Fixation period (doba fixace)
The fixation period (doba fixace) is how long the rate stays fixed: 1 to 10 years at Czech banks. In October 2026 the one-year fixation is the cheapest, because banks have raised prices most on the longer ones. When the fixation period ends, the bank offers a new rate and you decide whether to stay, refinance elsewhere or repay part of the debt without a fee.
Example
On a CZK 4,000,000 mortgage over 25 years fixed at 5.00 %, the payment is CZK 23,384. After 5 years about CZK 3,543,000 remains, to be repaid over 20 years. If the new rate is 5.80 %, the payment rises to CZK 24,976; at 4.43 % it falls to CZK 22,281. The gap between the two scenarios is more than CZK 2,600 a month.
In practice
In October 2026 the one-year fixation is the cheapest: 5.42 % on average, against 5.84 % for five years and 6.35 % for ten (Swiss Life Hypoindex, LTV up to 80 %). A shorter fixation keeps your options open: when it ends you can repay any part of the debt without penalty or move to another bank. A longer one shields your budget from rising rates, but repaying early outside the statutory exceptions costs up to 1 % of the amount repaid. Match the length to your plans. If you expect a larger sum in 2–3 years, for instance from selling another property, a 10-year fixation is the wrong choice.
How it differs
Rate fixation is the bank's commitment to hold the rate; the fixation period is how long that commitment lasts. The loan term, by contrast, is the whole time over which you repay the mortgage, such as 25 or 30 years, and several fixations follow one another within it. Refixation means agreeing a new rate once the previous fixation period has ended.
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