If you buy an apartment today in Serbia — how much it will be worth in 5, 10, or 20 years?

Recently, a client asked an interesting question:
“If I buy an apartment this year, how much will its value increase in 5, 10, or 20 years?”
Of course, no one can see the future or give an exact number. But with the help of past data and market trends, we can make a very good estimate.
In this article, you’ll see how much a €100,000 apartment, bought in Serbia in 2025, can grow in value over 5, 10, and 20 years.
Inflation pushes up real estate prices in Serbia
When someone asks whether apartment prices will keep rising, one thing is certain: inflation will rise — and real estate prices always follow.
That’s why property remains the most reliable way to protect the value of your money over time.
Meanwhile, an apartment can be rented out, meaning the investment starts returning profit immediately. It takes effort, calculation, and maintenance — but that’s part of the beauty of investing.
Everyone’s competing for the same apartments
Since Serbia doesn’t have strong alternatives like a stable stock market or investment funds, most people who want to invest their savings still turn to real estate — a time-tested, tangible asset.
The Serbian property market is open and driven entirely by supply and demand. That’s why everyone — from large investors to young families — is competing for the same apartments, especially in major cities.
Small apartments up to 45 m², located in central or popular neighborhoods, are the most attractive investments.
They also tend to show the fastest growth in value over time.

The most expensive square meters in Belgrade
Let’s take a quick look back.
In 2019, the average price per square meter in Belgrade was around €1,500.
Today, it’s €2,200 on average (according to the Republic Geodetic Authority).
But in top neighborhoods, real prices are often twice as high.
That means property values have risen between 46% and 70% in just five years — without any renovations or upgrades to apartments.
Purely thanks to time and market momentum.
An apartment of 60 m² worth €90,000 back then would now sell for around €150,000.
The long game of real estate
Real estate is not a quick investment.
The longer you hold it, the more it’s worth.
If prices grow by an average of 5% per year, here’s what happens:
In 5 years: +27%
In 10 years: +63%
In 20 years: up to +160%
In other words, a €100,000 apartment today could be worth over €260,000 in two decades.
No one can promise exact numbers, but history suggests that trend — especially in large, developed cities.
And if you’re buying a new-build property during construction, the potential return is even higher since you’re buying below market value.
Why real estate remains the safest investment
Because no matter how much the world changes, one thing never will — people will always need a roof over their heads.
Cars, gadgets, and trends lose value every year. Homes don’t. They can be renovated, refreshed, and reimagined.
Real estate is not as volatile or politically dependent as other investments.
Even when the market slows down, it tends to bounce back quickly.
That’s why they’re called “safe assets.”
In summary
We can’t say exactly how much your apartment will be worth in 5, 10, or 20 years,
but it’s almost certain it’ll be worth more than today, especially in developed urban areas.
Let’s end with a reimagined Chinese proverb, tailored to real estate:
“The best time to buy property was yesterday.
The second best time is today.”
