Buying real estate in Poland?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

Is it hard to sell Poland property?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Poland Property Pack

buying property foreigner Poland

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack

Selling property in Poland has become more challenging in 2025, with longer selling times in most cities except Warsaw and the Tri-City area.

The Polish property market shows significant regional variations, with properties in major cities like Warsaw selling faster than those in Kraków or smaller towns, where oversupply issues create longer waiting periods for sellers.

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.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At INVESTROPA, we explore the Polish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

How long does it usually take to sell a property in Poland right now?

As of September 2025, selling property in Poland typically takes 3-6 months in major cities like Warsaw and Gdańsk, but significantly longer in other markets.

Warsaw remains the fastest-moving market, with well-priced properties often selling within 3-4 months due to strong demand from both domestic and international buyers.

Kraków has experienced a notable slowdown, with properties now taking 6-12 months to sell due to increased supply and reduced buyer activity compared to previous years.

Smaller towns and cities like Łódź face the longest selling periods, often requiring 12-24 months to find buyers, particularly for properties that aren't priced competitively or lack modern amenities.

It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.

What's the average price per square meter for apartments and houses in different Polish cities?

Polish property prices vary dramatically by location, with Warsaw commanding the highest prices at PLN 16,400-17,700 per square meter for apartments as of Q1 2025.

Kraków follows as the second most expensive market at PLN 15,100-15,700 per square meter, though price growth has stagnated compared to other major cities.

Gdańsk offers more moderate pricing at around PLN 13,000 per square meter, making it attractive for buyers seeking coastal locations without Warsaw's premium.

Wrocław has shown strong recent growth, with prices ranging from PLN 12,700-14,700 per square meter, reflecting increased investor interest in this western Polish city.

Poznań and Łódź represent more affordable options at PLN 11,000-12,300 and PLN 7,800-9,500 per square meter respectively, while smaller towns typically price below PLN 7,000 per square meter.

Are there big differences in selling times between Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and smaller towns?

Yes, there are substantial differences in selling times across Polish cities, with Warsaw and the Tri-City area (including Gdańsk) maintaining the fastest sales cycles.

Location Average Selling Time Market Conditions
Warsaw 3-4 months High demand, balanced supply
Tri-City (Gdańsk area) 4-6 months Steady demand, moderate supply
Wrocław 4-8 months Growing market, increasing activity
Kraków 6-12 months Oversupplied, slower buyer activity
Poznań 6-10 months Moderate demand, stable supply
Łódź 8-15 months Limited demand, price-sensitive buyers
Smaller towns 12-24 months Low demand, significant oversupply

What kinds of properties sell fastest in Poland, like new builds, old apartments, or family houses?

New, energy-efficient apartments built within the last 10 years sell fastest in the Polish market, particularly those with smart home features and modern amenities.

Quality suburban family houses in good school districts also move quickly, especially in Warsaw's suburbs and other major metropolitan areas where families seek more space.

Purpose-built student accommodation has emerged as a fast-selling segment in university cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Wrocław due to strong rental demand.

Older apartments, particularly those built before 1990 without significant renovations, often sit on the market much longer and typically require price reductions to attract buyers.

Pre-war buildings without modern updates face the longest selling periods and may need substantial price adjustments or renovation investments to become marketable.

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How much negotiation on price do Polish buyers typically expect?

Polish buyers expect significant negotiation on property prices, with typical discounts from listing price ranging from 3-8% in most markets.

Sellers routinely list their properties above the expected closing price to allow room for negotiation, as this is standard practice in the Polish market.

In oversupplied markets like Kraków and smaller towns, buyers may negotiate for even larger discounts, sometimes exceeding 10% of the listing price.

Properties that linger on the market for several months face increased pressure for price reductions, as buyers perceive them as overpriced or problematic.

Cash buyers often demand additional discounts in exchange for faster closing and reduced transaction risk for sellers.

What taxes, fees, and commissions should I budget for when selling property in Poland?

Capital gains tax of 19% applies if you sell within 5 years of purchase, though exemptions exist if proceeds are used to buy another Polish home within 3 years.

Cost Type Amount Notes
Capital Gains Tax 19% Only if sold within 5 years, exemptions available
Estate Agent Commission 2-3% + 23% VAT Based on final sale price
Conveyancing Fees Varies Typically modest relative to property value
Energy Certificate 200-500 PLN Required for all sales
Non-occupancy Certificate 100-300 PLN Proving no one is registered at property
Document Translations 500-2000 PLN For foreign sellers/buyers

Do most foreign buyers in Poland pay cash, or do they usually rely on mortgages?

