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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack
Property prices in Poland have surged dramatically over the past five years, with Warsaw apartments now averaging 16,400-18,700 PLN per square meter as of September 2025. Major Polish cities have become significantly more expensive, though they remain 30-50% cheaper than comparable German and Czech markets. Foreign buyers typically need 25% of the purchase price upfront to cover down payments and closing costs.
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.
Polish property markets have experienced rapid price growth, with Warsaw leading at 16,400-18,700 PLN/sqm, followed by Kraków at 15,100-16,600 PLN/sqm, and Gdańsk at 12,400-14,300 PLN/sqm.
Foreign buyers should budget approximately 25% of the purchase price upfront for down payments, closing costs, and associated fees when buying property in Poland.
| City | Average Price (PLN/sqm) | City Center Premium | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 16,400-18,700 | 20,000-25,000 | 5-6% |
| Kraków | 15,100-16,600 | 17,000-19,000 | 5-6% |
| Gdańsk | 12,400-14,300 | 14,000-16,000 | 5-6% |
| Suburbs/Small Towns | 6,000-8,000 | N/A | 6-8% |
| Monthly Mortgage (30yr) | 4,000-5,000 PLN | Varies by location | 7% interest rate |
| Annual Maintenance | 800-2,000 PLN/sqm | Higher in premium areas | Plus admin fees |
| New vs Old Premium | 10-20% more | Varies by district | Lower yield typically |
How much does an average apartment cost per square meter in major Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk?
Polish property prices vary significantly across major cities, with Warsaw commanding the highest prices at 16,400-18,700 PLN per square meter as of September 2025.
Warsaw leads the market with prices ranging from 16,400 PLN/sqm for secondary market properties to 18,700 PLN/sqm for new constructions. The capital's robust economy and employment opportunities drive these premium prices, particularly in central districts like Śródmieście and Mokotów.
Kraków follows closely with prices between 15,100-16,600 PLN/sqm, reflecting its status as a major business and tourism hub. The city's historical significance and growing tech sector contribute to sustained demand, especially in areas like Stare Miasto and Kazimierz.
Gdańsk offers more affordable options at 12,400-14,300 PLN/sqm, with inner city locations commanding higher prices and outlying districts offering better value. The port city's economic development and coastal location make it attractive for both investors and residents.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
What is the difference in price between buying in the city center versus the suburbs or smaller towns in Poland?
City center apartments in Poland command premium prices that are 30-50% higher than suburban or small-town properties.
Prime central areas in Warsaw can reach 20,000-25,000 PLN/sqm, while Kraków's city center averages 17,000-19,000 PLN/sqm. These premium locations offer proximity to business districts, cultural attractions, and transportation hubs, justifying the higher costs.
Suburban areas provide significant savings, with outer Warsaw districts averaging 10,000-14,000 PLN/sqm. These locations still offer good connectivity to city centers while providing more space and often newer developments with modern amenities.
Medium and small towns across Poland offer the most affordable options at 6,000-8,000 PLN/sqm. Cities like Lublin, Białystok, or Rzeszów provide quality housing at substantial discounts compared to major metropolitan areas, though with fewer employment opportunities and amenities.
How much have property prices in Poland increased or decreased over the past five years?
Polish property prices have experienced dramatic growth over the past five years, with major cities seeing increases of 40-60%.
The period from 2020 to 2025 witnessed unprecedented price appreciation, driven by low interest rates, increased demand, and supply constraints. Warsaw and Kraków led this growth, with some districts registering even faster increases during the most recent period.
The acceleration intensified in 2024-2025, with Warsaw recording year-over-year increases of approximately 14% and Kraków seeing 10-11% growth. This rapid appreciation has outpaced inflation and wage growth, making affordability a growing concern for local buyers.
Several factors contributed to this surge: increased foreign investment, limited land availability in city centers, rising construction costs, and monetary policy that kept borrowing costs low until recent rate hikes. The trend has shown some moderation in late 2025 as interest rates increased.
What is the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw compared to owning it with a mortgage?
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central Warsaw costs 3,000-3,500 PLN monthly, while mortgage payments for equivalent ownership typically range from 4,200-4,500 PLN monthly.
| Cost Component | Rental (PLN/month) | Ownership (PLN/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Payment | 3,000-3,500 | 3,800-4,200 |
| Utilities | 300-500 | 300-500 |
| Maintenance/Admin | 0 (landlord covers) | 200-400 |
| Insurance | 0 | 50-100 |
| Property Tax | 0 | 50-100 |
| Total Monthly Cost | 3,300-4,000 | 4,400-5,300 |
| Upfront Costs | 2-3 months rent | 175,000-235,000 |
A typical 45-square-meter apartment in Warsaw costs approximately 750,000 PLN. With a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest and 20% down payment, monthly payments reach 4,000-4,200 PLN before additional homeownership costs.
