Investment Mortgages 2026: Czech National Bank Tightens Rules
From April 1, 2026, the Czech National Bank's new recommendations significantly tighten conditions for investment mortgages. For property owners planning to expand their portfolio or looking for ways to leverage their assets, this changes the rules of the game.
What's Changing
The CNB recommends banks apply stricter limits for investment mortgages — mortgages for third and subsequent properties or buy-to-let purchases:
| Parameter | Owner-occupied | Investment (from April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| LTV | 80% (90% under 36) | 70% |
| DTI | 8.5 | 7 |
| Own capital | min. 20% | min. 30% |
Who Is Affected
The new rules will impact approximately 9% of new mortgages, equivalent to CZK 2.1–2.5 billion per month. Investors with smaller savings, owners of three or more properties, and buy-to-let investors will feel the change most.
Property Equity Release: A Debt-Free Alternative
Unlike mortgages, property equity release works on the principle of a property buyback: you sell a share of your property's value, receive a payout, and continue living in your home with a lifetime right of residence registered in the land registry. No debt is created.
Calculate how much your property can generate →
Read also: Compare all alternatives | How the buyback process works step by step | Pension reform 2026
