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Poland's rental market offers strong investment opportunities with average apartment rents ranging from 800 zł in Łódź to 6,000 zł for premium Warsaw properties as of mid-2025.
The Polish residential rental market has experienced significant growth, with rents increasing 66.4% over the past five years and rental yields reaching 4-7% across major cities. Warsaw commands the highest rents at 2,909 zł for city-center one-bedroom apartments, while Kraków offers the best rental yields at 6.5% gross returns. Total monthly costs including utilities and fees typically add 500-900 zł to base rent prices, making careful budgeting essential for both tenants and investors.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Poland, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
As we reach mid-2025, Poland's rental market shows robust growth with Warsaw leading at 2,909 zł average rent for city-center apartments.
Rental yields range from 4.0% in Warsaw to 6.5% in Kraków, while total monthly costs including utilities add 500-900 zł to base rent prices.
| City | Studio Rent (zł) | 1-Bedroom Rent (zł) | 2-Bedroom Rent (zł) | 3-Bedroom Rent (zł) | Gross Rental Yield | Net Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 1,500-3,000 | 2,000-4,300 | 3,500-5,000 | 4,500-6,000 | 5.2% | 4.0-4.5% |
| Kraków | 1,100-2,500 | 1,800-3,200 | 2,500-4,000 | 3,500-5,000 | 6.5% | 5.2-5.8% |
| Gdańsk | 1,100-2,000 | 1,600-2,800 | 2,300-3,500 | 3,000-4,500 | 5.8% | 4.5-5.0% |
| Wrocław | 1,200-2,200 | 1,800-3,000 | 2,500-3,800 | 3,300-4,800 | 6.1% | 4.8% |
| Łódź | 800-1,600 | 1,400-2,500 | 2,000-3,000 | 3,000-4,000 | 5.8% | 4.5-5.0% |
What's the current average rent for an apartment in Poland?
The average apartment rent in Poland varies significantly by location, with Warsaw commanding the highest prices at an average of 2,909 zł for a city-center one-bedroom apartment as of June 2025.
Across Poland's major cities, studio apartments range from 800 zł in Łódź to 3,000 zł in prime Warsaw locations. One-bedroom apartments typically cost between 1,400 zł in smaller cities and 4,300 zł in Warsaw's city center. Two-bedroom units range from 2,000 zł in Łódź to 5,000 zł in Warsaw, while three-bedroom apartments can reach up to 6,000 zł in premium Warsaw locations.
The Polish rental market has experienced substantial growth, with rents increasing 66.4% nationally over the past five years. This growth is driven by a housing deficit of 1.5 million units, low unemployment rates, and steady wage growth across the country.
Regional differences are pronounced, with Warsaw leading the market due to its status as the economic capital and major business hub. Kraków and Wrocław represent mid-tier markets, while cities like Łódź offer more affordable options for both renters and investors.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
How does average rent vary by city and region across Poland?
Warsaw dominates Poland's rental market with the highest prices across all property types, reflecting its position as the country's economic and political center.
| City | Studio (zł) | 1-Bedroom (zł) | 2-Bedroom (zł) | 3-Bedroom (zł) | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 1,500-3,000 | 2,000-4,300 | 3,500-5,000 | 4,500-6,000 | Premium Market Leader |
| Kraków | 1,100-2,500 | 1,800-3,200 | 2,500-4,000 | 3,500-5,000 | High-Demand Tourist Hub |
| Gdańsk | 1,100-2,000 | 1,600-2,800 | 2,300-3,500 | 3,000-4,500 | Growing Coastal Market |
| Wrocław | 1,200-2,200 | 1,800-3,000 | 2,500-3,800 | 3,300-4,800 | Strong Tech Hub |
| Łódź | 800-1,600 | 1,400-2,500 | 2,000-3,000 | 3,000-4,000 | Most Affordable Major City |
Kraków commands premium prices due to its tourism appeal, UNESCO World Heritage status, and strong university presence. The city attracts international students, tourists, and young professionals, maintaining consistently high rental demand.
Wrocław and Gdańsk represent mid-tier markets with growing tech sectors and improving infrastructure. These cities offer better value for money while still providing strong rental yields for investors.
Łódź emerges as the most affordable major city, offering entry-level investment opportunities with gross rental yields reaching 5.8%. The city benefits from its central location and ongoing urban regeneration projects.
What are average rental prices by apartment type and size?