Foreign buyers in Poland increasingly use mortgage financing rather than paying all cash, though cash buyers remain significant in the market.

Cash buyers typically receive preference from sellers due to faster closing times and reduced transaction risk, often enabling them to negotiate better prices.

International buyers from EU countries find it easier to obtain Polish mortgages compared to non-EU foreigners, who face stricter lending requirements.

The financing mix varies by buyer origin, with wealthy investors from Western Europe more likely to pay cash, while younger professionals often require mortgage financing.

It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.

How easy is it for foreign owners to list and sell their property in Poland?

Foreign property owners find the listing and selling process in Poland quite accessible, with most major real estate agencies offering English-speaking services.

Properties can be listed on major Polish platforms like Otodom, Morizon, and OLX, which attract serious international and domestic buyers.

International real estate agencies in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław specialize in foreign transactions and provide comprehensive support throughout the selling process.

The main challenges for foreign sellers involve document preparation and ensuring all required certificates and translations are properly completed before listing.

Legal requirements are straightforward but must be followed precisely, making it advisable to work with experienced agents familiar with foreign seller procedures.

infographics rental yields citiesPoland

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.

Which online platforms and local agents bring in the most serious buyers in Poland?

Otodom dominates the Polish property market as the leading platform for serious buyer inquiries, followed by Morizon as the second most important listing site.

OLX serves as a popular platform for reaching price-conscious buyers, though it may generate more casual inquiries compared to specialized real estate platforms.

Local agencies with established reputations in major cities often have exclusive buyer networks and can provide faster sales for properly priced properties.

International agencies like Savills, Cushman & Wakefield, and JLL excel at attracting foreign buyers and high-net-worth individuals in premium market segments.

Social media marketing and professional photography significantly impact inquiry quality across all platforms, with well-presented listings receiving much higher serious buyer interest.

How many months of mortgage or rental income might I lose while waiting for a sale?

In major cities like Warsaw and Gdańsk, expect to cover 3-6 months of mortgage payments or lose equivalent rental income during the typical selling period.

Kraków and other slower markets may require covering 6-12 months of holding costs, significantly impacting the profitability of property investments.

Smaller towns and cities present the highest risk, with potential vacancy periods of 12-24 months requiring substantial financial reserves to maintain properties during sales.

Properties priced aggressively or requiring significant repairs may sit empty much longer, creating ongoing financial pressure for sellers who depend on rental income.

Vacancy insurance and flexible pricing strategies can help minimize income loss, though these options aren't widely available in the Polish market.

What legal documents and translations are required to complete a property sale in Poland?

The land and mortgage register extract serves as the most critical document, providing current ownership and encumbrance information accessible through online systems.

1. Land and mortgage register excerpt showing current ownership status 2. Original title deed or proof of ownership documentation 3. Up-to-date confirmation showing no outstanding liabilities or encumbrances 4. Energy performance certificate valid for the current transaction 5. Certificate confirming no one is officially registered at the residential property 6. Certified Polish translations of all foreign documents for international transactions 7. Sworn interpreter services required for notarial deeds involving non-Polish speakers

Foreign sellers must ensure all documents are properly translated by certified translators, as Polish notaries require official translations for international transactions.

It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.

Are there seasonal trends in Poland where properties sell faster, like spring or autumn?

Spring represents the prime selling season in Poland, with March through May showing the highest buyer activity and fastest transaction times across all market segments.

Early autumn (September-October) provides the second-best selling window, as buyers return from summer holidays and make decisions before winter weather affects property viewing.

December through January represent the slowest selling periods, with reduced buyer activity and significantly longer times on market due to holiday disruptions.

Summer months show mixed results, with family buyers often active due to school holiday timing, while investor activity typically decreases during vacation periods.

Seasonal patterns are most pronounced in smaller towns and rural areas, while major cities like Warsaw maintain relatively steady activity throughout the year.

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.

Sources

  1. Global Property Guide - Poland Price History
  2. INVESTROPA - Poland Real Estate Market
  3. Global Property Guide - Square Meter Prices
  4. Finding Poland - What is Expensive in Poland
  5. Atlantic Estates - Secondary Housing Market Poland Q2 2025
  6. Wise - Selling Property in Poland
  7. eSales International - Selling Property in Poland Guide
  8. EY - Polish Real Estate Guide 2025