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
This article breaks down rental yields in Poland in 2026, covering gross and net returns, top-performing neighborhoods, and the costs that eat into your profits.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest market data and trends in Poland's residential rental market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
Insights
- Poland's average gross rental yield sits around 6.1% in early 2026, but outer districts of Warsaw like Białołęka can push closer to 7% while prime Śródmieście hovers near 5%.
- The gap between gross and net yields in Poland is typically 1.5 to 2 percentage points, driven mainly by Poland's rental income tax of 8.5% on revenue up to PLN 100,000.
- Institutional PRS vacancy in Poland runs around 2%, but private landlords should budget for 4% to 7% vacancy due to turnover friction and pricing missteps.
- Warsaw's M2 metro extension toward Bemowo is expected to complete by late 2026, making Chrzanów and Karolin attractive for yield-focused investors betting on improved connectivity.
- Poland's 2026 property tax cap for residential buildings is just 1.25 PLN per square meter, so a 50 m² apartment costs roughly 63 PLN per year in property tax at the maximum rate.
- Studios and compact one-bedroom apartments in Poland typically outperform larger units on yield because rent per square meter doesn't fall as fast as purchase price per square meter.
- Kraków's Nowa Huta district offers higher yields than the tourist-heavy Kazimierz, where purchase prices have climbed faster than rents can keep up.
- Full-service property management in Poland's major cities typically costs 8% to 12% of monthly rent, plus a tenant-placement fee of 50% to 100% of one month's rent.
What are the rental yields in Poland as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential property in Poland is estimated at around 6.1% per year.
The realistic range for most typical residential properties in Poland spans from about 5.5% to 7.0%, depending on the city and specific neighborhood you're looking at.
This puts Poland's gross yield slightly above the European average, making it an attractive market compared to Western European capitals where yields often compress below 4%.
The single most important factor influencing gross rental yields in Poland right now is the gap between purchase prices and rent levels in different districts, with outer-but-connected neighborhoods offering better returns because prices haven't caught up to demand as quickly as in city centers.
What's the average net rental yield in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for residential property in Poland is estimated at around 4.4% per year.
The typical difference between gross and net rental yields in Poland is about 1.5 to 2.0 percentage points, which accounts for all the costs that landlords face.
The expense category that most significantly reduces gross yield to net yield in Poland is the rental income tax, which is levied at 8.5% on revenue up to PLN 100,000 and 12.5% above that threshold, and it applies to revenue rather than profit.
The realistic range for net rental yields on most standard investment properties in Poland falls between 3.8% and 5.2%, with variation depending on how well you manage vacancy, maintenance costs, and whether you handle tenants yourself or pay for professional management.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Poland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What yield is considered "good" in Poland in 2026?
In Poland in 2026, a gross rental yield of 6% or higher is generally considered "good" by local investors, while anything above 7% is typically viewed as very good but often requires trade-offs like less central locations or smaller unit sizes.
The threshold that separates average-performing properties from high-performing ones in Poland is roughly the 6% gross mark, with properties below this level usually sitting in premium central areas where purchase prices have outpaced rent growth.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields can vary by 2 to 4 percentage points between the highest-yield and lowest-yield neighborhoods within the same Polish city.
The neighborhoods that typically deliver the highest rental yields in Poland are outer-but-well-connected districts with good transit links, such as Białołęka, Bemowo, and Praga-Południe in Warsaw, Nowa Huta in Kraków, Psie Pole in Wrocław, and Przymorze in Gdańsk.
The neighborhoods that typically deliver the lowest rental yields in Poland are prime central and lifestyle-premium areas where buyers pay high prices for location prestige, such as Śródmieście and Mokotów in Warsaw, Stare Miasto and Kazimierz in Kraków, and Oliwa in Gdańsk.
The main reason yields vary so much across neighborhoods in Poland is that purchase prices in premium areas reflect lifestyle and status value, while rents can only stretch so far based on what tenants can actually afford to pay each month.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Poland.
How much do yields vary by property type in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields across different property types in Poland range from roughly 5% for detached houses and villas up to 7% or more for compact studios and one-bedroom apartments in well-located areas.
