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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack
Buying an apartment in Poland has become increasingly attractive for foreign investors and residents, with major cities offering competitive prices and solid rental yields compared to Western Europe.
Poland's property market shows strong fundamentals with apartment prices averaging PLN 17,250 per square meter in Warsaw and rental yields reaching up to 6.5% in cities like Kraków, while the legal framework remains straightforward for foreign buyers.
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 of September 2025, apartment prices in Poland range from PLN 13,404-17,250 per square meter in major cities, with property values having increased 40-105% over the past five years.
The Polish apartment market offers attractive rental yields of 4-7.5% depending on location, with Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław being the most popular investment destinations for both domestic and foreign buyers.
| City | Average Price per m² | Rental Yield | 5-Year Price Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | PLN 17,250 | 4-5.2% | 40-60% |
| Kraków | PLN 15,277-20,139 | 5.2-6.5% | Up to 105% |
| Wrocław | PLN 13,404-14,265 | 5-6% | 40-60% |
| Gdańsk | PLN 13,404-14,265 | 5-6% | 40-60% |
| Poznań | PLN 13,404-14,265 | 5-6% | 40-60% |
| Smaller Cities | PLN 8,000-12,000 | 6-7.5% | 30-50% |
What is the average price per square meter for apartments in Poland right now?
As of September 2025, apartment prices in Poland vary significantly by city and location within each metropolitan area.
In Warsaw, the capital and largest city, apartments average PLN 17,250 per square meter, making it the most expensive market in the country. Kraków follows with prices ranging from PLN 15,277 to PLN 20,139 per square meter, depending on the specific district and proximity to the historic center.
Major cities like Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań show more moderate pricing, with averages between PLN 13,404 and PLN 14,265 per square meter. These cities offer better value while still providing strong economic fundamentals and rental potential.
Smaller cities and regional centers typically range from PLN 8,000 to PLN 12,000 per square meter, offering entry-level investment opportunities with potentially higher rental yields.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
How much have property prices in Poland increased or decreased over the last 5 years?
Polish apartment prices have experienced substantial growth over the past five years, with increases ranging from 40% to 105% depending on the city and specific location.
Kraków has seen the most dramatic appreciation, with some districts experiencing up to 105% price growth since 2020. This exceptional growth reflects the city's status as a major tourism and education hub, combined with limited supply in prime locations.
Warsaw and other major cities have shown more moderate but still significant growth of 40-60%, driven by strong economic performance, population growth, and increased foreign investment. The national average indicates year-on-year growth of 14.4% as of June 2025, though this represents a moderation from the peak growth rates of 2023-2024.
Regional cities and smaller markets have generally experienced growth in the 30-50% range, offering solid appreciation while remaining more affordable than major metropolitan areas.
This growth trajectory reflects Poland's economic stability, EU membership benefits, and increasing attractiveness to both domestic and international property investors.
What are the most popular cities to buy an apartment in Poland, and why?
Five cities dominate Poland's apartment investment landscape, each offering distinct advantages for property buyers.
Warsaw leads as Poland's political, economic, and business center, attracting the highest demand from both investors and tenants. The city hosts major corporations, government institutions, and offers the strongest job market, making it ideal for rental properties targeting professionals.
Kraków stands out as a historic and cultural hub with exceptional tourism appeal and a large student population from several universities. This combination creates strong demand for both short-term and long-term rentals, contributing to its high rental yields of up to 6.5%.
Wrocław has emerged as a major technology and business services center, attracting international companies and young professionals. The city offers excellent infrastructure, quality of life, and steady rental demand from the growing tech sector.
Gdańsk serves as Poland's maritime gateway and logistics hub, with a thriving port economy and growing tourism sector. The city's unique architecture and coastal location make it attractive for both residents and vacation rentals.
Poznań rounds out the top five as a major commerce and trade center, hosting international fairs and events. The city's strategic location near the German border and strong industrial base provide economic stability and consistent rental demand.
What is the rental yield in Poland for apartments, and how does it vary by region?
| Location | Gross Rental Yield | Net Rental Yield | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 4.0-5.2% | 3.2-4.2% | High demand, premium pricing |
| Kraków | 6.5% | 5.2-5.8% | Tourism and student market |
| Wrocław | 5.0-6.0% | 4.0-5.0% | Tech sector growth |
| Gdańsk | 5.0-6.0% | 4.0-5.0% | Port city, tourism |
| Poznań | 5.0-6.0% | 4.0-5.0% | Business and trade center |
| Smaller Cities | 6.0-7.5% | 5.0-6.5% | Lower entry costs, regional demand |
| National Average | 6.0% | 4.8-5.2% | Q1 2025 data |
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How stable is the Polish economy, and how might it affect property values in the near future?
