Parcel area

Under Section 2 of the Czech Cadastral Act, the výměra (area) of a parcel is the area of its projection onto the map plane, rounded to whole square metres. It follows from the geometric definition of the plot, i.e. its boundaries in the cadastral map. It is recorded with the accuracy of the method used to determine it, and refining it does not change anyone's rights to the land.

How to read it

For every parcel the register also records a code for how the area was determined (Section 10 of Decree No. 357/2013 Coll.):

• code 2: calculated from S-JTSK coordinates of boundary points with quality code 3 or 4, i.e. from a precise survey,
• code 1: from directly measured dimensions or coordinates in a local system,
• code 0: determined graphically from a map or from coordinates where at least one point has lower quality (code 5 to 8).

According to ČÚZK, the method is shown on the land register extract and in the parcel details in the online viewer Nahlížení do KN; code 0 usually appears as “Graficky nebo v digitalizované mapě” (graphically or in a digitised map).

What it means for a buyer

The data the law declares binding for legal transactions (Section 51) are the parcel number and its geometric definition, not the area figure. What is sold is the plot within the boundaries recorded in the register. Where the area was taken graphically from old maps, the real area may differ, because, according to ČÚZK, even the boundaries can be off by metres. The area can only be refined after the boundary itself is refined on the basis of a survey plan (see boundary accuracy).

Example

As an illustration: a listing gives a plot of 1,200 m². The title sheet (LV) shows three parcels of 820 m², 310 m² and 95 m², 1,225 m² in total. The 25 m² difference may come from rounding in the listing, a parcel not included in the offer or older data. It is a question for the agent, not proof of an error.

Frequently asked questions

Does a refined area change ownership?

No. Refining the area does not affect rights to the land (Section 2(g) of the Cadastral Act). The refined area is entered on the basis of a survey plan and then replaces the original figure in the register (Section 49 of the Cadastral Act).

Can the area be checked by measuring?

Yes. A licensed surveyor can survey or stake out the boundaries and compare the result with the register. The accuracy of staking out is, however, limited by the accuracy of the existing register data.