Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Poland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack
Moving from the UK to Poland and purchasing property requires careful financial planning and understanding of the local market dynamics. With property prices in Poland significantly lower than the UK and favorable regulations for foreign buyers, many UK expats are finding attractive opportunities in Polish cities like Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań.
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.
UK citizens can buy property in Poland with minimal restrictions, though post-Brexit residency requirements apply for long-term living.
Property prices in Poland range from €2,500-5,000 per square meter, significantly lower than UK prices, with transaction costs totaling 8-12% of purchase price.
| Aspect | Poland | UK Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Average Property Price (Major Cities) | €3,500-5,000/sqm | €10,000-15,000+/sqm |
| Deposit Required | 20-30% | 10-25% |
| Transaction Costs | 8-12% | 3-5% |
| Property Tax (Annual) | 0.1-0.5% | 1-2% |
| Mortgage Options for Foreigners | Limited, mostly PLN income required | Widely available |
| Legal Purchase Process | 4-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Residency for Property Purchase | Not required | Not applicable |
How much money do I realistically need saved before moving from the UK to Poland if I want to buy a property there?
You need to save between PLN 350,000-500,000 (£65,000-£95,000) for a complete property purchase in Poland, including all associated costs.
The breakdown includes a 20-30% deposit on the property price, plus an additional 8-12% for transaction costs including notary fees, taxes, and legal expenses. For a typical PLN 400,000 apartment outside Warsaw or Kraków, expect to pay PLN 80,000-120,000 as a deposit and another PLN 32,000-48,000 in transaction costs.
Beyond the property purchase, budget for initial living expenses of PLN 15,000-25,000 for the first few months, covering utilities setup, basic furnishing, and day-to-day costs while establishing yourself. As of September 2025, many UK buyers find that Polish property purchases require significantly less capital compared to similar UK investments.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
Which Polish cities or regions are the most popular and affordable for UK expats looking to buy property?
Łódź, Wrocław, Poznań, and Katowice offer the best combination of affordability and expat appeal for UK buyers in 2025.
Łódź stands out as the most budget-friendly major city, with average prices of €2,500-3,500 per square meter for quality apartments. Wrocław and Poznań offer excellent university towns atmosphere with prices around €3,000-4,000 per square meter. Katowice provides good value in the Silesia region with strong transport links to other European cities.
Gdańsk appeals to UK expats seeking coastal living, though prices have risen to €4,000-5,000 per square meter. Lublin offers exceptional value for money with good infrastructure and lower living costs. Mountain regions in southern Poland, particularly around Zakopane, attract buyers seeking vacation properties or rural retreats at competitive prices.
Warsaw and Kraków, while popular, command premium prices of €4,000-6,000+ per square meter in central areas, making them less accessible for budget-conscious UK buyers.
What types of properties can I buy in Poland as a foreigner and are there any restrictions on land or house purchases?
UK citizens can freely purchase apartments and most residential properties, but standalone houses with land may require government permits post-Brexit.
| Property Type | UK Citizen Status | Restrictions/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments/Flats | No restrictions | Can purchase freely |
| Houses (built-up areas) | Generally permitted | May need permit if includes significant land |
| Houses with gardens >0.4 hectares | Permit required | Ministry of Interior approval needed |
| Agricultural land | Restricted | 5+ years Polish residency required |
| Forest land | Restricted | Special permits and criteria apply |
| Commercial properties | Generally permitted | Some restrictions on strategic sectors |
| New-build developments | No restrictions | Same rules as resale properties |
How do property prices in Poland compare to those in the UK, both in major cities like Warsaw and Kraków and in smaller towns?
Polish property prices remain 50-70% lower than comparable UK markets, with Warsaw averaging €4,000-5,000 per square meter compared to London's €10,000-15,000+.
