Serviced plot (plot with utility connections)

In property practice, a serviced plot (zasíťovaný pozemek) is a plot reached by utility networks, typically water, sewer and electricity, sometimes gas and internet, so that a house can be built without laying new mains. Czech law does not define the term and listings use it loosely. Before buying, find out what exactly it means for the particular plot.

Three different meanings

• the networks run along the street and the service connections still have to be built,
• end points are ready at the plot boundary, for example a water meter pit or an electricity meter pillar,
• the connections are finished all the way to the site of the future house.

The difference is also financial. Water and sewer connections are paid for by the customer unless agreed otherwise, and the connection belongs to whoever paid for it (Section 3 of Act No. 274/2001 Coll.). For electricity and gas, a share of the connection costs is also paid to the distributor.

How to find out what is really there

• the operators' statements on existing networks: where the networks run and on what terms you can connect,
• the regional digital technical map showing network positions,
• connection contracts and receipts for the connections from the seller,
• the route of the connections: if it crosses someone else's land, that owner's consent is needed, ideally secured by a servitude.

Frequently asked questions

Which utilities must a plot for a new house have?

The Water Act requires the builder to provide the building with water supply and drainage of waste water into a sewer. Where there is no sewer, waste water is treated and discharged, and a cesspit is allowed only where no other solution is technically feasible (Section 5(3) of the Water Act). Under the decree on building requirements, a residential building must be connected by an electronic communications connection or by physical infrastructure linking it to the street (Section 43(5) of Decree No. 146/2024 Coll.). Gas is not mandatory.

Who pays for the connections, buyer or seller?

It depends on the agreement. For a plot sold as serviced, the purchase contract should describe which connections are finished and paid for and what passes to the buyer.