Land and the cadastre

Cadastral area (katastrální území)

In Czech: Katastrální území

A cadastral area (katastrální území) is a defined part of a municipality's territory in which the Czech land register numbers its parcels. A plot is identified uniquely only by its parcel number together with its cadastral area.

Also called: k. ú., cadastral district, cadastral unit

What it means

The cadastral area, in Czech katastrální území and abbreviated k. ú., is the basic territorial unit into which the Czech land register (katastr nemovitostí) is divided. Each has a name and a numeric code and often corresponds to a historic village, settlement or part of a town. Parcels are numbered separately within each cadastral area, so the same parcel number can appear again in the next village.

A cadastral area does not have to match the municipality or the place name used in a listing. One municipality can contain several cadastral areas, large cities have dozens, and their borders need not follow city districts or local names.

How it works in the Czech Republic

When you search the land register, for instance in the ČÚZK service Nahlížení do katastru nemovitostí, you first choose the municipality and the cadastral area, and only then enter the parcel, building or unit number. The purchase contract and the application for entry (návrh na vklad) use the same data: the property is described by its parcel number, or building or unit number, and the name of the cadastral area.

The transfer itself depends on this. Ownership of registered property passes only on entry in the register, and if the contract names the wrong cadastral area, the office cannot identify the property clearly and the entry may be delayed or complicated.

Practical example

For example, a listing offers a plot in Prague described simply as Újezd. Prague, however, has both the cadastral area Újezd u Průhonic and the cadastral area Újezd nad Lesy, in different parts of the city. If you pick the wrong one in Nahlížení do katastru nemovitostí, the same number leads you to a completely different parcel with a different owner.

What to watch out for

  • When searching the land register, always check that you have the right cadastral area, not just the right town.
  • Make sure the cadastral area named in the reservation and purchase contracts matches the land register extract.
  • Do not rely on the place name in the listing; it is often a marketing name or a city district.
  • Find out which municipality the cadastral area belongs to; that is where you look for the zoning plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cadastral area the same as a municipality?

No. A municipality can have one or several cadastral areas, and their borders may not match city districts or local names.

Why do two different plots have the same number?

Parcels are numbered separately in each cadastral area. Only the pair of parcel number and cadastral area is unique.

Where can I find a property's cadastral area?

On a land register extract or in Nahlížení do katastru nemovitostí, where it is shown for every parcel and building. You can also ask the seller for the title deed (list vlastnictví).

  • Land register (katastr nemovitostí)The land register (katastr nemovitostí) is the Czech public register of land, buildings and units and of the rights attached to them, such as ownership, mortgages and easements. It is run by ČÚZK through regional cadastral offices.
  • Parcel number (parcelní číslo)A parcel number (parcelní číslo) is the number under which the Czech land register records a specific plot within a cadastral area. There are building parcels marked st. and land parcels, often split with a slash, such as 512/3.
  • Title deed (list vlastnictví)A title deed (list vlastnictví, LV) is the land register sheet that shows, for one cadastral area, who owns which properties and what burdens them, such as mortgages, easements or a pending change of ownership.
  • Zoning plan (územní plán)A zoning plan (územní plán) is a municipality's main planning document. It sets where building is allowed, what each area may be used for and which conditions apply to development, so it is worth checking before buying land or a house.
  • Purchase agreement (kupní smlouva)A purchase agreement (kupní smlouva) is the written contract in which the seller undertakes to transfer ownership of a property to the buyer and the buyer undertakes to pay the price. Ownership passes only on entry into the land register.

Sources

Laws and official pages this text is based on (in Czech).

This text is for information only and has not yet been checked by a legal or financial expert. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify important details in the listed sources or with a professional.

Updated 25 October 2026

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