Quick answer: As of Q1 2026, the average price of a new-build apartment in Montenegro is €2,445 per m² — up 13% year-on-year and 82% higher than three years ago (€1,341/m² in Q1 2023). The coast is the most expensive region at ~€2,458/m², the north the cheapest at ~€1,578/m². Resale purchases pay a progressive transfer tax of 3–6%; new builds carry 21% VAT instead. All figures below come from the Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT) and official tariffs, compiled by Montenegro Estates. Last updated: 19 July 2026.
How much does property cost in Montenegro in 2026?
MONSTAT tracks the average price per square metre of dwellings sold in new residential buildings. The headline national figure for Q1 2026 is €2,445/m², a 13% increase on Q1 2025.
| Region | Average new-build price (Q3 2025) |
|---|---|
| Montenegro (national) | €2,228 /m² |
| Coastal region (Budva, Bar, Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj) | €2,458 /m² |
| Podgorica (capital) | €2,153 /m² |
| Northern region (Kolašin, Žabljak, Bijelo Polje) | €1,578 /m² |
How fast are Montenegro property prices growing?
| Period | National average new-build price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 | €1,341 /m² | — |
| Q3 2025 | €2,228 /m² | +66% vs Q1 2023 |
| Q1 2026 | €2,445 /m² | +82% vs Q1 2023, +13% year-on-year |
Three drivers stand out: sustained foreign demand on the coast, limited new supply in walkable seafront locations, and Montenegro’s target of EU accession in 2028, which is pulling forward investment decisions.
What taxes do property buyers pay in Montenegro?
Montenegro applies a progressive real estate transfer tax to resale properties (new builds are exempt — they carry 21% VAT in the price instead):
| Property value | Transfer tax |
|---|---|
| Up to €150,000 | 3% |
| €150,000 – €500,000 | €4,500 + 5% on the amount above €150,000 |
| Over €500,000 | €22,000 + 6% on the amount above €500,000 |
What are the notary fees for a property purchase?
Notary fees follow the official tariff (April 2026) and depend on the contract value: purchases under €20,000 pay €180; from €20,000 to €119,999 a flat €480; from €120,000 upward, €480 plus €13 for each started €15,000 above €120,000, capped at €8,000.
| Purchase price | Notary fee (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| €100,000 | €480 |
| €150,000 | €506 |
| €200,000 | €558 |
| €300,000 | €636 |
| €500,000 | €818 |
How big is Montenegro’s tourism economy?
Tourism is what drives rental demand for coastal property. Key MONSTAT figures:
- 2.73 million tourist arrivals and 15.37 million overnight stays in 2025 (preliminary MONSTAT data) — for a country of ~620,000 residents.
- Foreign visitors dominate: 88.4% of overnight stays in collective accommodation were by foreign tourists (October 2025).
- The coast takes almost all of it: seaside resorts accounted for 85.7% of overnight stays, versus 8.8% for the capital and 3.3% for mountain resorts (October 2025).
Can foreigners buy property in Montenegro?
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can freely buy apartments, houses and commercial buildings in Montenegro. The main restriction concerns certain categories of land (such as agricultural land), which foreign individuals typically acquire through a locally registered company. Property ownership also qualifies the owner to apply for a temporary residence permit. Full details are in our guide to the cost of buying property in Montenegro.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average price per square metre in Montenegro in 2026?
€2,445 per m² for new-build apartments nationally (MONSTAT, Q1 2026). Coastal locations average around €2,458/m² (Q3 2025), while the northern mountain region averages €1,578/m².
Are Montenegro property prices rising or falling?
Rising. The national average new-build price grew 13% year-on-year to Q1 2026 and is up roughly 82% since Q1 2023, according to MONSTAT quarterly data.
Which is the cheapest region of Montenegro to buy property?
The northern region — towns such as Kolašin, Bijelo Polje and Žabljak — where new-build prices average €1,578/m², roughly 36% below the coastal average. See our overview of the best places to buy property in Montenegro.
How much tax do I pay when buying a €200,000 resale apartment?
€7,000 in transfer tax (€4,500 + 5% of the €50,000 above €150,000), plus a notary fee of €558 and land-registry costs. A new-build at the same price has no transfer tax — 21% VAT is already included in the price.
Will EU accession affect Montenegro property prices?
Montenegro targets EU membership in 2028. Historically, accession has coincided with significant property price growth in new member states, which is one reason international buyers are moving early. More in our analysis of Montenegro’s 2028 EU accession and property.
Data on this page is compiled from official releases of the Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT), the official notary tariff, and Montenegrin tax law. It is updated as new quarterly releases are published. Journalists and researchers are welcome to cite these figures with attribution to Montenegro Estates.
