Czech towns Ostrov and Jihlava roll out affordable rental housing programs

The city of Ostrov (population about 16,000) is piloting a programme that offers two renovated apartments with a reduced rent of 100 CZK per square metre for three years. Applicants must be under 35, have a permanent residence in the town and meet income criteria. Eleven candidates applied; the city council selected the two highest‑scoring applicants. After the three‑year period, rent will rise to the average market level.

In Jihlava, the municipal council debated whether to continue renovating its existing stock of old municipal apartments or to build new wooden rental houses. Councilor Libor Kuchyňa cited the nearby Žďár nad Sázavou project, which delivered 34 wooden rental units (the "Rezidence Drdla") funded by a state grant and a private investor. Mayor Petr Ryška argued that repairing the city’s own older apartments, which are centrally located, remains the most economical option, especially as dedicated housing subsidies have ended.