How long before I receive the money from selling my flat or house?

The deposit is paid when you sign the contract, usually within one to three days of accepting the offer. The final payment is made within five days of registration with the Czech Land Registry (Vklad do katastru nemovitostí), which typically takes three to four weeks.

Can I continue to live in the property for a while after sale?

That is a matter of agreement. The date of vacant possession, or any further use, must be agreed in writing in the contract. If you wish to remain for life, look for a solution involving a property easement (věcné břemeno) and have it assessed by a legal professional.

Is there tax on selling property for care costs?

Acquisition tax on real property has been abolished by Act No. 386/2020 Coll. Income tax on the sale proceeds is governed by Act No. 586/1992 Coll. and depends on factors such as how long you owned the property and whether it was your principal residence. Consult with the Czech Tax Authority (Finanční správa) or a tax adviser.

How do I know nobody is pressuring me into a bad sale?

The offer should be in writing, non-binding, and free from time pressure. You can read the contract at home, discuss it with a solicitor, and payment should be made electronically through a lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova).

Do I have to repair or vacate the property before sale?

Not in the offer on this website: the lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova) and legal service are provided at no cost, with no obligation to carry out repairs or vacate immediately. Always check the scope of services in the contract, however.

How to Sell Your Home or Flat When You Need Funds for Care

Published 26 October 2026

You can sell your home or flat even when you urgently need funds for care, although the process typically takes weeks rather than days. A deposit (advance payment) is made at the time of contract signing, with the final payment following registration with the Czech Land Registry (Katastr nemovitostí). It is crucial not to feel pressured, to have everything documented in writing, and to make your decision calmly.

Summary

A deposit at contract signing covers initial costs; the final payment arrives following registration with the Czech Land Registry (Katastr nemovitostí).
You can obtain a written, non-binding offer within 24 hours—there is no reason to rush.
A quick sale typically means a lower price than a conventional market sale; calculate the difference in advance.
Payment must be made electronically through a lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova), not in cash.
Before signing, consult with a trusted family member, solicitor or notary.

Why people decide to sell property to fund care

Residential care, home care services, medical equipment or home modifications can become necessary at a time when regular income is insufficient. Property is often the only substantial asset people own, and many view it as a potential source of funds.

This is a legitimate and rational decision, but it is one you cannot easily reverse. Therefore, it is worth taking time to consider it carefully, even when circumstances are urgent.

If you need to raise funds quickly, start by working out what you will actually need in the coming weeks and when you will need it. See how to raise funds quickly for more guidance.

How the sale process works and how long it takes

The process can be divided into several steps. For more detail, see How property purchase works.

Offer. A written, non-binding offer is provided within 24 hours. You are not committing to anything at this stage.
Contract signing and deposit. Usually within one to three days. The deposit is paid when you sign the contract.
Registration with the Czech Land Registry (Vklad do katastru nemovitostí). Approximately three to four weeks. Ownership passes only upon registration with the Czech Land Registry, and the land registry office cannot decide until 20 days after notifying the owner (Czech Property Registration Act No. 256/2013 Coll.). Average registration time is about 22 days.
Final payment. Within five days of registration, from the lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova).

This means the bulk of your money will arrive within approximately one to one and a half months. If you need to pay for care immediately—for example, residential care fees—the initial deposit will help. You may also consider bridging arrangements with family or the care provider.

How the deposit works and how your money is protected

The deposit at signing is a portion of the purchase price you receive in advance, before ownership is registered. Always insist that the amount and conditions are set out in writing in the contract; never accept terms on a verbal basis alone.

The remainder of the purchase price is held in the lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova). This means the money is held by the solicitor and paid to you only after conditions are met—that is, after registration. This protects both buyer and seller.

Cash in large amounts is a risky option. Cash payments are capped at CZK 270,000 per day (Act No. 254/2004 Coll.), which is why proper transactions proceed electronically. If someone offers to pay the full price in cash, be cautious.

Realistic price expectations

A quick sale is a trade-off. The buyer assumes greater risk and uncertainty, so the price is typically lower than in a conventional market sale lasting several months. The exact difference depends on condition, location, legal issues and market conditions, so no fixed figure can be guaranteed.

What you can do:

Use the rough calculator and compare the result with valuations from other sources.
Consider whether you need the full amount immediately, or whether it is worth waiting.
Ask what is included in the offer. On this website, the lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova) and legal services are provided at no cost, with no obligation to carry out repairs or vacate immediately.

If the property is subject to a mortgage (hypotéka), a charge (zástava) or a property easement (věcné břemeno)—such as a lifelong right of residence—this need not be an obstacle. See property purchase with a mortgage or with a property easement for more.

Pressure-free and discreet sale process

In vulnerable circumstances, unfortunately there may be people who seek to exploit your situation. A few principles will help you proceed with confidence:

Do not sign anything on the day you first see it. Obtain the contract text in advance and read it at home.
Bring in a trusted family member or an independent solicitor. Solicitors can be found through the Czech Bar Association (Česká advokátní komora).
Do not accept pressure such as 'this offer is only valid today'. A genuine offer will withstand careful consideration.
Verify that the price and deposit are clearly stated in the contract and that payment is processed through a lawyer's escrow account (advokátní úschova).
Agree in advance on who will know about the sale. Negotiations can be conducted discreetly, without public advertisement and without strangers visiting the property.

If you are unable to make decisions independently—for example, due to your health condition—you will need proper legal representation. The general framework is set out in the Czech Civil Code No. 89/2012 Coll., and this is a situation where legal advice is essential.

Key points to verify before signing

Several practical matters that will affect the outcome:

Co-owners and family. The general right of first refusal for co-owners has been abolished. It applies only for six months from the creation of co-ownership if the share arose through inheritance (Section 1124 of the Czech Civil Code No. 89/2012 Coll.). If you have recently inherited the property, see selling inherited property.
Housing after the sale. Arrange in advance where and when you will move. The date of vacant possession must be included in the contract.
Tax. Acquisition tax on real property has been abolished (Act No. 386/2020 Coll.). Income tax on sale proceeds is governed by Act No. 586/1992 Coll. and depends on factors such as how long you have owned the property and whether it was your principal residence. Check your specific position with the Czech Tax Authority (Finanční správa) or a tax adviser.
Debt and enforcement. If foreclosure (dražba) is a risk, act promptly; see quick sale before foreclosure. At auction, the minimum bid is two-thirds of the likely sale price (Section 336e of the Czech Civil Procedure Code No. 99/1963 Coll.), so an advance sale may be more advantageous.
Social security and care allowance. The proceeds of the sale may affect eligibility for some state benefits. Check with the relevant authority beforehand.

How to get started without any commitment

The first step costs nothing and commits you to nothing: request a written offer, compare it with your requirements and discuss it with your family. Only then make your decision.

If you have questions, see frequently asked questions or contact us via the contact page.