Why is the range of 15 to 700 thousand so wide
A smart home is not a single item. The same term covers everything from a Philips Hue bulb for 900 Kč to a complete KNX installation with ETS programming costing half a million. The price depends on four main variables:
- System. DIY (Shelly, Aqara, Home Assistant) versus professional (Loxone, KNX). The cost difference for the same flat can easily be 10 times higher.
- Scope. Just lighting? Or also shading, heating, security, audio, PV systems? Each layer adds tens of thousands of Kč.
- Phase of the building. New builds or renovations with exposed channels are cheaper than retrofitting a finished flat.
- Quality of the final appearance. Standard switch versus premium Gira E2 or Basalte: a difference of 3 to 8 times per unit.
Three budget levels with real figures follow, then three specific scenarios from Prague and the surrounding area.
Level 1: DIY minimal: 15-40 thousand Kč
The aim is to extend an existing flat with basic smart functions without cutting into walls. Typically for a rented or owner-occupied flat where no renovation is planned.
What You Get
- Smart lighting (Philips Hue or IKEA Tradfri, 8 - 15 lights): 8 - 14 thousand Kč
- Smart sockets and Shelly relays (5-10 pcs): 3-6 thousand Kč
- Shelly TRV radiator valves (4 pcs): 4 - 6 thousand Kč
- Sensors (motion, windows, humidity): 1,500-3,000 Kč
- Home Assistant server (Raspberry Pi or HA Green): 4,000-9,000 Kč
- Zigbee / Z-Wave USB stick: 1 - 1,6 thousand Kč
The pitfalls of this level
You configure everything yourself. You typically do not need an installer, only occasionally an electrician to replace a few relays in the distribution board. If something stops working, you are on your own. This level of control makes sense mainly for technically proficient usersthose who enjoy experimenting and have time for fine-tuning.
Level 2: Professional Standard: 150-350 thousand Kč
Complete installation of Loxone or the more affordable KNX variant in an apartment or small house, typically during renovation or new construction. Work is carried out by a certified partner, including programming and warranty.
What You Get
- Control unit (Loxone Miniserver or KNX IP router): 18 - 30 thousand Kč
- Complete lighting with dimming (12-25 circuits): 45,000-90,000 Kč
- Motorised shading (blinds / roller shutters, 6 - 12 units): 30 - 70 thousand Kč
- Equithermal heating control + TRVs or zone valves: 20 - 45 thousand Kč
- Basic security (PIR, window magnets, siren): 15-30 thousand Kč
- Loxone Touch or KNX switches (10-16 units): 18-45 thousand Kč
- Programming, commissioning, user training: 20 - 40 thousand Kč
Level 3: Premium: 400 thousand Kč+
Detached house or large apartment with full integration of all layers including multimedia, PV systems, entry systems and premium design switches.
What You Get
- KNX backbone with premium Gira, JUNG LS, and Basalte switches (15-25 units): 80-160 thousand Kč
- Multi-room audio (Sonos or integrated amplifier in 5-7 zones): 60-140 thousand Kč
- PV system integration (GoodWe, Solax, Victron) with consumption optimisation: 25 - 60 thousand Kč
- Video intercom with Loxone Intercom or DoorBird: 25,000-50,000 Kč
- NFC/fingerprint access, electric lock: 15 - 35 thousand Kč
- Air conditioning integrated into a system (Daikin, Mitsubishi): 10 - 20 thousand Kč extra on top of the price of AC units
- Programming and integration (ETS + Home Assistant hybrid): 80 - 180 thousand Kč
Scenario 1: Jan, 70 m² flat in Prague 5, budget 180 thousand Kč
2-bedroom flat, renovation, Loxone standard
Jan is an IT manager, 34 years old, who has bought his parents' flat and is carrying out a complete renovation. He wants smart lighting, blinds, heating and basic security. He does not want to manage Home Assistant himself, time is scarce.
Budget by item
- Loxone Miniserver Gen. 2 + power supply: 21,000 Kč
- Dimmer Extension + Relay Extension: 18 500 Kč
- Lighting (9 circuits, LED strips + spotlights): 38 000 Kč
- Motorised Somfy shutters (4 windows): 32 000 Kč
- Equithermal underfloor heating control (4 zones): 22 000 Kč
- Loxone Touch switches (7 pcs): 14,700 Kč
- PIR sensors + magnets (5 windows): 8 200 Kč
- Plumbing work + programming + 24-month warranty: 24,000 Kč
Jan chose Loxone for its single app and single supplier. He decided to install the PV system only after 3 years, so he is currently without Home Assistant. The total price includes the warranty and two free service visits.
Scenario 2: The Novák family, detached house 180 m², Prague-west, budget 420 thousand Kč
Detached house, new build, Loxone + PV system + audio
The Novák family is building a house for themselves and their two children. They want the home to be "smart", featuring a PV system, heating via a heat pump, multi-room audio and pleasant lighting scenes. Reliability comes first.
Budget by item
- Loxone Miniserver + 3× Tree Extension: 42 000 Kč
- Lighting (18 circuits + 4× RGBW): 85 000 Kč
- Shading (external shutters, 8 windows): 64 000 Kč
- Heating HP + underfloor heating (6 zones) integration: 38 000 Kč
- Security (PIR, cameras, magnets, siren, GSM): 46 000 Kč
- Multi-room audio Loxone (4 zones + subwoofer): 52 000 Kč
- PV system 10 kWp with consumption optimisation (Solax integration): 28 000 Kč (integration only; PV system itself approx. 320,000 Kč)
- Loxone intercom at the door + electric lock: 18 000 Kč
- Switches, sensors, cabling, distribution board: 28 500 Kč
- Programming, commissioning, user training, 24-month warranty: 16 700 Kč
The Nováks paid an additional cca 5,000 Kč annually for a service contract (updates, remote diagnostics, two visits per year). The PV system integration saved them over 11,000 Kč on electricity in real terms after 14 months compared to a non-optimised installation.
