"It's not the same whether you install it inside or outside".

The deadline for submitting applications under Croatia’s public call for the installation of elevators in existing multi-family and residential-commercial buildings expired on Monday. The initiative, launched on April 15, aimed to provide state and local government co-financing for elevator installations, with the government covering one-third of the total costs after approval through the public tender process. Local municipalities, including Zagreb, have committed to contributing additional funds based on their financial capabilities. Zagreb has already decided to cover half of the total installation costs for elevators and accessibility equipment. Approximately 16,800 buildings in Croatia lack elevators, with over 6,600 located in Zagreb alone. According to the Croatian Association of Elevator Manufacturers (HUDiZ), roughly a quarter of all buildings nationwide are unsuitable for elevator installation due to structural limitations. The program was established under the Building Management and Maintenance Act passed last year, which outlines the conditions for state support. Installation costs vary significantly depending on factors such as the number of floors and whether the elevator is internal or external. “It's not the same to install an internal versus an external elevator,” said Zdravko Čizmar, secretary of HUDiZ. Internal installations typically require fewer modifications, while external elevators often necessitate extensive groundwork, including the creation of steel-concrete structures on building facades. These external projects usually involve multiple approvals and permissions, especially when they affect public land or alter a building’s exterior dimensions. Čizmar noted that average installation costs have risen since last autumn, when he estimated the cost at around €60,000. He now says the average is at least €70,000, including project design, materials, labor, and certification. Prices can reach up to €100,000 for more complex installations involving external or panoramic elevators. Online listings from several companies specializing in elevator installation show prices ranging from €65,000 to €85,000 before VAT. The number of companies operating in Croatia’s elevator market fluctuates, according to Čizmar. Typically, there are between ten and twenty firms active in the sector. With increased demand following the public call, he expects at least twenty companies to become engaged in the coming months. Some existing businesses are reactivating, while new players are entering the market. Installation timelines depend on the complexity of the work. Standard installations take about a month, while more demanding projects can extend to two months. Čizmar estimates that approximately 200 to 300 elevators could be installed annually once the public call concludes. This would help address the growing need for accessible housing, particularly in older urban areas where many buildings remain without elevators. The public call has drawn attention to the challenges faced by property owners seeking to improve accessibility. Many buildings, especially those constructed decades ago, were not designed with elevators in mind, making retrofitting difficult and costly. Municipalities are working to streamline the application process and ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Local governments are playing a crucial role in facilitating these upgrades. In Zagreb, officials have taken proactive steps to reduce the financial burden on residents by committing to cover half of the installation costs. Other cities are exploring similar measures, though funding availability varies widely. The success of this initiative will depend largely on how effectively local authorities coordinate with private contractors and manage the administrative requirements. With the deadline now past, focus shifts to evaluating submitted proposals and determining which projects will receive approval. The process involves technical assessments, cost reviews, and ensuring that each installation meets legal and safety standards. Once approved, the actual work can begin, marking a step forward in improving accessibility for residents who rely on elevators for mobility.