1. Construction of new flats in Czech Republic down 14.3% last year
(http://praguemonitor.com/2010/02/22/construction-new-flats-%C4%8Dr-down-143-last-year)

High-level overview of article:
Construction of 37,319 flats started in the Czech Republic in 2009, a year-on-year drop of 14.3 percent, the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) said Friday.

Our take:
We feel this should be a positive factor for property prices in 2010.


2. INTERVIEW: Komercni CEO Eyes Mortgage Growth, Slovak Buys
(http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100224-706343.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines)

High-level overview of article:
Czech retail bank Komercni Banka AS (BAAKOMB.PR) is sharply easing its criteria for mortgage lending to fuel an increase in market share, while also eyeing acquisitions in Slovakia, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer said.

Our take:
Good news on easing of mortgage lending requirements. Hopefully will include some easing for foreigners also.


3. Benchmark interest rate to rise to 3.5% by end-2012
(http://praguemonitor.com/2010/03/01/benchmark-interest-rate-rise-35-end-2012)

High-level overview of article:
The Czech National Bank (CNB) benchmark interest rate should get to a neutral level around 3.5 percent at the end of 2012, according to estimates of analysts of high-street bank Ceska sporitelna.

Our take:
We feel that this is on the conservative side. Lock in your mortgages if you have the chance and don’t plan to sell for 5 years.