChannel.com has risen steadily in recent months while tourist numbers have also increased. There has been no concerted marketing activity for Croatia, which suggests that buyer interest has increased naturally as a result of the country’s growing international profile. As Portugal and Spain both see demand from property buyers increase, Croatia’s accession to the EU may have come at a good time.”