# Balkan housing assistance and VAT refund implementation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-housing-assistance-and-vat-refund-implementation > Updated: 2026-09-18T13:22:26.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3. In the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the local government and the Indirect Taxation Authority (UIO) signed an agreement to accelerate VAT refunds for first-time homebuyers who have not owned residential property in the country within the last seven years. Implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has faced significant friction. Finance Minister Srđan Amidžić criticized institutions in the Federation of BiH for blocking the program, noting that technical issues and poor data sharing between tax and property authorities stalled progress despite over 1,200 applications. Amidžić has threatened to publicly name those responsible for these delays. However, the UIO has begun issuing payments; on September 18, 2026, three individuals received a total of 53,053.02 KM. Since the program's inception on July 8, the UIO has received 1,453 applications. Disbursement speed varies based on whether citizens collect decisions in person or via mail. In Croatia, the Agency for Legal Transactions and Real Estate Brokerage (APN) has approved over 36.9 million euros in support, with 4,881 of 7,479 applications approved. Additionally, the municipality of Pitomača is providing grants of up to 6,700 euros to young families. In Montenegro, political debate persists regarding housing affordability. Ana Novaković Đurović of the URA movement has criticized the high costs of the government’s Velje brdo project, while the municipality of Pljevlja continues to subsidize mortgage interest rates to support demographic stability. ## Claims - Three individuals received VAT refunds for their first real estate purchase. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The total amount paid to the three individuals was 53,053.02 KM. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Funds are paid the next day for citizens who pick up their decisions in person at regional centers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Payments for decisions sent via mail occur after the UIO receives the return receipt. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The UIO has received 1,453 applications since the process began on July 8. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: UIO BiH issues first VAT refunds for first-time home buyers The Indirect Taxation Administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued its first VAT refunds for first-time real estate buyers, totaling 53,053.02 KM to three individuals in Banja Luka and Tuzla. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uio-bih-issues-first-vat-refunds-for-first-time-home-buyers ### 2026-09-11: Balkan housing: VAT refunds and subsidies face implementation hurdles Balkan countries are navigating housing crises through various subsidies, including VAT refunds in Bosnia and Herzegovina, large-scale property tax support in Croatia, and local mortgage aid in Montenegro. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apn-approves-nearly-37-million-euros-for-first-home-tax-refunds ### 2026-08-31: Brčko District and UIO BiH sign agreement for faster VAT refunds on first homes Brčko District and the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH signed an agreement to expedite VAT refunds for first-time homebuyers through electronic access to cadastral data. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brko-district-and-uio-bih-sign-agreement-for-faster-vat-refunds-on-first-homes --- Cite as: Balkan housing assistance and VAT refund implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-housing-assistance-and-vat-refund-implementation