'I won't pay 5,000 euros for a cage': Zagreb resident finds apartment hunting impossible

Finding an apartment in Zagreb has become a daunting task for many, including one resident who shared his struggles on Reddit, lamenting that prices have made purchasing a home seem "impossible." The user is searching for a 45 to 50 square meter apartment, ideally with a small balcony and in a good location, with a budget of around 180,000 euros. However, he notes that even after saving for a down payment, prices have escalated dramatically.

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When I saved for the down payment, prices went extremely high. I wait longer, I think, I don't know what to do, and everything is getting worse.

"When I saved for the down payment, prices went extremely high. I wait longer, I think, I don't know what to do, and everything is getting worse," the user posted, seeking advice from others. He questioned whether it would be wiser to buy a smaller, 40-square-meter apartment in a new development, despite prices exceeding 4,000 euros per square meter, or an older building costing over 3,000 euros per square meter, which would likely require renovations.

Other Reddit users offered varied perspectives. One individual who searched extensively in the city center eventually opted for a new construction on the periphery. "I searched for a long time in the wider city center and realized I won't pay five thousand euros for a square meter in a cage, and decent older buildings require the same, if not more, after renovation, plus you don't have your own parking," the user explained, prioritizing amenities like parking, a water meter, and structural integrity.

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I searched for a long time in the wider city center and realized I won't pay five thousand euros for a square meter in a cage, and decent older buildings require the same, if not more, after renovation, plus you don't have your own parking.

Another commenter emphasized the active nature of apartment hunting, advising the original poster to consistently monitor listings, view properties, and negotiate. "It's not about thinking about it, or reading others' experiences... but actively looking every day, calling, asking, talking, negotiating. Come, visit. Get to know the micro-locations. That's how everything will crystallize for you," they advised. Suggestions for specific neighborhoods like Dubrava, if proximity to a tram line is important, or Blato for those without that requirement, were also offered, with a note that older buildings can sometimes come with problematic neighbors.

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It's not about thinking about it, or reading others' experiences... but actively looking every day, calling, asking, talking, negotiating. Come, visit. Get to know the micro-locations. That's how everything will crystallize for you.