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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Poland Property Pack
Poland's property market has become increasingly expensive in recent years, with major cities like Warsaw and Kraków seeing apartment prices range from 13,000–18,000 PLN per square meter as of September 2025.
Understanding the true cost of Polish real estate involves more than just the purchase price—buyers need to factor in transaction costs, mortgage rates currently around 7.3–7.9%, and monthly maintenance expenses that can reach 500–900 PLN for a typical apartment.
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 prices vary dramatically by location, with Warsaw commanding the highest rates at 16,400–18,700 PLN per sqm while rural areas can be found for as low as 4,500–8,500 PLN per sqm.
Foreign buyers face the same prices as locals for apartments but may need higher deposits of 20–40% and additional paperwork for certain property types.
| City | Average Price per sqm (PLN) | City Center Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 16,400–18,700 | 22,000+ PLN/sqm |
| Kraków | 15,000–20,000 | 22,000 PLN/sqm |
| Wrocław | 12,700–15,000 | 14,000–15,000 PLN/sqm |
| Gdańsk | 12,300–14,300 | 13,000–14,300 PLN/sqm |
| Rural Areas | 4,500–8,500 | N/A |
How much does an average apartment cost per square meter in major Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk?
Polish apartment prices vary significantly between major cities, with Warsaw leading at the highest rates across the country.
Warsaw apartments average 16,400–18,700 PLN per square meter as of September 2025, making it the most expensive city in Poland. The city center commands premium prices exceeding 22,000 PLN per sqm, while suburban areas can drop to 10,200–13,000 PLN per sqm depending on the district and transportation links.
Kraków follows as the second most expensive market, with apartments averaging 15,000–20,000 PLN per sqm. The historic Old Town center reaches similar peaks to Warsaw at around 22,000 PLN per sqm, while outskirt areas start from approximately 10,000 PLN per sqm for older properties or developing neighborhoods.
Wrocław offers more moderate pricing at 12,700–15,000 PLN per sqm for quality locations, with new builds in prime areas reaching 14,000–15,000 PLN per sqm. Older apartments or suburban locations can be found for around 10,500 PLN per sqm, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Gdańsk represents the most affordable major city option, with central districts averaging 13,000–14,300 PLN per sqm and an overall area average of 12,300 PLN per sqm.
What is the typical price difference between buying in the city center versus the suburbs in Poland?
City center apartments in Poland cost 50–120% more than suburban properties, creating substantial savings opportunities for buyers willing to commute.
Warsaw demonstrates the most dramatic price gap, with central locations like the Old Town commanding 22,000 PLN per sqm while outer districts and budget suburbs range from 10,200–13,000 PLN per sqm. This represents savings of up to 54% when choosing suburban locations over prime city center properties.
Kraków shows similar patterns, where Old Town properties reach 22,000 PLN per sqm but buyers can find apartments in developing areas or outskirts for 10,000–12,000 PLN per sqm. The savings potential reaches approximately 45–55% depending on the specific suburb and its amenities.
Even smaller major cities like Gdańsk and Wrocław maintain significant center-suburb price differentials, though the absolute differences are smaller due to lower overall price levels. Wrocław's prime areas cost 14,000–15,000 PLN per sqm while suburbs offer options around 10,500 PLN per sqm.
Transportation infrastructure heavily influences suburban pricing, with areas connected by metro, tram, or frequent bus services commanding higher prices than those requiring car dependency.
How much does a newly built apartment usually cost compared to an older one in Poland?
New construction apartments in Poland typically command a 10–20% premium over older properties, with the gap varying by city and specific location.
Warsaw new developments average 16,400 PLN per sqm compared to 14,400 PLN per sqm for older resale properties, representing a 14% premium for modern construction. New builds offer advantages like energy efficiency, modern layouts, and warranty coverage that justify the higher costs for many buyers.
Kraków shows even larger premiums, with new builds often priced at 15,700–20,000 PLN per sqm while older buildings in up-and-coming areas can be found for 10,199–12,000 PLN per sqm. The premium reflects both construction quality and location advantages of new developments.
Wrocław maintains more moderate new-build premiums, with quality new construction averaging 14,000–15,000 PLN per sqm compared to older apartments around 10,500–12,700 PLN per sqm depending on condition and location.
Buyers choosing older apartments can achieve significant savings but should budget for potential renovation costs, energy efficiency improvements, and maintenance issues that newer properties typically avoid for the first several years.
