Czech Republic, Rents Set to Rise Sharply in 2026: Prague Becomes More Expensive, Brno Closes the Gap
Rents rising faster than wages in the Czech Republic
In 2026, rents in the Czech Republic are expected to increase significantly, with average rises estimated between 6% and 9%. This pace is faster than the projected growth of wages, both in nominal and real terms. The warning comes from the Asociace nájemního bydlení (Association of Rental Housing), which says the Czech real estate market will continue to put strong pressure on household budgets. At the same time, apartment sale prices are also expected to rise, making homeownership increasingly difficult for a large segment of the population.
Rental prices: Prague tops the ranking
The data confirm a trend that has been evident in recent years. According to an analysis by the real estate portal Sreality.cz, rental prices increased by 8% year on year in 2025. By the end of the year, the average rent in the Czech Republic had reached CZK 272 per square meter. Prague remains by far the most expensive city, with an average rental price of around CZK 450 per square meter. High levels are also recorded in Brno, which according to estimates is gradually catching up with the capital in terms of rental prices.
Regional disparities and new infrastructure
In 2026, the gap between major cities and the rest of the country could widen further. In addition to Prague and Brno, rent increases may also affect some peripheral regions, especially those well connected to urban areas thanks to new transport infrastructure. “Motorways are changing the map of housing demand faster than any other investment,” explained Jakub Vysocký, president of the Asociace nájemního bydlení. In less attractive locations, however, a possible stabilisation or even a slight decline in rents cannot be ruled out.
Wages, mortgages and the growing number of tenants
While rents continue to rise, forecasts indicate that wages will grow by around 5-6% in nominal terms and 2.7-4% in real terms in 2026: an insufficient pace to offset higher housing costs. According to the association, renting an apartment of about 52.6 square meters will still be between CZK 7,000 and 8,000 cheaper per month than a mortgage instalment. High property prices combined with relatively high mortgage interest rates continue to limit access to homeownership, pushing more people into the rental market. The number of tenants is estimated to increase by a further 30,000-40,000 people in 2026.
Lower mobility and a changing housing model
Another sign of change is the declining mobility of tenants. According to UlovDomov.cz, only 23% of apartments changed tenants in 2025, down from previous years. This trend is linked to more stable contracts and improved housing conditions. Data from the Ministry of Regional Development also show that nearly half of tenants have contracts shorter than two years, mainly younger people with lower incomes living in large cities, while those over 45 are more likely to have long-term or open-ended contracts. In a European comparison, the Czech Republic still has a high share of homeowners (74.7%), but the importance of renting is expected to grow, gradually bringing the country closer to the Western European housing model.
Fonte: Ceske noviny