The property type that currently delivers the highest average gross rental yield in Poland is small apartments, particularly studios and compact one-bedrooms, because they attract the largest pool of renters and command relatively high rent per square meter.
The property type that currently delivers the lowest average gross rental yield in Poland is detached houses and villas, where high purchase prices and maintenance costs outpace what family renters are willing to pay in monthly rent.
The key reason yields differ between property types in Poland is that rent per square meter falls as units get larger, but purchase price per square meter doesn't drop enough to compensate, so smaller units end up with a better rent-to-price ratio.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical residential vacancy rate for private landlords in Poland is estimated at around 4% to 7% annually, though institutional PRS operators often run tighter at around 2%.
Vacancy rates across different neighborhoods in Poland can range from under 3% in high-demand areas with jobs and universities to over 8% in districts where landlords overprice their listings or units lack modern amenities.
The main factor that currently drives vacancy rates up or down in Poland is pricing accuracy, since Otodom data shows that well-priced listings in popular areas get tenant responses quickly, while overpriced units sit empty for weeks.
Poland's vacancy rates compare favorably to many European markets because strong renter demand from young professionals, students, and expats keeps the major cities quite tight, especially in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent-to-price ratio in Poland is approximately 0.51%, which translates to an annual rent-to-price ratio of about 6.1%.
A monthly rent-to-price ratio of 0.5% or higher is generally considered favorable for buy-to-let investors in Poland, and this ratio is directly connected to gross rental yield since multiplying it by 12 gives you the annual gross return on your purchase price.
Poland's rent-to-price ratio is more attractive than in Western European capitals like Paris or Berlin, where ratios often fall below 0.3% monthly, making Poland a relatively strong market for income-focused investors.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Poland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods and micro-areas in Poland give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top highest-yield neighborhoods in Poland include Białołęka and Bemowo in Warsaw, Nowa Huta in Kraków, and Psie Pole in Wrocław, all of which offer better price-to-rent ratios than city centers.
The estimated average gross rental yield range in these top-performing areas like Białołęka, Nowa Huta, and Psie Pole typically falls between 6.5% and 7.5%, compared to the national average of around 6.1%.
The main characteristic these high-yield areas share in Poland is that they offer good transport connections to job centers and universities, but purchase prices haven't yet caught up to the level of demand, creating a favorable gap between rent income and acquisition cost.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top lowest-yield neighborhoods in Poland include Śródmieście and Mokotów in Warsaw, Stare Miasto and Kazimierz in Kraków, and Oliwa in Gdańsk, where premium purchase prices compress returns.
The estimated average gross rental yield range in these low-yield areas typically falls between 4.5% and 5.5%, well below the national average of around 6.1%.
The main reason yields are compressed in areas like Śródmieście, Kazimierz, and Oliwa is that buyers pay a lifestyle and prestige premium for these locations, pushing purchase prices up faster than rents can follow.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Poland.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates in Poland include Wola and Mokotów in Warsaw, Krowodrza in Kraków, and Wrzeszcz in Gdańsk, where deep renter pools keep units filled quickly.
The estimated vacancy rate range in these low-vacancy areas typically runs between 2% and 4%, compared to the 4% to 7% range that private landlords experience on average across Poland.
The main demand driver that keeps vacancy low in areas like Wola, Krowodrza, and Wrzeszcz is the concentration of jobs, universities, and excellent public transit, which ensures a steady stream of young professionals and students looking for housing.
The trade-off investors typically face when targeting these low-vacancy areas in Poland is that purchase prices tend to be higher, which can compress yields even though occupancy is more reliable.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Poland right now?
The top neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand in Poland include Wola, Mokotów, and Praga-Południe in Warsaw, Krowodrza and Podgórze in Kraków, Krzyki in Wrocław, and Wrzeszcz in Gdańsk.
The type of renter profile driving most of the demand in these areas is young professionals aged 25 to 40 working in tech, finance, and shared services, along with university students and a growing number of expats and remote workers.
Rental listings in high-demand neighborhoods like Wola, Krowodrza, and Wrzeszcz typically get filled within one to three weeks when priced correctly, according to portal response data from Otodom.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Poland.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three upcoming infrastructure projects expected to boost rents in Poland are Warsaw's M2 metro extension toward Bemowo, Kraków's tram line to Górka Narodowa, and Gdańsk's PKM Południe suburban rail expansion.
