The law firm HAVEL & PARTNERS has provided legal advice to the real estate company Ownest and its investor, European Housing Services, offering unique rent-to-own services in the Czech market, in connection with the entry of a new investor, ČSOB, one of the leading banks active in the Czech Republic.

The HAVEL & PARTNERS advisory team, led by partner Petr Dohnal, included managing associate Josef Bouchal and junior associate Anna Gloserová. The legal advice primarily involved negotiating the investment documentation terms and ensuring the smooth entry of the new investor into the company. Competition law aspects were handled by the firm’s competition law experts – partner Lenka Štiková Gachová, counsel Roman Světnický, and senior associate Martin Rott. 

This transaction marks the first entry of a banking entity into a company offering rent-to-own services in the Czech market. The essence of these services allows customers to first rent a property and then purchase it at a predetermined price. This model particularly benefits young people, enabling them to acquire their dream homes even if they have not yet qualified for a mortgage loan.

The transaction was finalized this September, following the necessary clearance from the Office for the Protection of Competition.