Czech apartment market shifts to smaller, open‑plan units and revisits 1980s panel‑flat layouts

Designers note a renewed interest in 1980s‑era panel apartments, where interior walls are removed to create spacious, open‑plan living areas. While the larger visual volume is appealing, experts warn that the loss of separate rooms can reduce privacy for multi‑person households.

At the same time, Czech developers are responding to high property prices by offering smaller, efficiently planned flats—a trend dubbed “shrinkflation.” Projects now prioritize higher ceilings, larger windows, integrated workspaces and shared green public areas. Luxury is increasingly defined by apartments above 90 m², while well‑designed 50 m² units are selling faster than larger, less functional ones.