by croatiaweek
January 7, 2025
in
Korčula
In 2023, households across the European Union spent an average of 19.7% of their disposable income on housing.
However, Croatian households bucked this trend, allocating just 14.4% to housing—one of the lowest shares in the EU.
At the other end of the spectrum, Greece recorded the highest housing costs, with households spending 35.2% of their income on accommodation.
Denmark (25.9%) and Germany (25.2%) also ranked high for housing expenditures.
Conversely, Croatia joined countries like Cyprus (11.6%), Malta (12.0%), and Slovenia (13.8%) in keeping housing costs comparatively low.
High Rates of Homeownership in Croatia
A key factor contributing to Croatia’s lower housing costs is its high rate of homeownership.
According to Eurostat, 91% of Croatians live in property they own, ranking Croatia third among EU member states.
Ownership is particularly high in Eastern European countries, with Romania (95%) and Slovakia (93%) topping the list.
From lowest to highest – disposable income spent on housing.
This stands in stark contrast to Germany, where tenants outnumber homeowners. Only 47% of Germans live in property they own, marking a decline from 49% the previous year.
In 2023, EU households spent on average 19.7% of their disposable income on housing. 🏠
Highest in:
🇬🇷 Greece (35.2% of total income)
🇩🇰 Denmark (25.9%)
🇩🇪 Germany (25.2%)
Lowest in:
🇨🇾 Cyprus (11.6%)
🇲🇹 Malta (12.0%)
🇸🇮 Slovenia (13.8%)
Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/4E1bgbwCZE pic.twitter.com/9Zv4WX588e
— EU_Eurostat (@EU_Eurostat) January 3, 2025
Croatia’s high homeownership rates are deeply rooted in cultural and historical factors, with generations often inheriting property.
With lower housing costs and strong homeownership, Croatia offers a stable housing situation for many of its residents.