Property transactions in Serbia reached €4.2 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 10.1% increase compared with the same period last year. Novi Sad remains one of the country’s most attractive real estate markets, drawing buyers from across Serbia and abroad, including Russia, China, Montenegro, and Republika Srpska.
Mortgage financing accounts for approximately one-third of apartment purchases. Demand continues to grow, supported in part by government assistance programs offering subsidized housing loans to young people. However, a key question remains: what kind of property can buyers actually afford within the approved budget?
According to real estate expert Jovan Vujadinović, speaking to Radio-Television of Vojvodina (RTV), it is still possible to purchase an apartment in Novi Sad for €100,000, but buyers generally need to look beyond the city center.
Properties closer to the center have long exceeded that price range, while more affordable options can be found in neighborhoods farther from the heart of the city.
“The state approves loans of up to €100,000, with a required down payment of just 1%. That means that with a €1,000 down payment, you can purchase an apartment worth €100,000. The real question is what you can actually buy for that amount,” Vujadinović explained.
He noted that studio apartments in some smaller residential developments have already reached €100,000. Buyers looking for an apartment with a separate bedroom may still find options in more distant neighborhoods, including Telep, South Telep, Adice, and Veternik.
Novi Sad Attracts Domestic and International Buyers
Vujadinović emphasized that Novi Sad has been one of Serbia’s most active real estate markets for years. The city’s growing population and continued demand for housing are contributing to rising property prices.
In the historic city center, prices for apartments in newly constructed buildings have reached as much as €4,500 per square meter, plus VAT, particularly for larger apartments exceeding 100 square meters.
“Novi Sad is a university city and a very attractive place to live. Even people from central Serbia are moving here, while many parents purchase apartments for their children who come to study,” Vujadinović said.
He also pointed to growing interest from buyers in Republika Srpska and Montenegro, alongside international purchasers from Russia, China, and India. Serbian citizens living and working abroad are also investing in the city’s property market.
Will Apartments Become More Affordable?
Despite rising prices, demand for apartments in Novi Sad remains strong. The city’s university population, continued migration, and interest from domestic and international investors are helping sustain the market.
For buyers with a budget of €100,000, however, location remains a major factor. While an apartment may still be within reach in the outer neighborhoods, purchasing a property closer to the city center has become increasingly difficult.
As Serbia’s real estate market continues to expand, the coming months will show whether prices will keep climbing or whether housing affordability will improve for first-time buyers and young families.
Source: Blic, citing real estate expert Jovan Vujadinović in an interview with RTV.