What are the average house prices in rural areas or smaller towns compared to big cities in Poland?
| Location Type | Price per sqm (PLN) | Typical House Cost (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities (Warsaw, Kraków) | 15,000–20,000 | 800,000–1,200,000 |
| Medium Cities (Wrocław, Gdańsk) | 12,000–15,000 | 600,000–900,000 |
| Small Towns | 6,000–10,000 | 400,000–600,000 |
| Rural Areas | 4,500–8,500 | 300,000–500,000 |
| Remote Rural Areas | 3,000–6,000 | 200,000–400,000 |
How much higher are property prices in Warsaw compared to the national average?
Warsaw property prices stand 50–80% above Poland's national average, with some central areas costing more than double the typical Polish property price.
The national average for urban properties ranges from 8,000–12,000 PLN per sqm, while Warsaw averages 16,400–18,700 PLN per sqm across all districts. This places Warsaw approximately 65% above the national urban average, making it significantly more expensive than most Polish cities.
Central Warsaw properties exceeding 22,000 PLN per sqm represent more than double Poland's national average, creating substantial barriers for average Polish income earners. Even Warsaw's suburban areas at 10,200–13,000 PLN per sqm remain above or at the high end of national averages.
When compared to rural Polish property prices of 4,500–8,500 PLN per sqm, Warsaw costs 2–4 times more depending on the specific districts being compared. This massive gap reflects Warsaw's role as Poland's economic center and its attraction for international businesses and workers.
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What are the average monthly rent prices in Poland's main cities, and how do they compare to mortgage costs?
Rental costs in Polish cities have risen substantially, with monthly rent often approaching or exceeding typical mortgage payments for similar properties.
Warsaw leads rental pricing with 1-bedroom city-center apartments averaging 2,900 PLN per month, while newly built or prime areas command 3,500–4,300 PLN monthly. These rates make Warsaw rentals among the highest in Eastern Europe.
Kraków offers more moderate rental rates at 1,800–3,200 PLN for city-center 1-bedroom apartments, with studios available from 1,100 PLN per month. The range reflects significant variation between central locations and less prestigious neighborhoods.
Gdańsk and Wrocław typically range from 1,600–3,000 PLN for 1-bedroom apartments, with studios starting around 1,100–1,200 PLN monthly. These cities offer better value compared to Warsaw while maintaining good amenities and job opportunities.
Monthly mortgage payments for a standard apartment costing approximately 600,000 PLN at current interest rates of 7.3% average 3,800–4,500 PLN per month. This makes buying financially competitive with renting in many cases, especially for properties in the 500,000–700,000 PLN range.
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How much are property taxes, notary fees, and other transaction costs when buying property in Poland?
Polish property transaction costs remain moderate compared to Western Europe, typically totaling 5–7% of the property purchase price.
Property taxes in Poland are remarkably low, usually just a few hundred PLN annually for apartments. The exact amount varies by municipality, but most apartment owners pay between 200–800 PLN per year, making ongoing ownership costs very manageable.
Notary fees range from 0.25–1% of the property price, with minimums around 1,000 PLN and maximums typically capped at 10,000 PLN. Notaries handle the legal transfer process and ensure all documentation meets Polish legal requirements.
Additional transaction costs include land registry fees (approximately 200 PLN), transaction tax (2% for resale properties), VAT (23% for new builds), and real estate agent fees (2–3% of purchase price). These costs accumulate quickly but remain predictable for budgeting purposes.
Buyers should budget the full 5–7% transaction cost percentage when calculating their total investment, as these fees are mandatory and cannot be negotiated away like in some other European markets.
What is the typical deposit or down payment required to buy a home in Poland?
Polish banks typically require 10–20% down payments for domestic buyers, with foreign buyers often facing higher requirements of 20–40%.
Standard Polish mortgage requirements call for 10–20% down payments from buyers with good credit histories and stable income documentation. Banks offer their best interest rates to buyers providing 20% deposits, making this the most common down payment level.
Foreign buyers face stricter requirements, with most banks requesting 20–40% down payments depending on residency status, income source, and citizenship. EU citizens generally receive more favorable treatment than non-EU buyers.
First-time buyer programs exist under specific government schemes offering 0% down payment options, though these have strict income and property value limits. These programs target Polish citizens and long-term residents rather than foreign investors.
Beyond the down payment, buyers need additional funds for transaction costs (5–7% of purchase price) and immediate moving expenses, making the total cash requirement substantially higher than just the minimum deposit.
How much are average mortgage interest rates in Poland right now, and how do they affect monthly payments?
