A one-room flat (1+kk) as your first home of your own: who it suits
A one-room flat (1+kk) is ideal as a first home of your own for individuals who want low, easy-to-follow costs without much upkeep. It suits young people starting out, students, people working from home and retired people alike. Around 22 m² is enough to live comfortably when you plan the space well.
What a 1+kk flat is
A 1+kk flat is one living room with a kitchenette, plus a bathroom. The kk stands for kuchyňský kout, a kitchen corner, meaning that cooking is part of the living space rather than a separate kitchen. It is the smallest complete flat and, at the same time, the most affordable way to have a home of your own.
Compactness is its main advantage. A smaller floor area means lower rent, lower energy costs and less cleaning and maintenance to worry about. For one person or a couple, it is the ideal compromise between privacy and low costs.
Who a 1+kk suits
A small flat suits above all those who live alone or as a couple and do not need a lot of space:
- Young people starting out: a first home after moving out of the parental home, at a sensible cost.
- Students and commuters: a base of your own close to school or work.
- People working from home: a quiet place where living and working fit together.
- Retired people: an easy-to-maintain flat with no wasted space.
- People moving for work: practical housing in a new town.
All these groups have one thing in common: they do not need a lot of space and they appreciate low, transparent costs. A small flat gives them a base of their own without unnecessary extra expense.
The advantages of a small flat
Living in a 1+kk brings several practical advantages:
| Advantage | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lower rent | Smaller floor area, more affordable price |
| Lower costs | Less energy for heating and running the flat |
| Easy upkeep | Quick cleaning, fewer worries |
| Predictability | Clear monthly outgoings |
In Rezidence Pelikán, utilities are part of a single advance payment, so you deal with one bill instead of several supplier contracts, which is especially handy for a first home of your own. A smaller flat is also easier to keep tidy, which anyone with a busy schedule will appreciate.
How to furnish 22 m²
On a smaller floor area, a clever layout is what counts. With a few principles, the flat will feel spacious and practical:
- Go for multi-purpose furniture, such as a sofa bed for both sleeping and sitting.
- Use the height of the room and shelves above eye level.
- Choose light colours, which make the space look bigger.
- Stick to the principle that less is more and do not pile up things you do not need.
The flats in Rezidence Pelikán are partly furnished and include a new kitchen unit with MORA appliances. For an extra CZK 750 a month, the flat can be fitted out with a 140 cm wide sofa bed with a quality mattress and a wardrobe. And because the kitchen and bathroom are ready, you only need to think about furnishing the living area.
How much a first home costs
For your budget, the key figure is the total monthly amount, not just the rent. In Rezidence Pelikán the model looks like this:
| Item | 1 person | 2 people |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | CZK 7,900 | CZK 7,900 |
| Fees incl. utilities | CZK 3,600 | CZK 4,400 |
| Total per month | CZK 11,500 | CZK 12,300 |
On top of that there is a one-off refundable deposit of CZK 10,000. There is no estate agent's commission, which brings the initial costs down further. For someone striking out on their own, it is a clear start without a big upfront investment. You know in advance how much you will pay each month, you do not have to put down large advance payments for utilities, and you can keep your budget in check even on a first salary.
Practical tips for your first home
A first home of your own also means new responsibilities. Besides the rent, you look after the day-to-day running of the flat, minor maintenance and the budget. With a few good habits, though, you can manage the start without stress.
- Draw up a monthly budget and allow for rent, fees and everyday expenses.
- When you take over the flat, draw up a handover report and check the appliances.
- Find out where the water stopcocks and circuit breakers are in case of a fault.
- Buy furnishings gradually, starting with what you really need.
The advantage of a flat where utilities are covered by one advance payment is a single bill instead of several supplier contracts. In Rezidence Pelikán, there is also no need to worry about transferring utility contracts, because electricity, water and heating are all in one payment. For a first home, it is one of the simplest ways to keep your costs under control.