If you’re buying an apartment in the Czech Republic, chances are you’ll become a member of an SVJ, short for Společenství vlastníků jednotek – translated in English as:
- Unit Owners Association
- Homeowners Association
- Association of Unit Owners
While translations may vary, they all refer to the same thing: a legal body formed by the owners of individual units (usually apartments) within one building. Understanding how SVJ works is important to responsible property ownership in Czech apartment buildings.
What does SVJ do – and why does it matter?
▫️Building management and maintenance
- The SVJ is responsible for the upkeep of common areas – such as hallways, the roof, elevators, and the building facade.
- It handles repairs, cleaning services, insurance, and modernization projects.
▫️Financial management
- All unit owners contribute monthly payments to cover maintenance and building-related expenses.
- The SVJ manages a common fund (called fond oprav), which is used for repairs and unexpected costs.
- Financial transparency is required – the SVJ must keep clear records and report on how funds are used.
▫️Decision-making and voting rights
- Every owner has a vote at SVJ meetings, with voting power typically based on the size of their apartment.
- Decisions about budgets, renovations, rules, and contractor selections are made collectively.
- Some major decisions require a supermajority or even unanimous agreement.
▫️Legal structure and responsibility
- SVJ is a legal entity registered in the Czech Commercial Register.
- It acts on behalf of the building but does not own the property – it only manages shared responsibilities.
- Each member remains the sole legal owner of their own apartment unit.
▫️Why it’s important for buyers
- When purchasing an apartment, it’s essential to check the SVJ’s financial health, debt, and past meeting minutes.
- A well-functioning SVJ = peace of mind. A mismanaged one = future complications.
The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), known in Czech as PENB – Průkaz energetické náročnosti budovy, is a legally required document that plays a key role in promoting transparency and sustainability in the real estate market.
Whether you’re selling, renting, or renovating a property, ensuring compliance with EPC regulations is not only smart – it’s also mandatory.
What is the purpose of an EPC?
▫️Informed decision-making
- It helps buyers and tenants understand the energy efficiency of a property before committing.
- It provides insights into future operational costs and environmental impact.
▫️Support for sustainable housing
- Encourages energy-efficient construction and renovation.
- Aims to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
- Aligns with the European Union’s climate and sustainability targets.
▫️Clear energy classification
- The EPC uses a seven-class scale, from A (very efficient) to G (extremely inefficient).
- The rating is based on the building’s energy needs for heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation, and lighting – much like the energy labels used on appliances.
How to obtain an EPC in the Czech Republic?
You must present the EPC to potential buyers or tenants as part of the official property documentation.
Find a certified energy specialist
Accredited experts are listed on the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s official website.
Schedule an energy audit
The specialist will assess your building and its energy systems.
Receive your EPC
The certificate is typically issued within a few days and remains valid for 10 years.
Use it when selling or renting.
Next tip form me when dealing with real estate in the Czech Republic, one of the most important documents is the “List vlastnictví” – the official Property Ownership Record issued by the Czech Land Register (Katastr nemovitostí).
This document may appear under different English names:
- Title Deed
- Ownership Sheet
- Extract from the Land Register
- Property Ownership Record
While the wording may vary, they all refer to the same legally binding document used to verify ownership and legal status of real estate.
What information does the List vlastnictví contain?
▫️Property owner(s)
- Lists the full legal name(s) of the current owner(s).
- In case of co-ownership, it shows the ownership shares (percentages) for each party.
▫️Basic property details
- Specifies the exact location and address of the property.
- Includes the land parcel number (parcelní číslo) used in the cadastral system.
- States the total area of the land and/or the size of the built-up space.
▫️Encumbrances and legal burdens
- Details any mortgages, liens, or loans registered on the property.
- Lists easements, rights of way, or usage restrictions that may affect ownership or resale.
- May reflect legal disputes, pending claims, or notes from authorities.
▫️Usage classification and zoning
- Indicates how the land or building is officially categorized – e.g., residential, commercial, agricultural.
- May also include zoning limitations or permitted building uses under local planning laws.
This document is essential for anyone buying, selling, or verifying a property. It provides legal certainty and is often required during property transactions, financing, or due diligence. If needed, official extracts (výpis z katastru) can be requested online or in person through the Czech Cadastral Office.
And next important term – Cadastral office
The Cadastral Office (Katastrální úřad) is a vital institution for anyone dealing with real estate in the Czech Republic. It is the official government body responsible for maintaining the Cadastral Registry – a public database containing detailed information about all land and buildings in the country, as well as their legal relationships.
What are the main roles of the Cadastral Office?
▫️Property registration
- Records all real estate properties, including land plots and buildings.
- Maintains data on location, size, technical characteristics, and legal status.
- Ensures transparency and legal certainty in property transactions.
▫️Recording ownership and legal rights
- Registers any changes in ownership, mortgages, easements, and other property rights.
- All legal changes – such as property sales, inheritance, or loans – must be submitted through an official application for registration (návrh na vklad) to become legally valid.
▫️Providing property information
- The registry is publicly accessible – anyone can request an official extract (výpis z katastru) for a specific property.
- These extracts show who owns the property, whether there are any legal burdens or restrictions, and other key facts.
▫️Managing cadastral maps and geometric plans
- The office also oversees cadastral maps, which are crucial for understanding property boundaries.
- These maps are used when subdividing land, adjusting boundaries, or creating new building plots.
The Cadastral Office is the foundation of property law and ownership in the Czech Republic. It ensures that real estate transactions are transparent, traceable, and legally enforceable – a cornerstone of any reliable property system.
Veronika – your Czech real estate agent