Polish mortgage interest rates currently average 7.3–7.9% for fixed-rate loans, significantly impacting monthly payment affordability.
As of September 2025, Polish banks offer fixed mortgage rates averaging 7.3–7.9%, while variable rates can be higher depending on individual bank margins and the WIBOR rate (currently around 5.8%) plus bank-specific margins. These rates reflect Poland's monetary policy and inflation environment.
Monthly payment calculations show the impact of these rates clearly: a 600,000 PLN mortgage at 7.3% interest results in monthly payments of approximately 3,800–4,500 PLN over a 25-30 year term. This represents a substantial monthly commitment requiring careful income planning.
The high interest rate environment means buyers need significant income levels to qualify for mortgages, with banks typically requiring monthly payments to remain below 40–50% of gross household income. This limits purchasing power compared to lower-rate environments.
Rate trends suggest continued elevated levels through 2025, making current mortgage costs a significant factor in Polish property affordability calculations for most buyers.
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 average costs of maintaining an apartment in Poland, including utilities and building fees?
Polish apartment maintenance costs average 500–900 PLN monthly for typical apartments, with larger family homes reaching 1,300–1,400 PLN monthly.
Monthly maintenance expenses include building administration fees, utilities (heating, electricity, water), property insurance, and reserves for major repairs. These costs vary significantly based on apartment size, building age, and included services.
Utility costs represent the largest component, with heating and electricity prices rising but remaining below Western European levels. Modern apartments with efficient heating systems typically show lower utility costs than older buildings requiring renovation.
Building administration fees cover maintenance of common areas, elevator service, cleaning, and management services. Newer developments often have higher fees due to additional amenities like security systems, gyms, or concierge services.
Owners should budget for occasional special assessments for major building improvements like roof repairs, elevator replacement, or energy efficiency upgrades, which can add several thousand PLN in one-time costs every few years.
How much have property prices in Poland increased in the past 5 years, and what's the forecast for the next few years?
Polish property prices have risen dramatically by 70–120% over the past five years, with major cities like Kraków seeing median price increases of 105%.
The 2019–2024 period represented unprecedented growth in Polish real estate, driven by low interest rates, EU development funds, rising incomes, and limited housing supply in major cities. Warsaw and Kraków experienced the steepest increases, fundamentally changing affordability for average buyers.
Growth patterns shifted in 2023–2025, with major cities seeing slower increases or stabilization as higher interest rates and stretched affordability reduced buyer demand. Suburban areas and smaller cities continue experiencing steady but more moderate growth rates.
Forecasts for 2025–2027 suggest continued moderate increases of 3–8% annually, though possible cooling could occur if interest rates remain elevated or economic conditions deteriorate. Regional variations are expected, with Warsaw potentially seeing slower growth than secondary cities.
It's something we develop in our Poland property pack.
How much foreign buyers are paying compared to locals, and are there restrictions or extra costs for non-Polish citizens?
Foreign buyers generally pay the same prices as Polish citizens for apartments, though they face additional deposit requirements and paperwork obligations.
Purchase prices for apartments remain identical between foreign and domestic buyers, with no discriminatory pricing based on citizenship. However, foreign buyers typically need higher deposits of 20–40% compared to the 10–20% required for Polish citizens.
Legal restrictions vary by buyer nationality and property type: EU/EEA citizens enjoy full property ownership rights, while non-EU citizens must obtain permits for purchasing land or detached houses. Apartments in multi-unit buildings face no restrictions for any foreign buyers.
No additional taxes apply specifically to foreign property acquisition, though the standard transaction costs still apply. The process remains transparent but requires more extensive documentation including proof of income, asset verification, and sometimes currency source documentation.
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 reflect a market that has matured rapidly, with major cities now commanding prices comparable to some Western European locations while offering different investment dynamics.
Understanding the full cost structure—from purchase prices averaging 13,000–18,700 PLN per sqm in major cities to transaction costs of 5–7% and monthly maintenance of 500–900 PLN—helps buyers make informed decisions about entering this dynamic market.
Sources
- InvestRopa Poland Real Estate Market
- Poland Weekly - Apartment Price Trends
- MonoEstate Warsaw Apartment Costs
- TS2 Tech Poland Market Analysis
- InvestRopa Kraków Prices
- GlobiHome Wrocław Guide
- Global Property Guide Poland
- InvestRopa Poland Rental Prices
- Global Economy Poland Mortgage Rates
- Global Property Guide Poland Taxes