Sell Your Flat but Keep Living in It — Is That Possible?
Imagine this: you need money — to help your children with a mortgage, for a renovation, to supplement your pension. You own a mortgage-free flat worth millions of crowns. But sell it and move out? That is not what you want.
There is a way to unlock the cash value of your property while continuing to live in it. It is called a property buyback with lifetime residency — and in the Czech Republic, it is offered by HomeGrif.
How It Works Legally
The foundation is the institute of vecne bremeno doziti (lifetime residency easement) under Section 1297 of the Czech Civil Code. It is a legal entry in the Land Registry (katastr nemovitosti) that guarantees your right to live in your property for life.
What this means in practice:
- The Land Registry entry is public and legally enforceable
- The right applies against every future owner — even if the property is sold again
- No one can evict you, not even a future owner
- You do not pay rent — the flat remains your home
This is nothing new. The lifetime residency right has been a standard institute of Czech law for decades. More about the legal framework on the Legal Framework page.
How Is This Different from a Regular Sale?
| Regular Sale | Buyback with Lifetime Residency | |
|---|---|---|
| Must you move out | Yes | No |
| Do you receive cash | Yes, the full amount | Yes, up to 75% of value |
| Stay at home | No | Yes, for life |
| Legal protection | None after the sale | Land Registry entry |
| Risk | Finding new housing | Reduced inheritance |
The key difference: with a regular sale, you have to leave. With a buyback with lifetime residency, you stay — and it is guaranteed by law.
How It Works with HomeGrif
HomeGrif is a Czech equity release product. The process is straightforward:
- Calculate your annuity in the calculator — free, no obligation
- Get your property valued — the valuation is free
- Sign the contract — with a lawyer, transparent terms
- Receive payments — monthly, as a lump sum, or in a combined format
The entire process typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Who Is This For
A buyback with lifetime residency is ideal for:
- Mortgage-free property owners aged 50+ who need to supplement their income
- Parents who want to help their children with a mortgage now, not after death
- Couples without children who want to "consume" their asset during their lifetime
- Retirees whose state pension is not enough for a dignified life
The requirement is ownership of a mortgage-free flat or house in the Czech Republic. No credit check or medical assessment needed.
What Earlypass Solves
Many people ask: "What about my children?" The Earlypass programme protects heirs during the first 5 years after signing the contract. If the client passes away early, heirs receive a proportional refund of the investment.
After 5 years, the contract is fully realised and all future payments are net income for the client. The flat remains in the estate — after settling the obligation, any remaining value goes to the heirs.
How Much Can You Receive
The amount depends on the property value and your age. Indicative figures:
- Flat worth CZK 3 million (~EUR 120,000), age 65: annuity approx. CZK 4,000-6,000/month (~EUR 160-240)
- Flat worth CZK 5 million (~EUR 200,000), age 65: annuity approx. CZK 7,000-10,000/month (~EUR 280-400)
- Flat worth CZK 5 million (~EUR 200,000), age 55: annuity approx. CZK 4,000-6,000/month (~EUR 160-240)
Get your exact calculation in the calculator.
Summary
Yes, selling your flat and staying in it is possible — and legal. The lifetime residency right (vecne bremeno doziti) guarantees your right to live at home for your entire life. HomeGrif packages this mechanism into a clear product with transparent terms and heir protection.
If you are curious about how much you could receive, calculate it. It is free and no obligation.
Read also: What Is HomeGrif and How Does It Differ from a Mortgage | Compare Alternatives | Glossary
