V kraji, kde stát zadusil obří trh s byty, ho to dnes stojí miliardy

The article, published by Seznam Zprávy and authored by journalists Kateřina Mahdalová and Michal Škop, analyses the rental‑housing market in the Moravian‑Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. Using unique data from the Czech Labour Office on housing‑allowance claims and cadastral records, the report maps the extent to which state subsidies underpin the profitability of large private landlords, especially the Swedish firm Heimstaden.

In Havířov, 19 % of households rely on housing subsidies, the highest share in the region, followed by Karviná (16 %). Ostrava and Orlová each have about 11 % of households receiving the allowance, while Bohumín stands at 10 %. These figures are markedly above the national average. The visual map links larger dots and richer colours to higher total subsidy payouts and higher household‑share percentages.

Heimstaden dominates the market, owning roughly 11 000 flats in Havířov, about 7 000 in Karviná, nearly 2 500 in Frýdek‑Místek and approximately 14 000 in Ostrava – together one‑third of all rental flats in the city. Nationwide the company reports a portfolio of 42 471 units. The analysis distinguishes “small owners” (fewer than 20 flats) from “large owners” (20 or more flats), showing that a handful of large owners control the majority of rental stock.

The predominant business model extracts rent that is heavily offset by state housing allowances. While the allowances are intended for low‑income households, the majority of the subsidy money ultimately flows to landlords, reinforcing their profit margins. The report notes that without this state support, many tenants would struggle to meet the 30 % income‑to‑housing‑cost threshold that defines eligibility for the allowance.

Havířov mayor Josef Bělica (ANO) acknowledges that the market is effectively monopolised by Heimstanen, limiting tenant choice. Representatives of the Association of Rental Housing (ANB) argue that large landlords, including Heimstaden and CIB Rental, manage around 60 000 flats and claim compliance with ethical standards, though critics dispute this narrative.

Researchers Petr Kupka, Václav Walach and Alica Brendzová conclude that the current system generates substantial profit for landlords while imposing social costs, such as reduced housing affordability and increased strain on the state budget. The reliance on subsidies also creates a feedback loop: high rents drive demand for allowances, which in turn fund those rents.

The concentration of ownership and the subsidy‑driven profit model raise concerns for sustainable urban development. High‑density rental blocks owned by a few entities limit the flexibility needed for energy‑efficiency upgrades and community‑led housing initiatives. The report suggests that policy reforms addressing the link between state benefits and private profit could contribute to more equitable and environmentally responsible housing solutions.