Apartment rental prices in Poland correlate directly with size and property type, with newly renovated units commanding premium prices across all categories.
Studio apartments (15-35 m²) range from 800 zł for basic units in Łódź to 3,000 zł for luxury renovated studios in Warsaw's city center. These properties typically target young professionals, students, and short-term renters seeking affordable city-center locations.
One-bedroom apartments (30-40 m²) represent the most popular rental category, with prices ranging from 1,400 zł outside major city centers to 4,300 zł in prime Warsaw locations. These units attract young couples, expatriates, and professionals preferring separate bedroom space.
Two-bedroom apartments (50-70 m²) cater to small families and professionals needing home office space, with rents spanning from 2,000 zł in regional cities to 5,000 zł in Warsaw's premium districts. This category has seen increased demand due to remote work trends.
Three-bedroom apartments (70+ m²) serve larger families and affluent renters, commanding rents from 3,000 zł in smaller cities to 6,000 zł in Warsaw's most desirable neighborhoods. These properties often include modern amenities and premium finishes.
Property condition significantly impacts rental prices, with newly renovated units commanding 20-30% premiums over older, unrefurbished apartments in the same areas.
How do total monthly costs break down including utilities and fees?
Total monthly housing costs in Poland extend well beyond base rent, with additional expenses typically adding 500-900 zł to monthly payments.
Utility costs form the largest additional expense, averaging 300-500 zł monthly for electricity, heating, water, and waste collection. Heating costs vary seasonally, with winter months potentially pushing utility bills toward the higher end of this range, particularly in older buildings with less efficient heating systems.
Internet and mobile services add approximately 96 zł monthly, including 60-80 zł for high-speed internet (60+ Mbps) and 36 zł for standard mobile plans with adequate data allowances for most users.
Building administrative fees range from 150-300 zł monthly, covering maintenance, cleaning of common areas, security services, and building management. Premium buildings with concierge services and advanced amenities typically charge fees at the higher end of this range.
Additional costs may include parking fees (100-200 zł monthly in city centers), insurance premiums (30-50 zł monthly), and potential property management fees for furnished rentals. These supplementary costs can add another 200-400 zł to monthly expenses.
Tenants should budget approximately 20-25% above advertised rent prices to cover all monthly housing-related expenses in Poland's major cities.
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What are typical mortgage costs for investment properties and their impact on returns?
Investment property mortgage costs in Poland currently range from 5.25% to 7.5% for variable and fixed-rate loans as of June 2025, significantly impacting net rental yields for property investors.
A typical investment scenario involves a 500,000 zł mortgage over 25 years at 6% interest, resulting in monthly payments of approximately 3,200-4,000 zł. This mortgage cost must be weighed against rental income to determine cash flow viability for investment properties.
Polish banks typically require 20-30% down payments for investment properties, with stricter lending criteria compared to owner-occupied purchases. Investors must demonstrate sufficient income to cover mortgage payments even during vacancy periods.
The current high interest rate environment has compressed net rental yields, making cash purchases more attractive than leveraged investments in many cases. Properties generating 3,000 zł monthly rent against 3,500 zł mortgage payments create negative cash flow scenarios requiring additional capital injection.
Mortgage interest payments are tax-deductible for rental properties, providing some relief for investors. However, the current rate environment means only properties with gross rental yields above 7% typically generate positive cash flow when mortgaged.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are current gross and net rental yields by city and property type?
Rental yields in Poland vary significantly by location and property type, with Kraków leading at 6.5% gross yields and smaller cities like Radom offering even higher returns at 7.5%.
| City | Gross Rental Yield | Net Rental Yield | Property Type Performance | Investment Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraków | 6.5% | 5.2-5.8% | Studios and 1-beds excel | High (tourism + students) |
| Łódź | 5.8% | 4.5-5.0% | All types competitive | Good value entry point |
| Wrocław | 6.1% | 4.8% | Tech worker demand | Growing market |
| Warsaw | 5.2% | 4.0-4.5% | Premium locations best | Capital appreciation focus |
| Radom | 7.5% | 6.0-6.5% | Value-add opportunities | High yield specialist |
Net rental yields account for taxes (8.5% on rental income), property management costs (approximately 10% of rental income), insurance premiums (0.1% of property value), and maintenance expenses. These costs typically reduce gross yields by 1.5-2 percentage points.
