February the 28th, 2026 – The country’s first micro-apartments are set to be constructed in the cities of Rijeka and Split, with the message that they’ll soon be ready.
As Index vijesti/news writes, Croatian Parliament recently discussed the country’s problematic affordable housing model. It appears that the solution lies in micro-apartments set to be built in Rijeka and Split to begin with. These so-called micro-apartments of about twenty square metres that the state will rent out were duly announced.
They are intended for young people up to 30 years old as a temporary living solution, and they will be able to live in them for four years, with the possibility of extending the lease for another two years.
Minister Branko Bačić announced that the ordinance will clearly define what these micro-apartments in Rijeka and Split must contain, and this will include common rooms, such as laundry rooms. Alongside Split and Rijeka, they will be built in larger and university cities, and the decision on the exact locations will depend on the assessment of the needs of the cities, counties and municipalities themselves.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Construction Željko Uhlir told RTL that this is a model that already exists elsewhere in the world.
“There are apartments like these in international universities all over the world. In large European cities, there are apartments for business people, for young people who need to make ends meet in the short term before independence, and that’s why we’ve introduced this as another option for,” said Uhlir.
He also revealed that, as stated, the construction of these future micro-apartments is currently planned in Rijeka and Split. Bačić previously said that the HŽ skyscraper in Rijeka will also be converted into affordable rental housing.
“Rijeka and Split currently have two buildings that we’ll be able to convert and they will first be equipped for micro-apartments. The latter needs to be built and adapted to the cities where they will go,” said Uhlir.
As for the rental prices, Uhlir says that they will be “much lower than others.” “Not only will they be lower than market prices, they’ll be at affordable prices,” said Uhlir, adding that the apartments will be available very soon in the buildings that will be converted in Rijeka and Split.
“The law needs to come into force first, designed and then the conversion will start immediately. We will see if the others that need to be built will be prefabricated, so it will also be quick,” explained Uhlir. The regulations surrounding them will be agreed in cooperation with local self-government units, and the ability to purchase these apartments is not currently being planned.
“This is for short-term, a maximum four-year lease, with a possible extension for two years if necessary, if they are for doctoral candidates or students. There will be no possibility of purchase because they should also serve other people,” said Uhlir.