Kraków prices have risen rapidly in 2025, reaching €3,500-4,500 per square meter, but still represent exceptional value compared to UK regional cities like Manchester or Birmingham. Smaller Polish cities like Łódź (€2,500-3,500/sqm) and Poznań (€3,000-4,000/sqm) offer prices that UK buyers would struggle to find even in the most affordable UK locations.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment costs €140,000-200,000 in most Polish cities, while equivalent UK properties range from €300,000-500,000+ depending on location. Transaction costs in Poland are higher proportionally (8-12% vs 3-5% in UK), but the overall investment remains significantly more affordable.
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What are the average transaction costs in Poland, including notary fees, taxes, and agency commissions?
Total transaction costs in Poland range from 8-12% of the property purchase price, significantly higher than the UK's 3-5%.
The breakdown includes 2% PCC tax on resale properties or 8% VAT on new builds under 150 square meters, notary fees of 0.25-1% of property value, and real estate agent commissions of 2-3%. Legal fees for solicitors range from PLN 2,000-5,000, while sworn translator services cost PLN 1,000-3,000 for document translations.
Additional costs include property valuation (PLN 800-2,000), bank application fees for mortgages (PLN 1,000-3,000), and various administrative charges. For a PLN 400,000 property purchase, expect total transaction costs of PLN 32,000-48,000 on top of your deposit.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
How much deposit do I need to put down in Poland and what are the typical mortgage options available for UK citizens?
Polish banks typically require 20-30% deposits from foreign buyers, with limited mortgage options for UK citizens without Polish income.
Most Polish banks prefer borrowers with PLN income, making mortgages challenging for UK residents. Banks like Pekao and Alior occasionally accept foreign income applications, but with stricter criteria and higher interest rates. Mortgage terms usually extend 20-30 years, with most loans denominated in Polish zloty to avoid currency risk.
Alternative financing includes UK-based international mortgage providers or cash purchases funded by UK property sales or equity release. Some developers offer vendor financing arrangements for new-build properties, though these remain uncommon.
Interest rates for foreign buyers range from 6-9% as of September 2025, depending on deposit size and income verification. The mortgage application process takes 6-10 weeks with extensive documentation requirements.
What income proof or documents will Polish banks require if I apply for a mortgage as a UK resident?
Polish banks require comprehensive income documentation including 12 months of bank statements, employment contracts, and official tax returns with sworn translations.
- UK employment contract translated into Polish by a sworn translator
- 12 months of bank statements showing salary deposits and financial stability
- UK tax returns (SA302) for the previous 2-3 years with official translations
- UK credit report from Experian or Equifax demonstrating creditworthiness
- Polish bank account with PESEL number (Polish national identification)
- Property valuation report commissioned by an approved Polish surveyor
- Income verification letter from UK employer confirming salary and employment duration
- Currency exchange documentation if income is in GBP
Banks typically require income 3-4 times the monthly mortgage payment when assessed in PLN. Documentation must be recent (within 3 months) and professionally translated with apostille certification where required.
How do monthly ownership costs like property tax, maintenance fees, and utilities in Poland compare to the UK?
Monthly ownership costs in Poland are 40-60% lower than comparable UK properties, with particularly significant savings on property taxes and utilities.
Property tax in Poland ranges from 0.1-0.5% annually compared to UK council tax of 1-2% of property value. Apartment maintenance fees typically cost PLN 200-700 monthly depending on building amenities and size. Utilities including heating, electricity, and water average PLN 400-700 monthly for typical apartments.
Building insurance costs PLN 500-1,500 annually, while internet and cable services cost PLN 80-150 monthly. Overall, UK buyers can expect to save £200-400 monthly on property-related expenses compared to similar UK locations.
Heating costs vary significantly between central heating systems and individual gas boilers, with newer buildings offering better energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
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 the main legal steps in buying a property in Poland and how long does the whole process usually take?
The Polish property purchase process involves preliminary contracts, notarial deeds, and registration, typically taking 4-8 weeks for EU citizens or 8-12 weeks requiring permits.
