Bezrealitky.cz Under Investigation by Czech Trade Inspection Authority

Forbes has reported that the marketplace Bezrealitky.cz is under investigation by Czech authorities after calls for an inquiry by agents. Agents have questioned Bezrealitky's 'Komfort' offer, which charges a 1.5% commission on a property's final selling price.

The Association of Real Estate Agencies called for the Czech Trade Inspection Authority to investigate whether the designation of the service as brokerage without a real estate agent and without commission misleads consumers. The nature of the fee is also being scrutinised for being a commission in all but name—while being advertised as commission-free.

The Association of Real Estate Agencies also argues that the portal is no longer operating as a portal, but as an agency.

Bezrealitky's Komfort offer evolves the business's role from an advertising portal to that of an agent. According to the company's website, Komfort replaces the agent for the majority of the sales process, including marketing strategy, marketing and visibility, property viewings, and legal services—all for a 1.5% cut of the selling price.

Pavel Skalský, who heads up the marketing for Komfort in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, said, "Sales Komfort is a full-fledged real estate brokerage. We will find you a buyer, prepare contracts and provide legal services."

Executive Director Hendrik Meyer said, "From our perspective, everything is fine. We communicate all our services completely clearly and transparently. There is no need to change anything [while we are under investigation]."