The neighborhoods most likely to benefit from these projects include Chrzanów and Karolin in Warsaw along the M2 extension, Krowodrza Górka and Górka Narodowa in Kraków near the new tram line, and Kowale and southern Gdańsk along the PKM Południe corridor.
Investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in affected neighborhoods once these projects are completed, based on how similar transit improvements have historically lifted rental appeal in Polish cities.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Poland here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in Poland as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Poland, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and compact one-bedroom apartments generally outperform larger units in Poland in terms of both rental yield and occupancy rates.
The typical gross rental yield for studios in Poland ranges from 6.5% to 7.5% (around PLN 2,500-3,500 monthly rent, or USD 600-850/EUR 550-800), while larger two-bedroom units typically yield 5.5% to 6.5%.
The main factor that explains why studios outperform in Poland is the large pool of single renters, young professionals, and students who need affordable housing and prioritize location over space.
One scenario where a larger unit might be the better investment in Poland is if you're targeting the expat family market or couples planning to stay long-term, since these tenants often sign longer leases and cause less turnover.
What property types are in most demand in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, modern apartments in well-connected locations are the most in-demand property type for renters in Poland.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand in Poland are one-bedroom apartments (most demand), compact two-bedroom apartments (strong demand from couples and sharers), and studios (popular with students and young singles).
The primary demographic trend driving this demand pattern in Poland is urbanization among young professionals aged 25 to 40 who prefer renting near work and transit over committing to homeownership in suburban areas.
One property type that is currently underperforming in demand in Poland is large detached houses for rent, since the family rental market remains relatively thin and most families who can afford such homes prefer to buy.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the unit size range that delivers the best gross rental yield per square meter in Poland is typically between 25 and 45 square meters, covering studios and compact one-bedrooms.
The typical gross rental yield per square meter for optimal-sized units in Poland translates to monthly rents of around PLN 80-100 per m² (USD 19-24/EUR 18-22 per m²) in major cities, compared to just PLN 50-70 per m² for larger units.
The main reason smaller or larger units tend to have lower yield per m² in Poland is that very small micro-units face regulatory and lender resistance, while larger units see rent per m² drop faster than purchase price per m², hurting the ratio.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Poland.
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 costs cut my net yield in Poland as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax for a typical 50 m² rental apartment in Poland is around 63 PLN (approximately USD 15/EUR 14) at the maximum rate, since Poland's residential property tax cap is just 1.25 PLN per square meter.
Other recurring local fees landlords must budget for in Poland include the building administration charge (czynsz administracyjny) for common area maintenance, which typically runs PLN 200-500 per month (USD 48-120/EUR 44-110), though this is often passed to tenants depending on the lease structure.
Property taxes and mandatory local fees typically represent less than 1% of gross rental income in Poland, which is quite low compared to many other European markets where property taxes can take a bigger bite.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Poland.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Poland right now?
The estimated annual landlord insurance cost for a typical rental apartment in Poland is around PLN 300-600 (USD 72-145/EUR 66-132), covering basic property protection, with broader policies including liability costing more.
The recommended annual maintenance and repair budget in Poland is roughly 0.5% to 1.0% of property value, which for a PLN 500,000 apartment means setting aside PLN 2,500-5,000 (USD 600-1,200/EUR 550-1,100) per year.
The type of repair expense that most commonly catches landlords off guard in Poland is heating system and boiler issues in older buildings, especially during harsh winters when breakdowns require urgent and costly fixes.
The total combined annual cost landlords should realistically budget for insurance, maintenance, and repairs on a typical Polish rental property is around PLN 3,000-6,000 (USD 720-1,450/EUR 660-1,320), depending on the building's age and condition.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Poland right now?
In Poland, most utilities are typically paid by tenants rather than landlords, including electricity, gas, internet, and often water and heating through monthly advances that get settled based on actual usage.
When landlords do cover certain utilities (which is less common), the estimated monthly cost for a typical rental unit in Poland runs around PLN 400-700 (USD 96-168/EUR 88-154), though lease structures where tenants pay all utilities separately from rent are more standard practice.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service property management in Poland typically costs between 8% and 12% of monthly rent, which for an apartment renting at PLN 3,500 per month means PLN 280-420 (USD 67-101/EUR 62-92) in ongoing management fees.
