How much does location influence apartment prices in Zagreb, and are newly built properties always more expensive than older ones? Our colleague Vito Glavičić conducted a detailed analysis of advertised properties to compare asking prices and highlight differences between Zagreb's city districts.
The analysis covered 12,857 active property listings across all 17 city districts of Zagreb. Duplicate listings were removed, while existing properties and new developments were analysed separately. The figures presented reflect asking prices rather than actual transaction prices.
Below, we highlight selected findings from Vito's analysis.
In Trešnjevka – Jug, the average asking price for existing apartments is €4,925/m², while newly built apartments are advertised at €5,907/m². Trnje records a similar price for new developments, at €6,000/m², compared with €4,667/m² for existing properties.
In Zagreb's central districts, the differences are more pronounced. In Donji Grad, the average asking price for existing apartments is €4,608/m², while new developments reach €7,043/m². In Gornji Grad – Medveščak, existing properties average €4,512/m², compared with €7,235/m² for newly built apartments. In Maksimir, asking prices stand at €4,432/m² for existing apartments and €5,823/m² for new developments.
A different pattern emerges in Stenjevec, where the average asking price for existing apartments is €4,384/m², compared with €4,200/m² for newly built properties. New developments are also more affordable than existing apartments in Novi Zagreb. In Novi Zagreb – Istok, existing apartments are advertised at €4,140/m², while new developments average €3,992/m². In Novi Zagreb – Zapad, asking prices stand at €3,700/m² for existing properties and €3,500/m² for newly built apartments.
Among the more affordable districts included in this comparison are Brezovica and Sesvete. In Brezovica, the average asking price for existing apartments is €3,200/m², compared with €3,529/m² for new developments. In Sesvete, the difference is even smaller, with existing apartments advertised at €3,214/m² and newly built properties at €3,300/m². In Gornja Dubrava, existing apartments average €3,652/m², while new developments reach €4,460/m².
The highest asking price for existing apartments among the selected districts was recorded in Trešnjevka – Jug, while the largest difference between existing and newly built properties was observed in Gornji Grad – Medveščak. Stenjevec and both Novi Zagreb districts demonstrate the opposite trend, with newly built apartments advertised at lower average prices.
The sample size is also important when interpreting these averages. The new-development listings included 41 apartments in Trešnjevka – Jug, 38 in Trnje, 37 in Gornji Grad – Medveščak and 218 in Maksimir.
When browsing property listings, the price per square metre provides a useful starting point for comparison. However, two apartments of similar size within the same district can differ significantly in quality and in the overall costs associated with purchasing them.
For this reason, comparisons should go beyond the district level and consider the specific neighbourhood and building. The structural condition of the property and its common areas, floor level, lift availability, orientation, layout, parking facilities and outdoor space are just some of the characteristics that should be evaluated alongside the advertised price.
When considering an older apartment, it is advisable to assess potential renovation costs in advance. Renovating a bathroom, replacing installations or completely refurbishing an interior involve very different levels of investment. Therefore, an identical initial asking price does not necessarily mean an identical overall budget.
When comparing newly built apartments, it is equally important to establish exactly what is included in the advertised price and stated floor area. Storage rooms, garages, parking spaces, terraces and gardens should be clearly specified to ensure a meaningful comparison between properties.
For property owners preparing to sell an apartment, district-level data provides a useful initial reference point. The next step is to identify properties that are genuinely comparable to their own.
An apartment in a renovated building with a lift and designated parking should be evaluated according to its specific features. The same applies to a property requiring substantial investment. A professional property presentation should clearly communicate the apartment's advantages and provide prospective buyers with sufficient information to make an informed assessment.
At LUVA Real Estate, we use analyses such as this as a foundation for discussing a property's position in the market. Each apartment is then assessed individually, taking into account its characteristics, documentation and competing listings.
An asking price represents the seller's initial market position. To understand the final outcome of a sale, separate data on completed property transactions is required.
For buyers, the key question is what justifies a particular asking price. For sellers, it is important to understand how their property compares with other apartments that prospective buyers are considering at the same time.
This is precisely where detailed market analysis and individual property assessments can help both parties make decisions based on a clearer understanding of the market.
If you are considering buying or selling an apartment in Zagreb, the LUVA Real Estate team is at your disposal for a personalised property valuation and professional advice tailored to your needs.
