As many as 70 percent of young people in Croatia cannot afford to buy or rent an apartment

(Patria) - According to a recent European Parliament report, as many as 70 percent of young people in Croatia cannot afford to buy or rent an apartment, which is the highest rate in the European Union.

This is particularly pronounced in Split, where the price per square meter in new buildings reaches a staggering 10,000 euros.

Apartment rental prices are also high, so great hopes are placed in the affordable housing project.

"Some 'chicks' would gladly leave the parental nest and build their own, but it's not happening. Especially in Split. Young people and those over 30 are left in children's rooms. The balloon of inflated prices is not deflating, it will be difficult to get the first own square meters," writes HRT.

- For new construction, it depends on the neighborhood, the price ranges from 5,000 to even 10,000 euros in some neighborhoods - says real estate agent Marin Biliškov.

The price of older buildings is more favorable, but renovation costs must also be included. There are never enough apartments for rent.

- It is difficult to find an apartment for less than 400 euros per month, and in some places it is up to 1,000 euros - points out Biliškov.

- We often ask ourselves if apartment prices are realistic, does it directly affect us. What is selling is realistic, unfortunately for most of us this is not affordable.

There are the fewest affordable apartments in Split and Dubrovnik - explains Dr. sc. Paško Burnać from the Department of Finance at the Faculty of Economics in Split.

And that's why the new Affordable Housing Act is a lifeline for many.

Split will announce a competition for 30 city apartments under the affordable housing model at the beginning of May. Housing construction projects are in preparation at three locations in the city, along with space in Korešnica and Srinjine.

- In this phase, preparations are underway for the first 600 apartments, and at other locations for another 1,000. The price is around 2,100 euros. We expect the first works at the end of 2027-2028 - states the Mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta.

These will be apartments for long-term rent and purchase. All interested parties, and there are about 10,000 according to some estimates, can fill out a survey on the city's website by the end of the month regarding their interest in this form of their first own square meters.