What is driving the Czech property market, where is it worth investing in property, and what affects the rental housing market? We bring you the latest developments from the property world.
Green Savings Programme changes its rules: interest-free loans instead of grants
The Nová zelená úsporám programme is undergoing a major change. Instead of traditional grants, it will now offer interest-free loans, with the state covering the interest. Households, owners' associations (SVJ) in apartment buildings and housing cooperatives will continue to be eligible to apply for support. There are also plans to enable applications for existing loans.
Direct grants will not disappear entirely, however – they will remain primarily for low-income households. Under the Nová zelená úsporám Light programme, it will be possible to receive contributions towards insulation, partial insulation including replacement windows and entrance doors, replacement of a heat source, or a solar water-heating system. The exact conditions for grants and interest-free loans will be published during May and June 2026. Applications may be submitted from September.
Source: Nová zelená úsporám programme
Housing in the Czech Republic is becoming more expensive faster than in Europe
Property prices in the Czech Republic have long been rising faster than the European Union average. According to Eurostat data, property prices in the EU increased year on year by approximately 5.5%, while current growth in the Czech Republic stands at around 10% annually. The situation is similar in neighbouring countries: prices are also rising rapidly in Slovakia (12.8%). In Germany, the increase is around 3%, compared with 3.7% in Austria and 4.3% in Poland. The sharpest growth in the EU was recorded in Hungary (21.2%) and Portugal (18.9%), while property prices in Finland fell (−3.1%).
The figures are even more striking over the long term. Over the past ten years, property prices in the Czech Republic have risen by more than 150%, placing the country fifth in the EU (after Hungary, Portugal, Lithuania and Bulgaria). Average growth across the EU over the same period has been approximately 60%. As a result, housing in the Czech Republic has long been among the least affordable in Europe.
Source: Eurostat