Ever-Rising Property Prices: how young Czechs are changing their housing strategies

18. 2. 2026

Rising property prices and new choices for couples

The continuous increase in property prices in the Czech Republic is profoundly changing the way young couples plan their housing lives. More and more often, instead of buying a home together, partners choose to move into a property already owned by one of them. According to an analysis by the real estate platform Bezrealitky.cz, 42% of couples now opt for this solution, while only 21% consider purchasing a new property. Ten years ago, buying a home together typically happened just a few months into a relationship; today, timelines are longer, reflecting greater caution driven by high costs.

Rent, compromises, and moving away from big cities

The surge in prices affects not only property sales but also the rental market. In large cities, particularly Prague, rents have reached record levels, prompting many couples to seek compromises.

Some choose more peripheral neighborhoods or towns in Central Bohemia, while others accept longer commuting times in exchange for larger living spaces.
A small minority even end up sharing an apartment with another couple to cut expenses.

This trend highlights how housing affordability has become one of the country’s main urban challenges.

Young people and mortgages: between ambitions and financial limits

The difficulties are even more evident among young people aged 18 to 30. A survey conducted for the company Xella shows that

only 16% currently have a mortgage,
while 24% plan to apply for one within the next three years.
Another 25% would like to buy a home but believe their income is insufficient.
Particularly striking is the fact that one third of young people have resigned themselves to the idea that they will not be able to become homeowners, citing excessively high prices and unsustainable mortgages as the main obstacles.

Renting or owning: a cultural shift underway

Compared to previous generations, young Czechs display a more flexible attitude toward renting. Although about three quarters of the population still live in owner-occupied homes, among those under 30 the share of people who consider renting an acceptable, if not preferable, solution is growing. Thirty-five percent still live with their parents, while those who are independent often choose to rent, either alone or with a partner. This shift reflects not only economic constraints but also a different perception of stability and job mobility.

Future prospects between income, interest rates, and sustainability

The overall context remains challenging: apartment and house prices have increased by more than 10% year on year, and average rents have exceeded 370 Czech crowns per square meter. Mortgage interest rates show slight signs of stabilization but remain high compared to the past. With average wages rising yet struggling to keep pace with housing costs, young people and couples are forced to rethink their strategies. Whether it means cohabiting earlier, renting for longer, or postponing a purchase, the Czech real estate market is reshaping the priorities of an entire generation.

Source: Expats.cz, Ceske noviny