Croatia implements new real estate brokerage law

A new Law on Real Estate Brokerage, which came into effect on July 7, is introducing stricter professional standards and transparency requirements for the Croatian real estate market. The legislation mandates that agents must pass a professional exam, be registered in the Directory of Agents maintained by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK), and be employed by a registered intermediary (agency).

Under the new rules, agents can no longer operate independently; they must be employed by a registered intermediary to maintain their status. This shift aims to distinguish the role of the agent from the intermediary, which holds the official license to conduct brokerage activities. The law also clarifies agency commission rules and prohibits conditioning property viewings on the signing of representation agreements.

To facilitate the transition, the HGK County Chamber in Pula, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, held a roundtable discussion to inform local intermediaries about the practical application of these regulations. The primary objectives of the legal changes are to increase legal certainty, enhance market transparency, and elevate the professional competence and ethical standards of the industry.