How It Works
What is HomeGrif?
HomeGrif purchases your property, but with a deferred transfer of ownership. In practice, this means:
- You sell us a share of your property's value
- You get paid — as a lump sum, monthly payments, or a combination of both
- You continue living in your home for life, with full right of use
- You remain on the title deed — you are still the legal owner
- Ownership transfers to HomeGrif only after you leave (never before)
This is not a loan. No debt is created, no interest, no repayments. You are "consuming" the value you've built up over a lifetime — while continuing to live at home.
For couples: If you live with a partner or spouse, the right of residence applies to both of you. The property is only released after the last of you leaves.
How is it legally secured?
Your protection rests on three legal instruments, all registered in the Czech Land Registry (katastr nemovitostí) — publicly verifiable, legally enforceable, and the strongest protection Czech law offers.
1. Apartment servitude — lifetime right of residence
A servitude of dwelling (služebnost bytu, § 1297 of the Czech Civil Code) is registered in the Land Registry. This means:
- You have a legally protected right to live in your property for life
- This right cannot be unilaterally terminated — not by a new owner, not by a court
- It transfers with the property — even if the owner changes, your right of residence continues
- It is stronger than a rental agreement, which can be terminated
2. Prohibition of alienation and encumbrance — transfer block
A prohibition of alienation and encumbrance (zákaz zcizení a zatížení, § 1761 of the Czech Civil Code) is registered in the Land Registry. This means:
- The property cannot be sold, gifted, or encumbered without HomeGrif's consent
- No one can transfer it to a third party while your contract is in effect
- It protects both you and HomeGrif — ensuring the property remains "clean"
3. Deferred ownership transfer
Ownership transfers to HomeGrif only after the right of residence ends — meaning after your death or voluntary departure (e.g., to a care home). Until then:
- You are on the title deed as the legal owner
- You attend building association meetings and make decisions about your property
- Nothing changes from the outside — for neighbours, authorities, and banks, you are the owner
For a detailed legal analysis, see Legal Framework.
Who stands behind it?
HomeGrif is not a startup or an unknown company. Your payments are guaranteed by a financial institution with a banking licence regulated by the Czech National Bank (ČNB).
What this means for you:
- ČNB supervision — the partner institution is subject to the strictest financial supervision in Czechia. ČNB monitors its financial health, capital adequacy, and ability to meet obligations.
- Payment guarantee — your monthly payments are not a promise, but a contractual obligation of a regulated institution. The same level of certainty as banking products.
- What if the institution fails? — your right of residence (servitude of dwelling) is registered in the Land Registry. It survives any change of owner, insolvency, or liquidation. Even in the worst-case scenario, no one can evict you.
- Independent lawyer — the entire transaction is verified by an independent lawyer, not HomeGrif's legal team.
The Process in 4 Steps
1. Free consultation
Fill in a short form or call us. We'll determine if HomeGrif is right for you and answer all your questions. Free and non-binding.
2. Property valuation
An independent appraiser values your property. Based on the value, your age, and your chosen payout method, we'll prepare a specific proposal. Valuation is free.
3. Contract and Land Registry registration
A transparent contract with an independent lawyer. The Land Registry records your servitude of dwelling (your right of residence) and the prohibition of alienation (protection against unauthorised transfer). Everything is publicly verifiable.
4. Payment and living
You receive money (monthly, combined, or as a lump sum) and continue living in your home. For life.
Three Payout Options
Monthly payments (best value)
You receive the entire value as monthly payments. Highest total payout — ideal for supplementing your pension.
In the UK, 71% of equity release clients choose this model. The reason is simple: you receive the most overall.
Combined payout ★ (most popular)
Part upfront (typically 33%) + lower monthly payments. Ideal when you need a lump sum — for a deposit for your children, renovation, or paying off obligations — while also wanting monthly income.
Lump sum
The full amount at once. You stay at home but forgo the lifetime payments. Suitable only in specific situations.
What is Earlypass?
Earlypass is an heir protection programme. If you pass away within the first 5 years of the contract, your heirs receive back a portion of HomeGrif's investment.
- Year 1: heirs receive 50% back
- Year 2: 40%
- Year 3: 30%
- Year 4: 20%
- Year 5: 10%
- After year 5: the contract is fully settled
The property always remains in your estate. After sale, the obligation is settled and the remainder goes to your heirs.
Your Rights and Protection
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Right of residence | Servitude of dwelling registered in the Land Registry. No one can evict you — not even a new owner or a court. |
| Legal ownership | You remain on the title deed. The prohibition of alienation protects the property against unauthorised transfer. |
| Fair Exit | You can terminate the contract under pre-agreed conditions. |
| Transparent contract | No hidden fees. Everything in one document, verified by an independent lawyer. |
| No debt | No debt or interest is created. This is not a loan — it's a buyback with the right of residence. |
How is HomeGrif different from a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage (e.g. FINEMO in Czechia) is a loan — debt is created with accumulating interest. HomeGrif is a buyback — no debt is created.
| HomeGrif | Reverse mortgage | |
|---|---|---|
| Debt created? | No | Yes — grows with interest |
| Interest? | None | Yes (typically around 10% per year) |
| What's in the Land Registry? | Servitude + prohibition of alienation | Lien (mortgage) |
| What happens after death? | Property transfers to HomeGrif | Property sold to repay the debt |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I receive? It depends on your property value and your age. Generally: the more valuable the property and the older you are, the higher the payments. Get an estimate in our calculator in 30 seconds.
Who is it for? For owners of mortgage-free properties aged 50+. Typically: parents who want to help their children, couples without heirs, or people approaching retirement.
Is it legal? Yes. It is a standard contractual relationship under the Czech Civil Code. Servitude of dwelling and prohibition of alienation are legal instruments with a long tradition in Czech and European law.
Does it work elsewhere in Europe? Yes. In the UK, the equity release market exceeds GBP 2.57 billion per year. In France, the viager system has been operating for centuries. Similar products exist in Germany, Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
What's the difference from a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a loan — debt with interest is created. HomeGrif is a buyback — no debt. With a reverse mortgage, debt accumulates and can exceed the property value. With HomeGrif, the amount is fixed.