The average Czech household’s expenditure on housing increased by 21.7 percent year-on-year last year. They spent CZK 8299 per month. It was almost 17 percent of their net income. The share rose from less than 15 percent the previous year. The increase in the amount spent and the share is due to the rise in the price of energy, water and rent. The data was released by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) at a press conference today.
“Expenditure on housing has been rising quite significantly in recent years. Until 2021, the growth was gradual, in 2022 the expenditure rose by 10.4 percent and in 2023 by 21.7 percent year-on-year,” said Simona Měřinská from the ČSÚ’s Household Survey Department.
According to the statisticians, spending on gas rose by about 44 percent year-on-year, electricity by 26 percent, water and sewerage by 12 percent and rent by about six percent
Almost two-fifths of households lived in their own house and about 29 per cent in their own apartment. About six per cent had a cooperative flat. More than a fifth lived in rented accommodation. Měřinska said there had been a “slight increase” year-on-year. The remaining six per cent stayed with relatives and friends.
Housing cost an average of CZK 8,299 a month last year. They accounted for 16.7 percent of net monthly income. In their own home, the costs amounted to CZK 7,678, or 13.5 per cent of income. Almost three quarters of the amount was spent on utilities. In rent, people gave an average of 12,251 crowns per month. This was 30.3 per cent of their net income. More than two-fifths of the amount went to rent. The average occupants of rented flats would thus be entitled to housing benefit. The benefit is available if more than 30 per cent of income is spent on housing.
Those who owned their own flat paid an average of CZK 6,996 a month for housing last year. They thus spent 14 per cent of their net income. Staying with relatives or friends cost on average CZK 5,815 per month. This was 17.6 percent of their income. Students and low-income families most often stay with family or friends, Měřinská said.
Nine out of ten people in the Czech Republic are satisfied with their housing. Even so, they have some reservations. Almost 16 percent of people complain about noise from the street or from neighbours, one in 12 are bothered by the smell and dirt in the neighbourhood, and the same number of people have problems with leaks and dampness. Seven per cent mention vandalism and crime and three per cent mention a dark flat and lack of light.
Almost two thirds of people live in a house with insulated facades, roofs or floors. One tenth of households had insulation less than five years ago, the rest are older. About 88 per cent of households have replaced their windows. One in twelve households have newer double or triple glazing that has been replaced in the last five years.
Source: ČSÚ and CTK
