According to a recent survey conducted by Creditas Real Estate, a significant disparity has been identified in the housing preferences of single men and women in the Czech Republic. The study revealed that single men are more likely to live alone in rental apartments, with nearly one-quarter of them residing independently. In contrast, women were found to be more inclined towards living in households with three or more people, and only 10% of women chose to live alone.

The survey shed light on the factors influencing this housing trend. It was observed that single men preferred smaller apartments due to their practicality and ease of maintenance, while women sought more spacious and comfortable accommodations, considering the needs of their families. Surprisingly, both men and women displayed a reluctance to downsize or opt for cheaper apartments, with less than 10% of respondents expressing a desire to do so.

The cost of living in rental apartments was identified as a significant challenge in the Czech Republic, as 39% of women and 37% of men reported spending one-third of their income on rent. Over the past year, women experienced rent increases at twice the rate of men, which correlated with the size of their apartments.

Despite the rising popularity of rental apartments, many individuals associate renting with uncertainty and fear that their contracts may not be renewed or that they may face significant rent hikes. However, the Czech Republic boasts robust legal protections for tenants, ensuring that both landlords and tenants must act reasonably.

Additionally, there exists a social and cultural pressure to acquire housing in the Czech Republic, as owning a home is often considered a symbol of stability and success. Many individuals view paying rent as an act of “throwing money out the window” or “giving money to someone else,” reinforcing the notion that rental housing is a temporary solution.

Contrary to this perception, owning a home may not always be the most advantageous option. In countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, a significant portion of the population prefers to rent rather than own a home. In the Czech Republic, the desire to own a home remains strong, particularly among young people. However, it takes an average of 15 years to save up for a down payment, posing a significant challenge for aspiring homeowners.

Despite this, the country boasts a substantial number of investment apartments, with over 223,000 units owned by more than 70,000 individuals. Approximately 10% of units in residential buildings are available for rent, and there are roughly 34,500 individuals who own three or more apartments.

In conclusion, the survey conducted by Creditas Real Estate highlights the housing preferences of single men and women in the Czech Republic. The findings reveal a higher propensity for single men to live alone in rental apartments, while women tend to opt for larger households. The cost of living in rental apartments remains a significant concern, with rent increases disproportionately affecting women. Despite the social pressure to own a home, renting continues to be a viable and practical housing solution, with strong legal protections in place for tenants.

Article by Prague Forum