Scenario 3: Startup, 300 m² office in Prague 1, budget 650 thousand Kč
Office in the historic centre, KNX multi-vendor
Fintech startup with 25 employees, featuring an open-plan office plus 4 meeting rooms and support areas. Requirements: premium finish (Gira E2 stainless steel), NFC access, automated air conditioning, and integrated audio system for calls.
Budget by item
- KNX IP router + power supply + backbone line: 32 000 Kč
- KNX DALI lighting gateway + 32 circuits (DALI ballasts): 155 000 Kč
- Motorised blinds (14 large windows): 88 000 Kč
- Daikin VRV air conditioning + KNX gateway: 62 000 Kč (integration; AC separately)
- NFC access system + Code Touch (4 inputs): 46 000 Kč
- Gira E2 stainless steel switches (22 pcs): 74 000 Kč
- Multi-room audio for meeting rooms + podcast stage: 68 000 Kč
- Axis camera system (6 cameras) with KNX integration: 58 000 Kč
- ETS programming + Home Assistant hybrid dashboard: 48 000 Kč
- Inspection, documentation, IT administrator training, 24-month warranty: 17 900 Kč
The office uses KNX precisely because of its multi-vendor nature: the startup has a long-term interest in not being dependent on a single supplier, and for the property it plans to lease for 5 - 7 years. KNX is a more universal argument for a future buyer/tenant than a proprietary system.
Hidden costs that are often overlooked
The purchase price from the quote is only half of the actual budget. The following items are usually not included and amount to tens of thousands annually:
- Programming beyond basic settings: Once you remember after taking delivery that you need another scene or new automation, the service rate is 1 500 - 2 500 Kč/h. Typically 3 - 8 hours per year = 5 - 20 thousand Kč/year.
- Annual electrical inspection: for systems with a large number of components 4 000 - 8 000 Kč, usually mandatory.
- Service contract: For Loxone or KNX systems, typically 5 000 - 15 000 Kč per year (updates, remote diagnostics, 1 - 2 visits).
- Future expansion: Example, adding three switches in Loxone: 8-15 thousand Kč including service visit, programming and inspection.
- Licensing fees: KNX nothing, Loxone nothing (free app), Home Assistant optionally with Nabu Casa Cloud at approximately 2 000 Kč/year.
- Hardware replacement after 8-12 years: The first generation of modules is gradually being discontinued. Expect to replace approximately 10-20% of the modules over the building's lifetime.
- Internet connection: For a smart home, you need reliability. If your Wi-Fi barely reaches the kitchen, budget 8-25 thousand Kč for a quality network (UniFi, MikroTik, TP-Link Omada).
Comparison with conventional electrical installation
A common question is: "How much more does it cost compared to ordinary electricity?" For a 70 m² flat in Prague, the comparison looks like this:
| Item | Classic electrical work | Smart Home (Loxone standard) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution board + circuit breakers | 18 000 Kč | 24 000 Kč | +6 000 |
| Wiring and electrician work | 42 000 Kč | 58 000 Kč | +16 000 |
| Switches and sockets | 12 000 Kč (Legrand Valena) | 18 500 Kč (Loxone Touch) | +6 500 |
| Control unit + modules | - | 42 000 Kč | +42 000 |
| Lighting (incandescent bulbs, LED strips) | 14 000 Kč | 16 000 Kč | +2 000 |
| Motorised shutters | - (manual) | 28 000 Kč | +28 000 |
| Programming and commissioning | - | 15 000 Kč | +15 000 |
| Inspection | 3 500 Kč | 4 500 Kč | +1 000 |
| Total | ~89 500 Kč | ~206 000 Kč | +116 500 Kč |
The difference comes to approximately 115 - 130 thousand Kč for comfort + reliability + estimated annual energy savings of 10 - 18 % (typically 6 - 12 thousand Kč per year for a flat in Prague with a heat pump or gas boiler).
If you live in the house for 15 years and save an average of 8 thousand Kč per year, that amounts to 120 thousand Kč in savings. The investment therefore within a realistic timeframe of 12 to 15 years, it will pay for itself., but the main reason for a smart home is usually comfort, not economics. Comfort and savings go hand in hand, but savings alone are difficult to justify.
Conclusion: setting a realistic budget
Summary for quick orientation when planning:
- Apartment 50 - 80 m² in Prague, DIY approach: 15 - 40 thousand Kč initial setup, 2 - 4 thousand Kč annually for expansion
- Apartment 70 - 100 m², Loxone or KNX standard: 150 - 280 thousand Kč + 8 - 15 thousand Kč per year
- Detached house 150 - 200 m², Loxone + PV system + audio: 350,000-500,000 Kč + 15,000-25,000 Kč per year
- Detached house 200+ m², KNX premium, designer switches: 500 - 900 thousand Kč + 20 - 40 thousand Kč per year
- Commercial premises: 1 800 - 3 200 Kč / m² of installation area, depending on the scope
The worst combination is low budget + high expectations. If you have 80 thousand available and want a "complete smart home", you will either encounter half-hearted DIY or disappointment. It is better to invest 25 thousand in a quality foundation (Home Assistant + Shelly) and expand gradually than to pay 80 thousand for a compromised Loxone light that satisfies no one.
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Request a quotationRelated articles: Home Assistant vs Loxone vs KNX: System Comparison 2026 · Overview of systems we work with · For detailed information on Loxone installations we also recommend loxone-installation.cz.