Poland's economy demonstrates remarkable stability and growth potential, with GDP expanding at approximately 3.2-3.4% in 2025.
The country maintains low unemployment rates, steady wage growth, and moderate inflation around 4-5%, creating favorable conditions for property investment. Poland's robust private and public investment levels, combined with continued EU funding for infrastructure projects, support long-term economic growth.
This economic stability directly translates to property market confidence, with continued urbanization driving demand in major cities. Developers have adopted a cautious approach to new supply, helping maintain price stability and prevent oversupply issues that could negatively impact values.
Real estate analysts forecast moderate annual price growth in the coming years, representing a healthy normalization from the rapid appreciation of 2023-2024. This economic foundation suggests stable long-term prospects for apartment values, particularly in major metropolitan areas.
Poland's position as one of Europe's largest economies and its strategic location make it resilient to external economic shocks, providing additional security for property investors.
What are the legal requirements for foreigners to buy property in Poland?
Foreign property ownership in Poland follows straightforward rules that distinguish between EU and non-EU buyers, with apartments being more accessible than land purchases.
EU and EEA citizens face no restrictions when purchasing residential apartments in multi-family buildings, making the process as simple as for Polish citizens. This includes all European Union nationals and residents of European Economic Area countries.
Non-EU citizens can also purchase apartments in multi-family buildings without special permits, as these transactions don't involve land ownership. However, they need government permits only when buying standalone houses with land or land plots independently.
Required documentation for all foreign buyers includes valid identification, a signed purchase agreement, proof of funds for the transaction, and specific property registry excerpts. The process requires notarial authentication, which ensures legal compliance and protects buyer interests.
This legal framework makes Poland one of the most accessible European countries for foreign real estate investment, particularly for apartment purchases in urban areas.
What are the property taxes and additional costs when purchasing an apartment in Poland?
Property purchase costs in Poland include several mandatory fees and taxes that buyers should factor into their investment calculations.
The primary transaction tax (PCC) amounts to 2% of the property value for secondary market purchases, though new-build apartments are typically exempt as VAT is already included in the purchase price. This represents one of the most significant additional costs beyond the property price itself.
Notary fees follow a structured scale: PLN 1,010 plus 0.4% of any amount above PLN 60,000, with 23% VAT added to the total. For a PLN 500,000 apartment, notary fees would total approximately PLN 3,200 including VAT.
Registration fees for land registry entries and mortgage registration typically range from PLN 60 to PLN 200, representing minimal costs in the overall transaction. Additional expenses may include real estate agent commissions (usually 1.5-3% of purchase price), legal fees for document translation, and mortgage-related taxes if financing is involved.
Total additional costs typically range from 3-6% of the property purchase price, depending on whether it's a new-build or secondary market purchase and whether financing is required.
What is the typical process for purchasing an apartment in Poland, and how long does it take?
The Polish apartment purchase process follows a structured timeline that typically spans 4-8 weeks for EU buyers, with additional time needed for non-EU buyers requiring permits.
- Property search and due diligence (1-3 weeks): Identify suitable properties, conduct property inspections, verify legal status, and negotiate terms with sellers or agents.
- Preliminary agreement and deposit (1-2 days): Sign an optional reservation agreement and pay a deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price, to secure the property.
- Permit applications if required (4-8 weeks for non-EU with land): Non-EU buyers purchasing standalone houses must obtain government permits, though this doesn't apply to apartments.
- Mortgage application processing (2-4 weeks): Submit documentation to Polish banks, undergo credit assessment, and receive loan approval if financing is needed.
- Final sale execution (1 day): Complete the transaction before a notary, sign the final purchase agreement, transfer funds, and receive property keys.
- Post-purchase formalities (1-2 weeks): Register ownership in the land registry, arrange insurance, set up utilities, and complete tax registrations.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What are the financing options for non-Polish residents looking to buy an apartment in Poland?
Polish banks offer mortgage financing to foreign residents, though requirements are more stringent than for Polish citizens.