The process begins with property viewing and preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna), followed by due diligence checks on property ownership and legal status. A deposit of 5-10% secures the property during the legal process. The notarial deed (akt notarialny) finalizes the purchase and must be completed at a Polish notary office with all parties present or represented.
Property registration with the Land and Mortgage Register (księga wieczysta) occurs automatically after the notarial deed. Foreign buyers may need additional permits for certain property types, extending the timeline by 4-8 weeks. Bank mortgage approval runs parallel to the legal process, requiring 6-10 weeks for completion.
Key milestones include initial offer acceptance (day 1), preliminary contract signing (day 7-14), mortgage approval (6-8 weeks), and final notarial completion (8-12 weeks total).
Do I need to hire a Polish solicitor, notary, or translator to make sure the purchase process is smooth and compliant?
Hiring a Polish solicitor is highly recommended, while notary involvement is mandatory, and sworn translators are required for non-Polish speakers.
Polish solicitors charge PLN 2,000-5,000 for property purchase services including contract review, due diligence, and legal representation. Notaries are legally required for property transfers and charge fees based on property value (typically 0.25-1%). Sworn translators must translate all documents if you don't speak Polish fluently, costing PLN 1,000-3,000 for typical transactions.
A qualified solicitor provides crucial services including title verification, contract negotiation, tax obligation explanation, and coordination with banks and notaries. They ensure compliance with Polish property law and protect against common pitfalls affecting foreign buyers.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What residency or visa requirements must I meet to buy property in Poland and live there long-term after Brexit?
UK citizens can purchase Polish property without residency requirements, but need residence permits for stays exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
Property ownership doesn't grant residency rights in Poland. For long-term living, UK citizens must apply for National Visas or Temporary Residence Cards through routes including employment, business investment, family reunification, or financial self-sufficiency. The financial self-sufficiency route requires demonstrating €634 monthly income plus housing costs.
Tourist visits allow 90 days in any 180-day period without visas. Business visitors can stay up to 90 days for property-related activities. Residence permit applications take 3-6 months to process and require comprehensive documentation including health insurance, accommodation proof, and financial resources.
Some UK citizens with Polish ancestry may qualify for EU citizenship through descent, simplifying residency requirements.
Once I own a property in Poland, how does it affect my UK tax status and what are the key tax obligations I'll face in Poland?
Polish property ownership doesn't automatically change UK tax residency, but creates dual tax obligations requiring careful planning and professional advice.
| Tax Type | Poland | UK Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1-0.5% of assessed value | No UK equivalent |
| Rental Income Tax | 19% flat rate (tax residents) | Declare with double tax relief |
| Capital Gains Tax | 19% if sold within 5 years | May be liable in UK if tax resident |
| Inheritance Tax | 3-20% depending on relationship | Polish property included in UK IHT |
| Wealth Tax | None | None |
| Purchase Tax | 2% PCC or 8% VAT | No UK equivalent |
| Tax Residency Threshold | 183+ days annually | 183+ days annually |
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.
Moving from the UK to Poland for property investment offers significant financial advantages, with property prices 50-70% lower than comparable UK markets and favorable foreign ownership regulations.
Success requires careful financial planning with 30-35% of property value in liquid savings, professional legal support, and understanding of post-Brexit residency requirements for long-term living.
Sources
- Wise - Buying Property in Poland
- Ace Money Transfer - Lowest Cost of Living States in Poland
- Expat Focus - Poland Property Financing
- InvestRopa - Poland Real Estate for Foreigners
- More Than Careers - Best Places to Live in Poland for Expats
- Loan Corp - Poland Mortgage
- Global Property Guide - Poland Price History
- Kapital Ark - Buying House in Poland
- Expatriate Healthcare - Can a Foreigner Buy a House in Poland
- Lawyers Poland - Simplified Guide to Purchase Property