Condominium Subdivision & Floor Area Documentation

Condominium Subdivision and Floor Area Documentation | Special Parts Plan

Condominium subdivision (known as etažiranje in Croatian law) is a legal process used to establish ownership of a specific, clearly defined part of a property. Once completed, the defined ownership can be officially registered in the land registry, ensuring legal clarity and protection of property rights.

If you own an apartment in a building that hasn’t been subdivided, you are, in fact, a co-owner of an undefined portion of the entire building. As a co-owner, you share ownership of the building’s common areas (such as the basement, garage, attic spaces) and the land on which the building stands. Without subdivision, it is not legally clear which part of the building you own.

Why is subdivision important?

The only legally recognized proof of ownership of an apartment, business space, or any other type of real estate is a certified excerpt from the land registry. Apartments, garages, and commercial spaces cannot be entered into the land registry unless the building has been subdivided. If your building is not subdivided, your ownership documentation may only be available in the so-called Book of Deposited Contracts, which does not offer the same level of legal certainty.

What does subdivision allow you to do?

Obtain a mortgage loan: Once your property is properly registered, it can be used as collateral.
Buy or sell real estate: Legal purchase or sale of units is only possible after registration.
Divide family property: Clearly define who owns what part of the building.
Inheritance proceedings: Proper registration simplifies legal inheritance processes.
Determine co-ownership shares in maintenance costs: Subdivision defines each owner’s share in common property and related obligations.

Which properties can be subdivided?

Subdivision is not limited to apartments. The process can be applied to all distinct units within a building, including:

Apartments
Business premises
Garages
Parking spaces
Associated parts of these units (open balconies, terraces, attic or basement rooms, private gardens, and other outdoor or auxiliary areas)

All of these elements can be entered into the land registry (registered) as individually owned units, offering full legal clarity.

Need to start the subdivision process?

To request the preparation of a subdivision (condominium) survey or a Special Parts Plan (plan posebnih dijelova), contact us via phone or email. Our team of professionals will guide you through the process and provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and legally sound registration.