What are the best areas for real estate in Poland? (2026)

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

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Poland. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Poland?

Which areas in Poland have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three areas in Poland with the highest property prices per square meter are Śródmieście in Warsaw (averaging around 23,000 PLN per square meter), Żoliborz in Warsaw (around 20,500 PLN per square meter), and Stare Miasto in Kraków (around 17,500 PLN per square meter).

In these most expensive neighborhoods, buyers should expect to pay between 17,000 and 30,000 PLN per square meter for a typical apartment, with ultra-premium properties in Warsaw's city center sometimes exceeding that range.

Each of these areas commands high prices in Poland for distinct reasons:

• Śródmieście (Warsaw): walking distance to major employers, government offices, and cultural landmarks.
• Żoliborz (Warsaw): tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a village-like atmosphere within the capital.
• Stare Miasto (Kraków): UNESCO heritage status, tourism demand, and strict limits on new construction.

Which areas in Poland have the most affordable property prices in 2026?

As of early 2026, the most affordable property prices in Poland are found in Łódź (many districts averaging 8,000 to 10,500 PLN per square meter), Katowice and Upper Silesia (8,500 to 11,000 PLN per square meter), Białołęka in Warsaw (around 14,400 PLN per square meter), and Nowa Huta in Kraków (around 11,000 to 13,000 PLN per square meter).

In these more affordable areas, buyers can typically find decent apartments for between 7,500 and 14,500 PLN per square meter, depending on building age and renovation quality.

The main trade-off is that Łódź has a weaker job market and population decline pressures, Katowice requires comfort with an industrial heritage and ongoing transition, Białołęka in Warsaw means long commutes without direct metro access, and Nowa Huta in Kraków carries a Soviet-era reputation that keeps some buyers away despite improving amenities.

You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Poland.

We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Poland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.

Which Areas in Poland Offer the Best Rental Yields?

Which neighborhoods in Poland have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods in Poland with the highest gross rental yields are Łódź city center (around 7 to 8.5% gross), Katowice near transit hubs (around 6.5 to 7.5% gross), Wola in Warsaw particularly the Odolany and Czyste areas (around 6 to 7% gross), and Szczepin in Wrocław (around 6 to 7% gross).

Across Poland as a whole, typical gross rental yields in 2026 range from about 4.5% in premium central locations to around 7% in well-connected but less expensive districts.

These top-yielding neighborhoods deliver higher returns for specific reasons:

• Łódź city center: low purchase prices combined with steady student and young professional demand.
• Katowice transit areas: affordable entry prices plus stable employment from the Silesian industrial and service sector.
• Wola (Odolany/Czyste) in Warsaw: new office cluster driving rental demand while prices lag behind Śródmieście.
• Szczepin in Wrocław: central adjacency at a discount, attracting tenants priced out of Stare Miasto.

Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Poland here.

Which Areas in Poland Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Poland perform best on Airbnb in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top-performing Airbnb neighborhoods in Poland are Stare Miasto and Kazimierz in Kraków (occupancy around 70%, average nightly rate around 450 PLN), Śródmieście in Warsaw (occupancy around 67%, average nightly rate around 350 PLN), Śródmieście in Gdańsk near the Main Town (occupancy around 65%, average nightly rate around 400 PLN), and Wola in Warsaw near Rondo Daszyńskiego (occupancy around 60%, driven by business travelers).

Top-performing short-term rentals in these Polish neighborhoods can generate between 5,000 and 7,000 PLN per month during peak seasons, though annual averages typically settle between 3,500 and 5,000 PLN per month after accounting for off-season dips.

Each neighborhood outperforms for distinct reasons:

• Stare Miasto/Kazimierz (Kraków): walkable to all major sights, nightlife, and restaurants tourists want.
• Śródmieście (Warsaw): proximity to museums, the Old Town, and corporate headquarters for business visitors.
• Śródmieście (Gdańsk): direct access to the historic waterfront and summer beach tourism overflow.
• Wola near Rondo Daszyńskiego (Warsaw): new business district attracting corporate short stays and consultants.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Poland.

Which tourist areas in Poland are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?

