Real Estate in Istria

Istria

Istria is the north-western region of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bordered in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner, region of Croatia, and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.
Formerly part of the Venetian Empire, this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural legacy of Istria is thus very rich and diverse.
After defeating the Illyrian Histri tribe, the Romans settled in the peninsula and left a large heritage, turning Pula into an important administrative centre and building villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal territory occupied by Slavs, Frankish, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, while the coast fell under control of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent combats were held between both powers until the fall of Venice in 1797. Since that date, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for autonomy and were severely repressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italians, eventually ending with a revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing all the Italians to leave. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a prosperous region. Latter years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian identity.
The peninsula offers stark contrasts: the interior is very unspoiled and mountainous with ancient walled cities atop hills with surrounding fertile fields, whilst the coast has numerous beaches -do not expect any sand in them, though- and stunning scenery of rocky walls plummeting into the sea. The Istrian coast is arguably the most developed tourist destination in Croatia. Hordes of Italian, German and French tourists enjoy package tourism during the crowded high season.
Although Pula is the main town, according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the administrative centre of the peninsula.



Istrian gastronomy is known by its huge diversity. Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its high-quality vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), accompany main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international recognition.
At the coast, fresh fish and seafood are a tradition. Scampi is the favourite, together with squid and sole. In the inland, air-cured ham (Prsut) and sausages are the highlights.
But the gastronomic pearl is no doubt the truffles. After the beginning of the season, in late September, truffles can be found accompanying any dish and sauce. Especially recommended is pasta with truffles. Also, olive oil with truffles is a typical product of the region.

Istria is a land of vineyards. Wines are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. The most famous vineyard area is Kalavojna, on the Eastern coast.
Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.

Real estate in Istria

During the 19th century Austrohungarian administration introduced in Istria cadastre and land registry, and that was the beginning of offical property market in this region. From that early days various governments continued long time editing the legal status of properties in the peninsula. Thanks to their's efforts Istrian properties are today better regulated than in other parts of the state. Real estate market has opened to the foreigners in the 90s of last century after the defined private property and adopted a number of legal acts. Flats and houses in Rovinj, Porec, Pula and other Istrian towns, attracted mainly Italian customers. Inland Istria came to the fore on the market in the second occasion, a customer mostly British, Germans and Austrians bought the stone house or new versions of the same. In the meantime, the construction took over Istria so that there was a significant increase in supply of flats and houses by the sea and in the interior resulting by a real estate boom. Rovinj, Porec, Motovun, Svetvincenat and other cities have their beauty and attract customers from areas of Scandinavia, Russia, France. Today most of the offers real estate in Istria are apartments and flats in the coastal belt and the houses, villas and land in the green part of the peninsula. Most are looking for a smaller apartment overlooking the sea near Rovinj, Porec and Pula, and stone houses habitable, or for adaptation to the peaceful hills of the interior of Istria.