According to a recent survey conducted by Creditas Real Estate, single men in the Czech Republic were found to be more likely to live alone in rental apartments than women. Nearly one-quarter of single men lived alone, with the majority of them between the ages of 40 and 50. In contrast, women were more likely to live in households with three or more people, and only 10% of women lived alone.
The survey also revealed that men who live alone prefer smaller apartments for their practicality and ease of maintenance, while women seek more space and comfort for their families. However, men and women rarely consider moving into smaller or cheaper apartments, with less than 10% of respondents indicating a desire.
The cost of living in rental apartments is high in the Czech Republic, with 39% of women and 37% of men spending one-third of their income on rent. In the past 12 months, rent increases have affected women twice as much as men, which correlates with the size of the apartment.
Despite the growing interest in rental apartments, many people associate renting with uncertainty, fearing that their contracts may not be renewed or their rent will be significantly increased. However, the Czech Republic has strong legal protections for tenants, and it is not only landlords who must act reasonably but also tenants.
Furthermore, many people view paying rent as “throwing money out the window” or “giving money to someone else,” making rental housing seem a temporary solution. This creates social and cultural pressure to acquire housing, as owning a home is often seen as a sign of stability and success.
However, owning a home is not always the most advantageous option. In Germany, for example, less than half of the population lives in their own homes, and most households rent. Similarly, 40% of people rent their homes in the United Kingdom.
The desire to own a home remains high in the Czech Republic, especially among young people, but it takes nearly 15 years to save up for a down payment. Nevertheless, the number of investment apartments in the country is high, with over 223,000 units owned by more than 70,000 individuals. Approximately 10% of units in residential buildings are rented, and roughly 34,500 individuals own three or more apartments.