The three tourist areas in Poland showing signs of oversaturation in 2026 are Kraków's Old Town and Kazimierz core, Gdańsk's Main Town waterfront strip, and the most central blocks of Warsaw's Śródmieście near the Royal Route.

In Kraków's Kazimierz alone, there are over 7,000 active short-term rental listings, while Gdańsk's central tourist zone has seen listing counts grow by over 30% in the past two years.

The clearest sign of oversaturation in these Polish neighborhoods is that average occupancy rates have dropped 5 to 10 percentage points from their 2022 peaks, forcing hosts into price competition and squeezing margins for newcomers.

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 Areas in Poland Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Poland have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?

The neighborhoods in Poland with the strongest long-term rental demand in 2026 are Mokotów in Warsaw (particularly Upper Mokotów), Wola in Warsaw (near the business district), Grzegórzki in Kraków, and Krzyki in Wrocław.

Properties in these high-demand Polish neighborhoods typically rent within two to three weeks of listing, with vacancy rates staying below 5% even during slower months.

Each area attracts a specific tenant profile:

• Mokotów (Warsaw): young professionals and families working in nearby corporate offices.
• Wola (Warsaw): tech workers and consultants drawn to the new Rondo Daszyńskiego business hub.
• Grzegórzki (Kraków): university students and young professionals wanting tram access to the center.
• Krzyki (Wrocław): families and mid-career professionals seeking good schools and green spaces.

What makes these Polish neighborhoods especially attractive to long-term tenants is the combination of reliable public transit (metro or tram), walkable amenities like grocery stores and cafes, and proximity to major employment centers without paying absolute top-tier prices.

Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Poland.

What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Poland in 2026?

As of early 2026, monthly rents in Poland's main neighborhoods vary significantly: Warsaw's Śródmieście averages 4,500 to 6,500 PLN for a typical one or two-bedroom apartment, Kraków's Stare Miasto runs 3,600 to 5,500 PLN, Wrocław's central Krzyki area asks 3,200 to 4,800 PLN, and Gdańsk's Wrzeszcz neighborhood typically costs 3,000 to 4,500 PLN.

For the most affordable neighborhoods in Poland, entry-level apartments in areas like Białołęka in Warsaw or Nowa Huta in Kraków rent for around 2,600 to 3,500 PLN per month.

In average-priced Polish neighborhoods like Ursynów in Warsaw or Podgórze in Kraków, mid-range apartments typically cost between 3,400 and 4,800 PLN per month.

At the high end, premium apartments in Żoliborz, Mokotów (Upper), or Wilanów in Warsaw command rents of 5,000 to 7,500 PLN per month, especially for newer or renovated units with parking.

You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Poland here.

Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Poland?

Which neighborhoods in Poland are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Polish neighborhoods seeing the most active gentrification and investor interest are Praga-Północ in Warsaw (especially near Ząbkowska and the Koneser complex), Zabłocie in Kraków's Podgórze district, Szczepin and Nadodrze in Wrocław, and the Bemowo areas near future metro stations in Warsaw.

These gentrifying neighborhoods in Poland have seen annual price appreciation of roughly 8 to 15% over the past two to three years, outpacing city-wide averages by several percentage points.

Which areas in Poland have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?

The areas in Poland with the most price-boosting infrastructure projects underway are Bemowo in Warsaw (near the upcoming Lazurowa, Chrzanów, and Karolin metro stations), northern Kraków along the new Tram to Mistrzejowice corridor, and various cities benefiting from the National Rail Program upgrades.

In Warsaw, the M2 metro extension to Lazurowa, Chrzanów, and Karolin is expected to be completed by end of 2026, while Kraków's tram extension to Mistrzejowice is already improving connectivity to the northern districts.

Historically in Poland, neighborhoods within a 10-minute walk of new metro or major tram stations have seen price increases of 10 to 20% within two to three years of the infrastructure opening, as the commute time reduction fundamentally changes the area's appeal.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Poland here.

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 Areas in Poland Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?

Which neighborhoods in Poland with lots of problems I should avoid and why?