Kraków offers the best combination of yield and stability, benefiting from tourism demand, university students, and tax-free rental incentives for certain property types. The city's UNESCO status and cultural appeal maintain consistent rental demand throughout the year.
Warsaw provides lower yields but stronger capital appreciation potential, making it suitable for investors prioritizing long-term property value growth over immediate cash flow returns. Premium city-center locations offer the best risk-adjusted returns in the capital.
Smaller cities like Radom present opportunities for yield-focused investors willing to accept higher vacancy risks in exchange for superior cash returns on invested capital.
How have rental prices and yields changed over recent years?
Poland's rental market has experienced dramatic growth, with rents increasing 66.4% nationally between 2020 and 2025, representing one of Europe's strongest rental price appreciation periods.
The 2024-2025 period showed particularly strong momentum, with rents growing 8% in 2025 following similar increases in 2024. Industry forecasts predict continued growth of 10% annually through 2026-2027, driven by persistent housing shortages and strong economic fundamentals.
Property values have increased even more dramatically, rising 18% year-over-year in Q1 2024, with Kraków leading at 27.7% appreciation. This rapid price growth has compressed rental yields despite rising rents, as purchase prices have outpaced rental increases.
Historical yield trends show gradual compression from 2020 peaks, when lower property prices combined with stable rents created more attractive yield environments. Current yields remain healthy by European standards but require careful market selection for optimal returns.
The primary growth drivers include Poland's housing deficit of 1.5 million units, low unemployment rates, steady wage growth, and increasing urbanization as younger populations migrate to major cities for employment opportunities.
Compared to five years ago, investors now require larger capital investments to achieve similar yield profiles, but benefit from stronger rental growth prospects and improved market liquidity in major cities.
What are short and long-term forecasts for rental income and property values?
Poland's rental market forecasts remain strongly positive through 2035, with rental income growth expected to continue at 8-10% annually through 2027 before moderating to sustainable long-term rates.
One-year forecasts (2025-2026) predict 10% rental growth driven by continued housing shortages, wage increases, and urbanization trends. This growth will be particularly pronounced in Warsaw, Kraków, and emerging tech hubs like Wrocław and Gdańsk.
Five-year projections (2025-2030) anticipate cumulative rental growth of 45-60%, with property values expected to increase 40-55% over the same period. These projections assume continued economic stability, EU membership benefits, and infrastructure improvements.
Ten-year outlook (2025-2035) suggests rental income doubling in major cities, with property values potentially increasing 80-120% based on historical European urbanization patterns and Poland's continued economic convergence with Western Europe.
Key growth catalysts include Poland's demographic transition, continued EU infrastructure investment, corporate relocations from Western Europe seeking cost advantages, and the country's growing reputation as a technology and business services hub.
Risk factors that could moderate growth include potential EU economic downturns, demographic changes as Poland's population ages, and possible oversupply in certain market segments if construction accelerates significantly.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Poland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What are vacancy rates and typical time on market for rental properties?
Vacancy rates in Poland's rental market remain relatively low for residential properties, though comprehensive city-specific data is limited compared to commercial office market statistics.
Available office market data indicates significant regional variations, with Szczecin showing 8% vacancy rates while Łódź reaches 22.3% for commercial properties. Residential vacancy rates typically run lower than office markets, suggesting single-digit vacancy rates in most major cities.
Time on market for well-priced rental properties in prime locations typically ranges from 2-4 weeks in Warsaw and Kraków, while secondary cities may require 4-8 weeks to secure tenants. Properties priced above market rates or in less desirable locations can remain vacant for 2-3 months.
Seasonal patterns affect vacancy rates, with higher demand during September-October (university students) and spring months (corporate relocations), while summer months often see increased availability as tenants relocate or travel.
The current housing shortage environment keeps vacancy rates suppressed, particularly for properly priced units in good condition. Landlords with realistic pricing expectations and well-maintained properties experience minimal vacancy periods.
Property management quality significantly impacts vacancy duration, with professional management companies typically achieving faster tenant placement through superior marketing, tenant screening, and property presentation compared to individual landlords.
Who are typical renters and what do they look for?
Poland's rental market serves diverse tenant demographics, each with specific requirements and budget parameters that shape rental demand patterns.
University students represent a significant segment, typically seeking shared accommodations or studios near campus areas, with budgets ranging from 600-1,000 zł for shared rooms. This demographic prioritizes proximity to universities, public transportation access, and affordable pricing over luxury amenities.