Ownership involves substantial upfront costs including the 150,000 PLN down payment plus 25,000-35,000 PLN in closing costs, while rental requires only 2-3 months' rent as deposit and advance payment.
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How much cash do I need upfront for a down payment and closing costs when buying property in Poland?
Foreign buyers typically need 25% of the purchase price upfront to cover down payments and all associated costs when buying property in Poland.
The minimum down payment for foreigners is usually 20% of the property value, though some banks may require up to 30% depending on the buyer's profile and property location. For a 750,000 PLN apartment in Warsaw, this means 150,000-225,000 PLN for the down payment alone.
Closing costs add another 2.5-4.5% of the purchase price, including notary fees (0.5-2%), property transfer tax, land registry fees (200-400 PLN), and legal representation costs (1,500-5,000 PLN). These additional costs typically range from 25,000-35,000 PLN for a standard apartment purchase.
Currency exchange costs, document translation fees, and potential mortgage insurance can add another 1-2% to the total upfront investment. Bank fees for international transfers and mortgage processing may require additional thousands of PLN.
Foreign buyers should budget at least 25-25.5% of the gross purchase price for all upfront costs, ensuring they have sufficient liquidity beyond the property investment for unexpected expenses and initial setup costs.
What are the average monthly mortgage payments for a 30-year loan on a typical apartment in Poland?
Monthly mortgage payments for a 30-year loan on a typical Polish apartment range from 4,000-5,000 PLN, assuming current interest rates around 7% and an 80% loan-to-value ratio.
For a 750,000 PLN apartment in Warsaw with a 150,000 PLN down payment, the mortgage amount would be 600,000 PLN. At 7% interest over 30 years, this results in monthly payments of approximately 3,990 PLN for principal and interest alone.
Additional monthly costs include property insurance (50-100 PLN), building administration fees (200-400 PLN), and annual property tax divided monthly (50-100 PLN). These additions bring total monthly housing costs to 4,290-4,690 PLN.
Interest rates in Poland have fluctuated significantly, ranging from near-zero during the pandemic to current levels around 7%. Variable rate mortgages expose borrowers to rate changes, while fixed-rate options provide payment certainty but often at slightly higher initial rates.
Mortgage qualification typically requires proof of stable income equal to at least 3-4 times the monthly payment amount, along with employment history and creditworthiness documentation.
How much do property taxes and notary fees add to the total cost of buying a home in Poland?
Property taxes and notary fees add approximately 1-3% to the total purchase cost, with ongoing annual property taxes remaining relatively low at 0.03-0.1% of property value.
Notary fees represent the largest component, typically ranging from 0.5-2% of the transaction price plus VAT, subject to legal maximum caps. For a 750,000 PLN property, notary fees usually fall between 3,750-15,000 PLN, with most transactions in the 6,000-10,000 PLN range.
Annual property tax rates are remarkably low compared to Western European standards, typically costing just a few hundred PLN yearly for standard apartments. The tax is based on property area rather than value, with rates set by local municipalities within government-established limits.
Land registry fees add 200-400 PLN plus minor administrative costs for recording the ownership transfer. Additional costs may include property valuation (500-1,500 PLN) and legal review fees if using attorney services.
The Polish tax system favors property ownership with low ongoing costs, making it attractive for long-term investors compared to countries with high annual property taxes.
What are the average renovation or maintenance costs per year for an apartment or house in Poland?
Annual maintenance costs for Polish properties range from 800-2,000 PLN per square meter for older properties, with typical apartments requiring 4,000-8,000 PLN yearly plus building administration charges.
New construction properties require minimal maintenance during the first 5-10 years, mainly involving routine cleaning, minor repairs, and appliance servicing. Older properties from the communist era or early post-communist period may need more substantial annual investments.
Building administration fees in apartment complexes typically cost 200-500 PLN monthly, covering common area maintenance, elevator service, heating system upkeep, and building management. These fees vary significantly based on building age, amenities, and location.
Major renovation projects for older apartments can cost 2,500-4,000 PLN per square meter for complete refits including kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and electrical updates. Partial renovations focusing on specific rooms or systems cost proportionally less but still represent significant investments.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
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 much more expensive is new construction compared to older apartments on the secondary market?
New construction properties command premiums of 10-20% over comparable secondary market apartments in Polish cities.
