If you’re heading to Czechia for work, education, or to live there for a long time, one of the most important things you can do is choose a nice place to reside. Because of its bustling cities, rich culture, and growing economy, many expatriates and students have chosen to reside in the nation. But the real estate market can be hard, particularly in large cities like Prague and Brno. You need to know about the many kinds of housing, how to rent them, and the cultural aspects of housing in order to make informed choices and feel at home in Czechia.
Types of accommodation
In Czechia, there are many different kinds of dwellings to meet different needs and budgets. In major cities, apartments are the most common kind of dwelling. They might be as little as a studio apartment or as huge as a unit with many rooms. Many people, both locals and visitors, like them, especially in city centres where there is a lot of demand. There are also a number of shared flats. They are usually the ideal option for students and young professionals since they are affordable and provide them a chance to meet new people. Detached houses or family homes are more popular outside of cities. They have bigger living rooms and gardens. University dorms are a cheap choice for students, but they usually don’t have many amenities and aren’t always available.
Rental market and costs
The price of renting in Czechia changes a lot depending on where you are. Prague has the highest rates since it is the capital and a significant international centre. Prices keep going up because there is a lot of demand from expatriates, students, and professionals. Brno, the second-largest city, is a little cheaper but still competitive, especially around colleges and commercial sectors. Housing is usually cheaper in smaller towns and rural regions, but there may not be as many job and education options there. Most of the time, the rent includes a basic amount plus utilities like heating, water, and electricity. Before moving in, most renters pay a security deposit equal to one or two months’ rent and the first month’s rent.
Searching for accommodation
You may look for homes in Czechia in a number of ways. Online platforms are the most common. Websites that sell rentals include pictures, extensive descriptions, and contact information for landlords or real estate brokers. Social media networks and expat forums are particularly helpful, especially for short-term rentals or shared apartments. Real estate agents may help you with your real estate needs, however they usually charge a fee equivalent to one month’s rent. Most universities assist students discover residences or reliable private landlords. When searching for an apartment, it’s important to act quickly since excellent ones in big cities may be rented out within days of being listed.
Rental agreements and legal considerations
In Czechia, most of the time, individuals sign rental agreements for a certain period of time, usually one year, although they may also talk about shorter or longer contracts. Tenants need to read the contract carefully to know what they can and can’t do. These include how much notice they need to provide, how to pay for utilities, and who is responsible for maintenance. Most contracts are written in Czech, thus persons from other countries may need to have the document translated or checked by a local expert to avoid misinterpretation. It is also vital to have a written contract instead of only relying on verbal agreements. This will protect you legally if there are any problems. Also, in this country, it is against the law for foreign tenants not to tell the local authorities that they are living there.
Cultural and practical aspects
Most of the time, Czech landlords expect their tenants to be honest and take care of the property. When you enter a property, it’s normal to take off your shoes, and renters are usually expected to keep things neat and tidy. People who live in apartments are also urged to keep the noise down during quiet hours, which are usually from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. This shows how much the Czech value living peacefully with others. When renting an apartment, it’s important to verify whether it comes with furniture. Some rentals come with everything, while others may need renters to buy their own furniture and appliances. Knowing these cultural and practical factors may help the process of renting go more smoothly and be more enjoyable.
You can also view these posts:
Living in Czechia
Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Freelancing and self-employment opportunities in Czechia for expats
