By Marko Barišić explore incentives for locals and expats to return to Vukovar.
Vukovar joins several Slavonian cities offering heavily subsidised building plots to young Croatian families, with discounts reaching 90% of market value. This bold demographic initiative aims to combat depopulation by attracting new residents and encouraging former locals to return, with applicants under 40 eligible for land costing as little as €0.74 per square metre.
Vukovar Joins the Initiative
Across Slavonia, young families are being offered affordable plots for building houses. Vukovar has now joined the growing number of Slavonian towns and municipalities providing young families with subsidised building land. Several days ago, the city announced a tender for six municipally owned plots. This initiative aims to enable young families to settle and remain in Vukovar or encourage those who have left to return. Notably, the tender is also open to applicants from other parts of Croatia wishing to relocate to the city, specifically to Vukovar.
Conditions for Applicants
Valuation reports for the land have been prepared, with maximum funding set at 90% of its value. “This is another demographic measure to halt depopulation while motivating young families to establish roots and stay in our city,” said Mayor Ivan Penava. Eligibility requires applicants to be under 40 years old, Croatian citizens, not currently own a flat, house, or building land (or have owned any in the past 15 years), and have no outstanding public levies. Applicants may bid in multiple tenders but can purchase only one plot. Penava added that 30 more plots are planned for future tenders, depending on response rates in Vukovar.
The ‘Step into the Future’ Project in Vinkovci
Similar measures have already been implemented elsewhere in Slavonia. In Vinkovci, the first tender under the “Step into the Future” project concluded recently, selling 28 building plots in the Mirkovci district. The smallest plot (515 m²) had a starting price of €6,320, while the largest (753 m²) started at €11,020. Discounts were applied to initial prices, with the maximum reaching 99%. “This supports young families and benefits Vinkovci, as these families will contribute to building the city, businesses, and their own futures,” said Mayor Ivan Bosančić.
Discounts Based on Family Size
Crucially, the 28 families who purchased plots have 44 children collectively, including six families relocating from other areas, some even from Zagreb. Vinkovci authorities determined plot prices simply: discounts depended on the number of children. A family with four children from Šiškovci secured the largest discount, purchasing land for just €402 (€0.74 per m²). Additionally, the city refunds 10% of the auction price for each new child born to the family. These efforts are increasing the population while showcasing the appeal of Vukovar.
Infrastructure and Future Developments
The new settlement in Mirkovci includes full communal infrastructure. Families will receive free construction materials and partial utility connections, with plans for a kindergarten and sports playground. A tender for 12 plots in Vinkovci’s Slavija district will open soon, followed by one in Kanovci by year-end.
After significant depopulation, Slavonia is gradually reviving. People are returning to places like Vukovar, and such measures are aiding the revitalisation of this fertile Croatian plain.