Well... It seems that it is possible to obtain the residence permit base on the fact you want to buy a real estate for living in. So you just need to go to the foreign police office with the future purchase agreement and request the residence permit. The residence permit it is granted in the same day.
The foreign police department in Prague is a chaos where nobody speaks English and where you will need to spend probably the whole morning waiting. In my case I went with a Czech speaking guy and it was easier.
About the real estate transfer tax. This tax is a flat rate of 3%. Registering the property in the cadastre or notary fees are very low.
Hythorn, if you had the opportunity to invest in 2004 and you didn't, I think you miss a good opportunity to do a good deal.
Any new development in P2 or P3 is around 80.000 up to 100.000 CZK/sqm.
And I can give you a few examples.
http://www.riegrovysady.cz -> sold out, it is not even finish and the prices are around 90.000 CZK/sqm
http://www.centralparkpraha.cz/. In Praha 3. Prices starting at 100.000 CZK/sqm
http://www.satpo.cz/cenik.aspx?p=1
http://www.korunnidvur.cz/. Same prices as mentioned below. Sekyra group is doing a new complex just next to it, they are not announcing prices on the web but the prices are
http://www.residenceprokopova.com. P3. Prices around 90.000 CZK/sqm
Replying to antob. Praha 2 – Vinohorady is the most desirable are for residential purposes in Prague. It is a well known area for expats community. This area is where you can get a higher rent but the prices are quite high. I don't think you will be able to find too many good opportunities in there.
In my opinion the best areas for investing at this moment are P4-Nusle, P7-Holesovice, P8-Karlin and P3-Zizkov. All those areas are the ones surrounding P1 and P2 and I see them with a higher potential of growth.
I am giving my opinion and experiences as a buyer. I am working in IT for a dutch company, I am from Spain. My company moved me here 2 years ago. I recently bought one apartment and I am planning to buy a second one and I just want to exchange opinions or experiences.