Frequently asked
The questions people ask most
The answers below are general. I am happy to go through your particular situation in person — write to me or call +420 723 345 212.
How much does an estate agent cost?
The commission is paid by the seller and depends on the purchase price. In the Kladno area it normally falls between 3 and 5 per cent including VAT. The commission covers everything — valuation, photography, video tour, advertising, viewings, negotiation, contract paperwork, solicitor's escrow and registration of the transfer. Nothing is added on top of the agreed commission.
How long does it take to sell a flat or a house?
The single biggest factor is the price — a sensibly priced property finds a buyer far faster than an overpriced one. Beyond that it depends on the type of property, the location, and whether the buyer is paying cash or taking a mortgage. One fixed element is registration at the Land Registry, which by law takes at least twenty days from filing. I will give you a realistic estimate for your specific property at our first meeting.
Is the valuation free?
Yes. The market valuation is free and carries no obligation, whether or not you decide to work with me. It is based on prices actually achieved for comparable properties in the area, not on asking prices. It is a market estimate to help you decide — not a formal expert appraisal for the authorities or for probate.
Where do you operate?
My work is centred on Kladno and the surrounding area — Kladno, Slaný, Buštěhrad, Unhošť, Stochov, Kročehlavy and neighbouring villages. But I take instructions across the whole of Bohemia, including Prague and Central Bohemia. For properties further afield we will first agree whether I can do the same job for you there as I do at home.
Do I have to pay income tax when I sell?
It depends how long you have owned the property and what it was used for. You are exempt if you lived there for at least two years immediately before the sale, or if you have owned it for more than ten years. For properties acquired up to the end of 2020 the ownership test is five years. A sale can also be exempted by putting the proceeds towards your own housing needs. I would always recommend discussing your specific position with a tax adviser — I am happy to point you to one.
Can I sell a property with a mortgage on it?
Yes, it is a routine situation and it is handled during the sale. The bank issues a redemption figure, part of the purchase price goes directly to the bank to clear the loan and the rest comes to you. The charge is removed from the Land Registry once the loan is repaid. Expect an early repayment fee under the terms of your loan agreement, and allow roughly an extra month for this step.
What does a certified agent mean?
Act No. 39/2020 Coll. on real estate brokerage requires an agent to hold a demonstrated professional qualification, to be of good standing and to carry professional indemnity insurance. I meet those conditions. For you it means that any loss caused by the agent's error is covered by insurance.
Who holds the money between signing and transfer?
The purchase price always goes into escrow with a solicitor or a notary — never directly between seller and buyer. The money is released only once the Land Registry has entered the new owner. Both sides are protected, and nobody loses either the money or the property if the transfer were to fall through for any reason.
Can the whole process run in English?
Yes. I speak English, so viewings, negotiation and explaining the paperwork can all be done in English. Bear in mind that under Czech law the purchase contract and the filings at the Land Registry are drawn up in Czech. For those documents I will arrange a certified translation or a sworn interpreter so that you know exactly what you are signing.