All Options for Property-Based Retirement Income in the Czech Republic 2026

You own a paid-off flat. Your pension isn't enough. How can you get money from your property without having to move? In 2026, there are six realistic options in the Czech Republic. Each has different conditions, risks, and returns. This is a complete, objective guide.

Overview Table: All Options at a Glance

1. HomeGrif — Value Buyback with Lifetime Income

How it works: The client sells a share of their property's value (up to 75%). They receive lifetime income, a lump-sum payout, or a combination. They continue living at home with a real burden registered in the Czech cadastre. No debt is created.

For whom: Owners 50+ with a paid-off property who want regular income without debt.

Key advantage: The only product on the Czech market where the client receives lifetime monthly income and no debt is created. Public calculator with instant results.

More detail: What Is HomeGrif and How It Differs from a Mortgage

2. FINEMO — Reverse Mortgage (Loan at 9.9%)

How it works: The client borrows against the property's value (10-50% depending on age). Interest at 9.9% accumulates. After death, the flat is sold and the debt is repaid from the proceeds. The remainder (if any) goes to the heirs.

For whom: Seniors 60+ who prefer a regulated loan product and don't want to transfer ownership.

Key risk: Debt spiral — at 9.9% annually, CZK 1 million becomes CZK 4.1 million in 15 years. According to Czech consumer organisation dTest: CZK 237,000 becomes CZK 1,445,000 in 18 years.

More detail: FINEMO Property Income — Independent Comparison

3. NaVykup — Property Sale-and-Leaseback

How it works: The client sells the flat (50-90% of value) and rents it back. They receive a lump sum, but then pay rent to the new owner. Option to buy back at the original price.

For whom: People in financial distress (enforcement orders, debts) who need quick cash.

Key risk: The client pays rent and has no real burden for lifetime residency — only a rental agreement. The new owner can increase the rent.

More detail: NaVykup Sale-and-Leaseback — Independent Comparison

4. MAXIHYPO — Non-Bank Reverse Mortgage

How it works: The client borrows up to 50% of the property's value. The interest rate is not publicly disclosed (~8.5% according to dTest). Debt accumulates and is repaid from the sale after death.

For whom: Seniors who want a loan product from a CNB-regulated broker.

Key risk: Minimal transparency — no calculator, no example calculations. A generic broker, not a specialist in senior products.

More detail: MAXIHYPO Reverse Mortgage — Independent Comparison

5. Selling the Flat and Renting

How it works: A standard property sale on the market. The client receives 100% of the value (minus transaction costs of ~5%), but must move and find a rental.

For whom: Those willing to move who want the maximum lump sum.

Key risk: Loss of home. Transaction costs (estate agent, tax, moving). In Prague, rent for a 2+kk (one-bedroom) flat costs CZK 22,000+/month — over 15 years that's CZK 4 million (~EUR 160,000).

6. Renting Out a Room

How it works: The client rents a spare room in their flat to another person. Income of CZK 5,000-10,000 per month (EUR 200-400).

For whom: Those who have a spare room and don't mind sharing their household.

Key risk: Low income, loss of privacy, sharing your home with a stranger. For most people over 50, an unacceptable compromise.

Decision Tree: Which Option Is Right for You

Do you want regular monthly income?

• Yes — HomeGrif (lifetime income)
• No, a lump sum — NaVykup (50-90%), FINEMO (10-50%), or sell (100%)

Are you willing to take on debt?

• No — HomeGrif, NaVykup, sell, rent a room
• Yes — FINEMO, MAXIHYPO

How important is legal protection of your housing?

• Maximum — HomeGrif (real burden in the cadastre)
• Standard — NaVykup (rental agreement), FINEMO (mortgage lien)
• None — Sell, rent a room

Do you want to leave something to heirs?

• Yes, with protection — HomeGrif (Earlypass for 5 years)
• Yes, the whole flat — Rent a room, do nothing
• No — Sell, NaVykup

The Key: Debt vs. Debt-Free Model

All options fall into two categories:

Debt Products (FINEMO, MAXIHYPO)

• The client borrows money
• Interest accumulates (compound interest)
• After death, the flat is sold to repay debt + interest
• Risk: debt can exceed the property's value

Debt-Free Products (HomeGrif, NaVykup, sale)

• The client sells value or the property
• No interest, no debt
• Conditions are fixed — independent of interest rates
• HomeGrif additionally offers lifetime income (unique on the Czech market)

Want to understand exactly how the debt spiral works with FINEMO? See the interactive comparison on the Comparison page.

Market Context: Why This Matters to Millions of Czechs

• Average pension: CZK 20,700/month (~EUR 830)
• Average rent: CZK 18,540/month (90% of pension)
• Replacement ratio: 45% (one of the lowest in the EU)
• Home ownership: 74.7% of Czechs own their property
• UK equity release market: GBP 2.57 billion/year (CZK 78 billion)

More data in the article Retirement in Numbers: How Much Is the Czech 50+ Generation Short?

Indicative Calculation

How much could you receive monthly with HomeGrif? Try the calculator — no obligation, anonymous.

Further reading — detailed comparisons:

• FINEMO Property Income — Independent Comparison
• NaVykup Sale-and-Leaseback — Independent Comparison
• MAXIHYPO Reverse Mortgage — Independent Comparison
• HomeGrif vs. Reverse Mortgage
• Retirement in Numbers: How Much Is the Czech 50+ Generation Short?
• Compare All Alternatives — Interactive Table
• Glossary