Claiming a property in Croatia

[Jennifer]

Hi Peter and all
My family and I have recently discovered that our Great grandfather (who died in 1929) had a home in croatia and since his death the house (ruin) has been unoccupied and unclaimed. We want to find out what steps we can take to claim the property. Can you tell me:

What government departments in Croatia we need to contact in Croatia to commence the claim and what documentation is required for the claim? We also understand there is imminent legislative changes occuring (due within months) affecting these types of claims.

We understand during this period (1929-2005) there has been 4 changes of sovereign ownership of the country (Austro-Hungarian/Italian/Yugoslavian/Croatian). So far we are able to provide Birth/Death/Marriage evidence of our family to support this but don't know what to do next. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Jennifer

[Peter Ellis]

Hi Jennifer

Our legal team are at a conference on the Croatian property market today and tomorrow. we will try to find out for you after that, as their mobiles will be switched off during the conference.

[JC]

I have heard many similar stories. The true owners may have to wait a few years but usually get their properties back. There are not many countries in the world where abandoned properties like this, even in desirable locations, would stay empty for so long and are not dishonestly appropriated. A good example of how honest most Croatians are. It makes a nice change from all the stories of Serbs having their houses robbed!

[daniel]

i am in quite a similar situation as we would like to claim our land in lika region as well as some of the 1945 expropriated estates in vukovar. could you tell me, whether you were successful, advice a good lawyer, etc??? thanks a lot!!!
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