Young professionals, including domestic graduates and international expatriates, typically rent studios or one-bedroom apartments in city centers, budgeting 1,500-3,000 zł monthly. They value modern amenities, internet connectivity, proximity to business districts, and efficient public transportation links.
Expatriate families and corporate relocations seek two or three-bedroom apartments with modern furnishings, international school access, and established expatriate communities. Their budgets often exceed 3,500 zł monthly, and they prioritize quality over cost considerations.
Remote workers and digital nomads increasingly seek properties with dedicated office spaces, reliable high-speed internet, and flexible lease terms. This growing segment has boosted demand for two-bedroom apartments where one room serves as a home office.
Polish families typically rent during transition periods (relocation, divorce, temporary assignments) and prefer unfurnished properties in residential neighborhoods with good schools and family amenities. Their rental periods tend to be longer and more stable than other segments.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are the best rental investment strategies for 2025?
Long-term rental strategies dominate Poland's investment landscape, offering stability and consistent cash flow with gross yields of 4-7% depending on location and property type.
Focus on Kraków and Łódź for optimal yield-to-risk ratios, where 6.5% and 5.8% gross yields respectively provide attractive returns while maintaining relatively stable tenant demand from students, professionals, and tourists.
Short-term rentals (Airbnb) present opportunities in Kraków and Warsaw due to tourism appeal, but face increasing regulatory scrutiny and higher management requirements. Successful short-term rental operations require properties in prime tourist areas with professional management and strong online presence.
Value-add strategies work particularly well in emerging cities like Radom and Szczecin, where renovating older properties can achieve gross yields exceeding 7%. This approach requires local market knowledge and reliable contractor networks but offers superior returns for hands-on investors.
Mixed-use strategies combining long-term and short-term rentals allow optimization based on seasonal demand patterns. Properties suitable for both markets provide flexibility to maximize income while maintaining tenant stability during slower tourism periods.
Target studio and one-bedroom apartments in city centers for professional tenants, or three-bedroom properties in established neighborhoods for family renters seeking longer-term stability and lower turnover rates.
What are sample rent ranges and returns for different property profiles?
Investment returns in Poland vary significantly based on property type, location, and investment strategy, with careful selection enabling attractive risk-adjusted returns.
| Property Profile | Monthly Rent (zł) | Purchase Price (zł) | Gross Yield | Net Yield | Investment Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40m² Studio Warsaw | 2,500 | 550,000 | 5.5% | 4.0% | Young professionals |
| 60m² 2-Bed Kraków | 3,000 | 500,000 | 7.2% | 5.8% | Students + tourists |
| 80m² 3-Bed Wrocław | 3,300 | 650,000 | 6.1% | 4.8% | Tech families |
| 50m² 1-Bed Łódź | 2,200 | 350,000 | 7.5% | 6.0% | Value investment |
| 45m² Studio Gdańsk | 1,800 | 380,000 | 5.7% | 4.5% | Coastal appeal |
Net yield calculations assume 10% property management costs, 8.5% income tax, 0.1% insurance, and additional maintenance expenses. Actual returns may vary based on property condition, tenant quality, and market timing.
The Kraków two-bedroom profile offers optimal yield-to-stability ratio, benefiting from strong tourist demand, university students, and relatively affordable purchase prices compared to Warsaw. This property type consistently achieves high occupancy rates throughout the year.
Warsaw studios provide capital appreciation potential with moderate yields, suitable for investors prioritizing long-term property value growth over immediate cash flow generation.
Łódź represents the best pure yield opportunity, offering 6% net returns for investors comfortable with emerging market dynamics and potentially longer vacancy periods.
Wrocław properties balance yield and growth potential, benefiting from the city's expanding technology sector and improving infrastructure investments.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Poland's rental market offers compelling opportunities for investors seeking yield-focused strategies, with rental growth projected at 8-10% annually through 2027.
Kraków emerges as the optimal investment destination, combining 6.5% gross yields with strong tourism demand and university student populations, while Warsaw provides capital appreciation potential despite lower yields.
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Poland
- Careers in Poland Housing Costs
- Wellcome Home Renting Guide
- Finding Poland Cost of Living
- Housenix Best Cities Investment
- Statista Poland Rents Index
- CIJ Europe Polish Housing Market Growth
- Statista Poland Rental Yields
- Global Economy Poland Mortgage Rates
- JLL Polish PRS Market Growth