The typical leasing or tenant-placement fee charged on top of ongoing management in Poland is around 50% to 100% of one month's rent, so for that same PLN 3,500 apartment, expect to pay PLN 1,750-3,500 (USD 420-840/EUR 385-770) each time a new tenant is placed.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Poland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Poland should set aside around 4% to 8% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, which translates to roughly one month of rent per year as a planning rule.
The typical number of vacant weeks per year that landlords experience in Poland ranges from two to four weeks in high-demand areas with good pricing, stretching to four to six weeks in less competitive locations or when units need refreshing between tenants.
Buying real estate in Poland can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Poland, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Narodowy Bank Polski (NBP) | It's Poland's central bank and one of the most trusted sources for market-wide housing statistics. | We use it as the anchor for price and rent context and for cross-checking private-market indicators. We also use it to sanity-check whether our yield estimates fit Poland's broader housing cycle. |
| Otodom Rental Market Report (Nov 2025) | Otodom is Poland's largest housing portal and publishes transparent, data-driven market reports. | We use it to ground our rent levels and renter-demand patterns across major Polish cities. We also use it to infer vacancy pressure based on how quickly listings attract responses. |
| Otodom Reports Index | It's the official repository where Otodom publishes its recurring research series. | We use it to validate that we're using the most recent rental report available before January 2026. We also use it to triangulate trends across multiple monthly snapshots. |
| Global Property Guide | It's a long-running international property research publisher that discloses how it computes yields from asking prices and rents. | We use it to produce a clear national gross-yield estimate and city/neighborhood yield ranges. We also use its methodology note to create a disciplined bridge from gross to net yields. |
| Cushman & Wakefield Poland Residential Q3 2025 | It's a top-tier global real estate consultancy with a formal research process and published PDFs. | We use it to cross-check the broader residential market direction around late 2025. We also use it to avoid relying on a single portal's data. |
| CBRE Poland Institutional PRS Market 2025 | CBRE is a major global real estate firm and its PRS research is widely referenced in Poland. | We use it to benchmark vacancy and occupancy dynamics in the professional rental segment. We then translate those benchmarks into a realistic vacancy buffer for small landlords. |
| FRED (Eurostat-sourced) Poland HICP Rentals | It's a reputable public data platform that clearly attributes the underlying series to Eurostat. | We use it as a macro cross-check on rent inflation and what rents are doing economy-wide. We also use it to keep our early 2026 narrative consistent with official inflation tracking. |
| ELI (Official Polish Legal Texts) - 2026 Tax Caps | It's an official government legal-text distribution endpoint, so the numbers are directly verifiable. | We use it to quantify the maximum residential property-tax rate caps for 2026. We then translate those caps into an annual PLN impact per square meter for a typical landlord. |
| PwC Tax Summaries - Poland | PwC is a global professional services firm and their tax summaries are designed to be referenced and audited. | We use it to confirm the rental-income lump-sum tax framework, including rates and thresholds. We also use it to avoid relying on informal blog explanations for taxes. |
| RSM Poland - Real Estate Tax Overview | RSM is a major tax advisory network and this is a structured explainer for the Polish tax system. | We use it as a second cross-check on rental-income taxation and general real-estate tax rules. We also use it to reduce the risk of missing a key landlord cost category. |
| City of Warsaw - M2 Metro Extension | It's the official city website, so it's the cleanest source for confirmed infrastructure timelines. | We use it to identify specific micro-areas likely to benefit from improved connectivity. We also use it to keep upcoming project claims factual and dated. |
| Kraków ZIM - Tram Line to Górka Narodowa | It's the city's official investment authority, so the project scope is reliable. | We use it to name concrete neighborhoods where transport upgrades can lift rental appeal. We also use it to avoid vague "infrastructure coming" statements. |
| Full Avante News - Gdańsk PKM Południe | It's a specialized rail and infrastructure news outlet that reports on permits and project scope. | We use it to reference a specific, location-tied project that can shift renter demand inside Tricity. We cross-check it with local reporting before treating timelines as firm. |
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