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Prague, Czechia

Real Estate in Czechia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 09, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in the Czech Republic should begin by researching the local real estate market and familiarizing themselves with the different types of properties available. They should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for in a home. When searching for a home to buy in the Czech Republic, expats should look for properties that are in good condition and have all the necessary amenities. These typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms. Some homes may also include a garden, balcony, or terrace. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in the Czech Republic, however, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or land located in a protected area. Additionally, foreigners must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before they can purchase a property.

How do I find a place to live in Czechia?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One way to find a place to live in Czechia is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Expats.cz, Bezrealitky.cz, and Sreality.cz are popular resources for finding rental properties in the Czech Republic. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in the Czech Republic. Finally, you can also look for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines," said one person in Czech Rep.

"We spoke with over twenty realtors and saw more than a dozen of them. We found that the only way to see apartments that met standards we were used to was to ask for "luxury apartments." Often realtors are reluctant to show pricier apartments, since they're usually a hard sell - there aren't nearly as many expats here as there are in Prague. Often, they just don't have anything to show you, as there just aren't lots of luxury apartments. However, many beautiful old buildings in the center have been and are being re-done and there are now some lovely, luxury apartments for rent. Keep in mind that luxury here just means very nice - don't expect a doorman or parking garage. Look for listings in the highest price category - right now, anywhere from 18,000-30,000 crowns. Be aware of the price you want to pay and the price listed for the apartment before you go to see it. On more than one occasion, once we saw the apartment and the owner realized we weren't Czech, the price was raised significantly," said one expat who made the move to Brno.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Czechia?

"We live in an apartment complex close to downtown Prague (Praha 2, Nove Mesto). Our apartment has a small garden, a common area, a swimmingpool and fitness facilities. Other expats live in our building, but many expat friends live in houses outside of town," remarked one member in Prague.

"We live in a two bedroom apartment on the second floor of a family house on a quiet street, a 5 minute tram ride from downtown. We don't know too many other expats, but it seems that living in a house rather than an apartment building is standard, as most apartments here are in communist-era buildings and are very, very small and not well maintained. My favorite thing about living here is that the family who owns the house is wonderful and we've become good friends. They have also introduced us to their friends who have shared some of our most memorable experiences in the Czech Republic. The worst thing about living here is that almost none of the neighbors speak to us. There are two people in the neighborhood who say hello; one who lives across the street, and the other who walks his dog several times a day by our house. Otherwise, even people we see almost every day won't even say hello. Nothing serious, just that feeling of being "other" or "outsider."," explained one expat living in Brno, Czech Rep.

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What is the average cost of housing in Czechia?

If you are thinking about moving to Czechia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Our housing costs are less than a third of what they would be at home - at least in Boston or California. The average rent here is about $100 a month for Czechs," said one expat who made the move to Brno.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Czechia?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Czechia, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Czechia can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a growing real estate market. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as closing costs, taxes, and maintenance. Renting a home in Czechia can be a more affordable option, as it does not require a large upfront investment. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility, as it allows you to move more easily if your circumstances change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Czechia should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," said one expat who made the move to Czech Rep.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Czechia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Czechia, they said:

"1. It is important to research the local market and understand the legal requirements for purchasing property in Czechia. 2. It is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer who is familiar with the local laws and regulations. 3. It is important to ensure that the property is free from any encumbrances or liens. 4. It is important to obtain a title deed or certificate of ownership from the seller. 5. It is important to ensure that all taxes and fees associated with the purchase are paid in full. 6. It is important to obtain a building permit if the property is to be renovated or extended. 7. It is important to ensure that the property is insured against any potential risks. 8. It is important to be aware of any restrictions or covenants that may be attached to the property," explained one expat in Czech Rep.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Czechia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Czechia, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Czechia. Non-residents of the Czech Republic are allowed to purchase real estate in the country, however, they must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before doing so. The permit is usually granted if the buyer can prove that the purchase is in the public interest or if the buyer is a citizen of an EU member state. Additionally, foreign buyers must also register the property with the local land registry office," said one person in Czech Rep.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Czechia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Czechia, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and dishwasher. Other common appliances may include a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide additional items such as a vacuum cleaner, iron, and ironing board," explained one person living in Czech Rep.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Czechia:

We asked foreigners in Czechia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Czechia by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the Czech Republic, such as Expat.cz or Sreality.cz. They can also search for rental listings on websites such as Airbnb or Booking.com. Additionally, expats can look for local newspapers or magazines that list available properties for rent or sale. Finally, expats can also contact local real estate agents who can help them find the perfect home in Czechia," explained one person living in Czech Rep.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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