Brno residents waiting for cooperative housing on Kamenný vrch will finally see construction begin next year on a massive project that will create more than 350 new apartments. Some applicants have been patiently waiting since 2018 for this affordable housing initiative to break ground. The city is currently seeking contractors to clear vegetation from the site as one of the final preparatory steps.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost over two billion Czech crowns, will establish three new streets and 24 apartment buildings. City officials have already begun signing reservation contracts with the first wave of applicants from 2018 and 2022, with approximately 60 agreements expected to be finalized by October 7th.
Initial interest in the Kamenný vrch development was substantial, with around 800 people expressing interest. However, three-quarters of these potential residents have since withdrawn, frustrated by the lengthy delays and evolving financial requirements. Many prospective buyers have been deterred by the need to pay a 100,000 crown deposit before knowing the final apartment price.
Housing costs have risen significantly since the project’s inception, with per-square-meter prices climbing from an initial estimate of 60,000-70,000 crowns to nearly 100,000 crowns today – an increase of approximately one-third. Some applicants lament that while waiting for this “affordable housing for young people,” they missed opportunities to purchase properties when market prices were considerably lower.
Despite these challenges, Deputy Mayor Karin Podivinská remains optimistic, suggesting that competitive bidding might secure prices around 90,000 crowns per square meter. She emphasizes that residents still have a unique opportunity to obtain beautiful new housing at below-market rates without personally taking on mortgages, as the cooperative itself will secure the financing.
For those still interested, applications remain open through the city’s housing website at bydleni.brno.cz, with officials actively seeking backup candidates to ensure the project proceeds smoothly.