Mortgage availability typically requires lawful residence in Poland, such as a residence card or confirmation of long-term stay status. Banks generally offer up to 70% loan-to-value ratios, with interest rates around 7.5% as of early 2025, reflecting current market conditions.
Required documentation includes proof of employment or income, valid residence permit, PESEL number (Polish identification number), passport or ID card, strong credit history, and complete property documentation. Banks conduct thorough income verification and credit assessments before approval.
Most major Polish banks participate in the foreign buyer market, including PKO Bank Polski, Bank Pekao, and mBank. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and the bank's internal procedures.
Alternative financing options include foreign bank mortgages (if available in the buyer's home country), private lending, or cash purchases, which many foreign investors prefer for faster transactions and stronger negotiating positions.
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.
How easy is it to find tenants for an apartment in Poland, and what is the vacancy rate in different cities?
Poland's rental market demonstrates strong tenant demand, with vacancy rates remaining low across major cities.
Professional property management portfolios report vacancy rates below 4% in major cities, with established long-term rental properties often achieving vacancy rates under 2%. This reflects consistent demand from both domestic residents and international workers choosing Poland for employment opportunities.
Student populations create particularly strong demand for studios and one-bedroom apartments near universities in cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Wrocław. The growing technology sector also generates demand from young professionals seeking modern apartments in business districts.
Property rental ease varies by location and apartment type, with units near universities, business centers, and public transportation experiencing the highest demand and fastest rental cycles. Well-maintained apartments in desirable neighborhoods typically rent within 2-4 weeks of marketing.
The rental market benefits from Poland's economic growth, increasing wages, and urbanization trends that continue to drive people toward major cities for employment and education opportunities.
What are the long-term growth prospects for real estate in Poland?
Poland's real estate market shows strong long-term growth potential, supported by fundamental economic and demographic trends.
Property price forecasts indicate continued appreciation, though annual increases are expected to moderate from recent highs of 10-20% per year to more sustainable levels of 6-10% in core cities. This normalization reflects market maturity rather than weakness.
Key growth drivers include sustained economic expansion, rising wages, continued urbanization, and foreign investment attraction. EU infrastructure funding and ongoing development projects add additional upside potential for property values in well-connected areas.
Demographic trends support long-term demand, with young professionals migrating to major cities for career opportunities and lifestyle preferences. The technology sector's continued expansion in Poland creates sustained demand for modern apartments in business districts.
Supply constraints in prime locations help maintain price stability, as developers have adopted cautious approaches to new construction, preventing oversupply that could depress values. This balance between controlled supply and steady demand supports positive long-term prospects for apartment investments.
Are there any specific regulations or restrictions for short-term rentals in Poland, like Airbnb?
Poland's short-term rental market is undergoing regulatory changes that property investors should understand before entering this segment.
From 2025, a national register for short-term rentals becomes mandatory, requiring all apartments rented via Airbnb and similar platforms to complete formal registration. This registration system aims to improve oversight and ensure compliance with tax and safety requirements.
Local regulations vary by city, with some municipalities like Sopot requiring permission from building associations or condominium communities before operating short-term rentals. Property owners should verify local rules before launching Airbnb operations.
Short-term rentals remain legal throughout Poland, but operators must comply with tax obligations, fire safety standards, and hygiene requirements. Income from short-term rentals is subject to standard Polish income tax rates, and operators may need to register for VAT if revenues exceed certain thresholds.
The regulatory environment is evolving to balance tourism benefits with residential community concerns, making compliance and professional management increasingly important for successful short-term rental operations.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
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.
Buying an apartment in Poland presents a compelling opportunity for foreign investors, with major cities offering competitive pricing, solid rental yields, and straightforward legal processes for property acquisition.
The Polish property market's combination of economic stability, moderate price growth expectations, and strong rental demand creates favorable conditions for both investment and residential purposes in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
- Poland Insight - Average Apartment Prices
- InvestRopa - Kraków Apartment Prices
- MonoEstate - Warsaw Apartment Costs
- InvestRopa - Poland Rental Market
- InvestRopa - Poland Price Forecasts
- Global Property Guide - Poland Rental Yields
- Living Redefined - Top Investment Locations
- Cushman & Wakefield - Market Outlook
- InvestRopa - Foreign Real Estate Rules
- Progress Holding - Mortgage Guide