Buying Property in the Czech Republic: Steps and Formalities

Are you interested in purchasing a property in the Czech Republic as a foreigner in 2026? This article explains the main steps and formalities in procedures. You can also discuss further details with our Czech lawyers, who can provide legal advice during the entire acquisition process.

Quick Facts
Can expats buy properties in Czech Republic?	Yes, there are no restrictions for buying properties in Czech Republic as a foreigner as long as they are not state-owned
Legislation for property purchase in Czech Republic	Civil Code (Act No. 89/2012 Coll.) and Cadastre Act (Act No. 256/2013 Coll.)
Types of properties you can buy as a foreigner	– apartments, – agricultural lands, – condominiums, – villas, – studios, – office buildings, – residential buildings etc.
Property inspection before purchase (YES/NO)	YES
Pre-sale agreement required	Yes, also known as a property reservation agreement. A fee of up to 5% of the property price must be paid
Documentation verification made by our Czech law firm	– title deed, – property history, – verification of previous sale-purchase contracts
Content of a sale-purchase contract of a property	– name of former owners, buyer and seller information, – property details, including the price, conditions of ownership, transfer
Real estate tax in Czech Republic	The basic rate for residential buildings is CZK 3.50 per m² of built-up area (raised from CZK 2 in 2024), multiplied by local and inflation coefficients
VAT for property purchase in Czech Republic	21% standard VAT rate. A lower rate applies depending on the space of the property
Can a lawyer in Czech Republic represent you with a power of attorney?	Yes, we can represent customers interested in buying a property in Czech Republic by signing varied documents on their behalf
Possibility to buy without visiting Czech Republic (YES/NO)	YES
Residence permit issued for buying a property in Czech Republic	No residence permit is granted for buying property; the long-term residence permit for investment requires at least CZK 75 million invested and 20 new jobs (up to 60% may be in non-cash assets)
Citizenship application permitted	Foreigners cannot acquire Czech citizenship by purchasing property in this country
Buying a property in Czech Republic through mortgage	Varied banks allow property purchase through a mortgage, but specific conditions apply
Legal services offered for buying a property in Czech Republic	– representation with a power of attorney, – documents verification, – representation in front of a notary, – support in negotiation
Due diligence	Conduct thorough research on the property's history and status with the help of our Czech lawyers.
Reservation contract	A reservation agreement is a binding contract that secures the property; the reservation fee is usually forfeited if the buyer withdraws.
Deposit requirement	Usually required upon signing the purchase agreement
Legal representation	Recommended for navigating local laws and regulations. Consult our Czech property lawyers for assistance.
Financing	Mortgages are available to foreigners, usually up to 80% of property value.
Property taxes	Transfer tax, real estate tax, and other local taxes may apply. Also, learn about tax compliance from our lawyers in the Czech Republic.
Notary fees	Notary fees are typically paid by the buyer.
Registration	Register the property with the Land Registry.
Language	Legal documents are typically in Czech; translation may be required.
Municipality approval	Not required for a purchase between private parties (there is no approval regime for foreign buyers).
Title deed	Issued by the Land Registry once the property is registered
Cooling-off period	There is no statutory cooling-off period for real estate purchases; the 14-day withdrawal right for consumers does not apply to contracts on immovable property.
Currency	Transactions are usually conducted in Czech Koruna (CZK).
Refundable deposit	The seller can keep the deposit if the buyer backs out.
Purchase process timeline	Typically it takes a few months from the offer to completion.

Are there any nationality restrictions on buying properties in the Czech Republic?

No! Both EU and non-EU citizens can easily purchase real estate properties in the Czech Republic.

What kind of properties can I buy in the Czech Republic?

Apartments, villas, condominiums, office buildings, agricultural lands, warehouses, and studios are the types of properties that can be purchased by both locals and foreigners in the Czech Republic.

Do I need residency to buy a house in the Czech Republic?

No.

What are the documents solicited for a real estate purchase in the Czech Republic?

valid ID/passport of both buyer and seller,
the property’s documents & Title Deed,
property history,
proof of funds for buying a house in the Czech Republic,
other papers can be solicited from the land registry, etc.

Here is an infographic with details on how to buy a house in the Czech Republic:

What are the steps in buying a house in the Czech Republic?

collaborate with a real estate agent and see the market options,
ask for legal services and a specialist in the field to check the property,
buy an initial deposit to reserve the property,
sign a pre-sale agreement,
pay the relevant taxes,
sign the final sale-purchase contract in front of the notary, represented by our Czech lawyers,
pay the rest of the property price.
the application for entry of the new owner (vklad) is filed with the Cadastral Office.

Where do I register my property in the Czech Republic?

At the Land Registry Office. This is known as the Cadastre of Real Estate, which keeps ownership rights, mortgages, liens, etc.

Is real estate due diligence required for purchasing a property in the Czech Republic?

Yes, it is recommended to solicit real estate due diligence for:

examining the property’s registration in the land registry to confirm the accuracy of ownership details and any potential disputes,
reviewing the property’s title deeds and records to ensure that the seller has clear and valid ownership rights to the property,
checking for any mortgages or encumbrances on the property that could affect its transfer of ownership.

IMPORTANT! We are familiar with Czech property laws and regulations to ensure a thorough and reliable due diligence process.

Can property prices be negotiated in the Czech Republic?

Yes, most property owners are open to negotiation.

Here is also our video on how to buy a property in the Czech Republic:

What are the taxes for buying a house in the Czech Republic? (VAT – 21%, or 12% for social housing – applies only to new buildings within 5 years of first use; resales are usually VAT-exempt.)

12% VAT,
no real estate acquisition tax,
around CZK 2,000 as a cadastre fee,
around 1% as a notary fee,
around 2% for the real estate agent fee, etc.

Do I need to travel to the Czech Republic to buy a house?

Only if you want to; otherwise, our customers can be represented with a power of attorney to buy a house in the Czech Republic.

Can I buy a property in the Czech Republic through a company?

Yes, local and foreign company owners can purchase real estate properties in the Czech Republic.

Are there any precautions when buying a house in the Czech Republic?

Yes, it is important to verify the ownership rights, existing mortgages or legal problems, zoning, drafted contracts, etc.

What are the most popular cities to buy a property in the Czech Republic?

Prague,
Ostrava,
Brno,
Plzen, etc.

All the legal aspects involving the purchase of a property in the Czech Republic can be explained by our team of Czech lawyers, who can also answer all your questions. For additional information about how to buy an apartment in Prague, please contact our law firm in the Czech Republic.