Rent Index: Which cities and districts are most expensive for renters in Czechia?

New data shows that rents in the Czech Republic saw a notable increase in the second quarter, rising by 3.4 percent quarter-on-quarter to an average of CZK 305 per square meter (m²).

The cities of Hradec Králové, Liberec, and Brno experienced the most significant hikes, with increases of 5.7 percent, 5.4 percent, and nearly 5 percent, respectively. In contrast, Olomouc was the only regional city where rents declined by 1.5 percent. This data comes from Deloitte's Rent Index.

“The price of rental housing in the Czech Republic continues to rise, confirming a medium-term trend,” said Petr Hána, director of Deloitte’s real estate and construction department. He noted that while the first quarter saw a 1 percent increase, the second quarter’s 3.4 percent rise indicates a faster pace of growth, primarily driven by regional developments.

Unsurprisingly, Prague maintains the highest rents in the country. In the second quarter, the capital's rent rose by 2.3 percent quarter-on-quarter, averaging CZK 408 per m² per month. Within Prague, rents surged most significantly in Prague 6 (up 5.2 percent to CZK 400), Prague 9 (up 4 percent to CZK 391), and Prague 5 (up 3.6 percent to CZK 406). Despite these increases, rents stagnated in Prague 10 at CZK 377 per m² and fell by 1.3 percent in Prague 2 to CZK 452 per m².

Following Prague, Brno ranks as the second most expensive city for renters, with prices averaging CZK 345 per m² in the second quarter. Other costly regions include the Central Bohemian Region (CZK 276 per m²), Zlín (CZK 277 per m²), and Hradec Králové. Conversely, the lowest rents are found in Ústí nad Labem (CZK 198 per m²), Ostrava (CZK 215 per m²), and Karlovy Vary (CZK 218 per m²).

According to Deloitte, new buildings and developer projects command the highest rents, with an average price increase of 1.9 percent to CZK 367 per m². Rents in brick houses rose by 3.7 percent to CZK 307 per m², while those in panel houses increased by 4 percent to an average of CZK 260 per m².

Hána attributes the slight price reduction at the end of last year to a short-term phenomenon. “Rents are rising again, and the pace is faster than in the first quarter,” he said, predicting this upward trend will continue in the coming years.