Experts: Apartments with south-facing windows may decrease in price

Prague – The sales of apartments are influenced not only by various factors but also by the weather. For example, the current heat wave can extend the sale of some apartments with windows facing the sun or potentially lower their price. However, the chances of selling increase when owners can demonstrate during viewings that the apartments are insulated and have elements like air temperature regulation. This was communicated to ČTK by representatives of real estate platforms and agencies.

According to the director of Doma real estate agents, Dominik Ženatý, the sale of an apartment oriented to the south or west, or a property on the top floor, can be extended by three to six months in spring and summer. Those who rush to sell a southern or top-floor apartment during this period must reckon with a price decrease of 15 to 20 percent.

According to him, the weather also affects changes in people's preferences. "There is a growing group of interested buyers who specifically seek north or east orientations, which ensure a more pleasant indoor climate without the need for constant cooling. A significant bonus is any outdoor space, such as a terrace, loggia, or balcony, which serves as a natural refuge," added Ženatý.

According to the spokesperson for Bezrealitky.cz, František Brož, the orientation itself is not such a problem for buyers if the apartment can be well-ventilated or if the building is adequately insulated, equipped with air conditioning or outdoor shutters. The immediate surroundings of the apartment and its orientation can influence about a fifth of the price. "If the owner cannot ensure adequate climate during the viewing today, it naturally has a direct impact on negotiations. Conversely, if they show that despite the persistent tropical days there is no problem residing in the apartment, it can be a plus," said Brož.

Different groups of buyers, however, have varying approaches to addressing temperature in the apartment, according to Ženatý. For example, people looking for property for their own living assess comfort and summer overheating strictly. On the other hand, for investors buying apartments for subsequent rental, the key parameters remain the purchase price per square meter, location, and overall return on investment. They perceive technical equipment against the heat as a parameter that can be resolved later if necessary.

In nearly all of the Czech Republic, there has been a heat wave in recent days. According to the latest information from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the country is expecting an extremely warm weekend, and meteorologists suggest that the absolute Czech record of 40.4 degrees Celsius from August 2012 could be broken on Sunday. The highest temperatures will also depend on humidity and wind flow. Earlier contacted sellers in May told ČTK that interest in cooling devices and mobile air conditioners has risen by about three times.