In Warsaw, new developments average 18,700 PLN/sqm compared to 16,400 PLN/sqm for secondary market properties, representing approximately 14% premium. This gap reflects modern amenities, energy efficiency, warranty coverage, and contemporary design standards that buyers value.
New construction offers advantages including modern building systems, underground parking, recreational facilities, and compliance with current building codes. Energy efficiency features significantly reduce utility costs, partially offsetting the higher purchase price through lower operating expenses.
Secondary market properties provide immediate availability and established neighborhoods with mature infrastructure. Many buyers prefer older buildings in central locations over new developments in peripheral areas, especially when considering commute times and neighborhood character.
The premium for new construction varies by location and developer reputation, with luxury developments commanding higher premiums while standard new construction may have smaller price gaps compared to renovated older properties.
What is the average yield or rental income percentage if I buy a property in Poland to rent out?
Gross rental yields in major Polish cities typically range from 5-6% annually, with higher yields possible in peripheral areas or student housing markets.
Warsaw rental yields average 5-6% for standard residential properties, with luxury segments often yielding lower returns due to higher purchase prices and more limited tenant pools. Student housing near universities can achieve higher yields but requires more active management.
Kraków and Gdańsk offer similar yield ranges of 5-6%, though short-term rental markets in tourist areas may provide higher returns during peak seasons. However, short-term rentals involve greater management complexity and regulatory considerations.
Smaller cities and peripheral areas often provide higher yields of 6-8% due to lower property prices, though rental demand may be less stable and tenant quality more variable. These markets require careful evaluation of local employment conditions and demographic trends.
Net yields after taxes, maintenance, management fees, and vacancy periods typically fall 1-2 percentage points below gross yields, making realistic return expectations closer to 3-4% for most investment properties.
How much cheaper is property in Poland compared to other European countries like Germany or the Czech Republic?
Polish property prices remain 30-50% lower than comparable German and Czech markets, offering significant value for European real estate investors.
| City | Poland (PLN/sqm) | Germany Equivalent (PLN/sqm) | Czech Republic Equivalent (PLN/sqm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw vs Berlin/Prague | 16,400-18,700 | 30,000 | 22,000 |
| Kraków vs Munich/Brno | 15,100-16,600 | 42,000 | 19,000 |
| Gdańsk vs Hamburg/Ostrava | 12,400-14,300 | 32,000 | 13,000 |
| Average Discount | Baseline | 45-60% cheaper | 15-35% cheaper |
| Rental Yields | 5-6% | 3-4% | 4-5% |
German cities command significantly higher prices, with Berlin averaging 30,000 PLN/sqm and Munich reaching 42,000 PLN/sqm. These price differences reflect wage disparities, market maturity, and different economic development stages between countries.
Czech Republic prices fall between Polish and German levels, with Prague averaging 22,000 PLN/sqm and Brno around 19,000 PLN/sqm. The Czech market has experienced similar growth patterns to Poland but from a higher starting point.
Poland's competitive pricing advantage extends beyond purchase costs to include lower property taxes, maintenance costs, and transaction fees, making total cost of ownership significantly more attractive for international investors.
What hidden costs or extra fees should I expect when buying property in Poland as a foreigner?
Foreign buyers should budget an additional 2-5% of the purchase price for hidden costs and fees beyond standard closing costs.
Currency exchange costs can be substantial, especially for large transactions, with banks typically charging 2-4% margins on foreign exchange rates. Using specialized currency transfer services may reduce these costs but requires careful timing and planning.
Legal review and due diligence fees range from 1,500-5,000 PLN for attorney services, essential for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Polish property law. Document translation and certification costs add several hundred to thousand PLN depending on transaction complexity.
Mortgage insurance may be required for loan-to-value ratios above 80%, adding 0.5-1% of the loan amount annually. International transfer fees and bank processing charges can add thousands of PLN to the transaction cost.
Foreign ownership registration and clearance procedures, while rare for city apartments, may apply to properties outside urban areas and can involve additional administrative fees and processing time.
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.
Polish property prices have experienced remarkable growth over the past five years, with major cities seeing 40-60% increases that have fundamentally changed the market landscape.
Foreign buyers should prepare for substantial upfront costs totaling approximately 25% of the purchase price, though Poland remains significantly more affordable than comparable German and Czech markets.
Sources
- InvestRopa Poland Real Estate Market
- Global Property Guide Poland Price History
- Careers in Poland Gdansk Housing
- Poland Insight Apartment Prices
- Poland Weekly Apartment Prices
- Korona Pay Poland Property Costs
- Statista Poland Rental Costs
- Global Property Guide Poland Square Meter Prices
- Notes from Poland Warsaw Price Rise
- Knight Frank Poland Market Review