The neighborhoods in Poland that present the most challenges for property investors in 2026 are peripheral parts of Białołęka in Warsaw without metro access, hyper-saturated short-term rental zones in Kraków's Old Town, and some oversupplied new-build corridors in Łódź with weak tenant demand.

Each area has specific issues:

• Far Białołęka (Warsaw): poor transit connections leading to longer vacancies and weaker resale liquidity.
• Kraków Old Town micro-center: oversaturated with Airbnb listings, compressing returns and facing potential regulation.
• Peripheral Łódź new-builds: oversupply of developer stock with insufficient local demand to absorb inventory quickly.

For these neighborhoods in Poland to become viable investment options, Białołęka would need direct metro or fast tram service, Kraków's central zones would need clearer STR regulations that limit new entrants, and Łódź would need stronger job growth to absorb its housing supply.

Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Poland.

Which areas in Poland have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?

As of early 2026, areas in Poland with stagnant or slightly declining property prices include parts of central Poznań on the secondary market (down about 4 to 5% from early 2025), some outer Warsaw districts with high new-build inventory, and oversupplied segments of Łódź where developer competition is intense.

These areas in Poland have experienced price stagnation of roughly 0 to 5% decline in nominal terms over the past year, which translates to a real decline when accounting for inflation.

The underlying causes differ by area:

• Central Poznań (secondary market): affordability ceiling reached, pushing buyers to new-builds or suburbs.
• Outer Warsaw (high inventory zones): too many similar apartments competing for a limited pool of buyers.
• Oversupplied Łódź corridors: developers built faster than the local job market could absorb new residents.

Which Areas in Poland Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?

Which areas in Poland have historically appreciated the most recently?

The areas in Poland that have appreciated the most over the past five to ten years are Warsaw (especially Wola and Mokotów), Kraków (particularly Podgórze and central districts), Gdańsk and the Tricity region (with coastal premiums), and Wrocław (especially Krzyki and Stare Miasto-adjacent areas).

Here is how much each area has appreciated:

• Warsaw (Wola): roughly 80 to 100% total appreciation over 5 years, driven by the new business district.
• Kraków (Podgórze/Zabłocie): around 70 to 90% total appreciation as regeneration attracted young professionals.
• Gdańsk (central and coastal): approximately 60 to 80% appreciation, boosted by limited buildable land.
• Wrocław (Krzyki): about 50 to 70% appreciation, supported by tech sector job growth.

The main driver of above-average appreciation in these Polish areas was the combination of strong employment growth, constrained central supply, and improved transit infrastructure that made previously overlooked neighborhoods suddenly desirable.

By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Poland.

Which neighborhoods in Poland are expected to see price growth in coming years?

The neighborhoods in Poland expected to see the strongest price growth in coming years are Bemowo in Warsaw (near the new M2 metro stations), Zabłocie in Kraków (continued regeneration), Mistrzejowice corridor in Kraków (tram extension impact), and Szczepin in Wrocław (central adjacency at a discount).

Projected growth rates for these high-potential neighborhoods:

• Bemowo near metro (Warsaw): estimated 8 to 12% annual growth as stations open in 2026.
• Zabłocie (Kraków): estimated 6 to 10% annual growth as lifestyle amenities expand.
• Mistrzejowice corridor (Kraków): estimated 5 to 9% annual growth as tram cuts commute times.
• Szczepin (Wrocław): estimated 5 to 8% annual growth as the discount to city center narrows.

The single most important catalyst for future price growth in these Polish neighborhoods is improved public transit, because it fundamentally changes who can and will live there by making commutes competitive with more expensive central locations.

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 Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Poland?

Which areas in Poland do local residents consider the most desirable to live?

Local residents in Poland consider the most desirable areas to live to be Żoliborz and Mokotów in Warsaw, Zwierzyniec and Krowodrza in Kraków, Oliwa in Gdańsk, and Krzyki in Wrocław.

What makes each area most desirable to Polish locals:

• Żoliborz (Warsaw): quiet, leafy streets with excellent schools and a strong neighborhood identity.
• Mokotów (Warsaw): parks, established restaurants, and easy access to both the center and airport.
• Zwierzyniec (Kraków): green spaces, proximity to the Vistula, and a prestigious residential reputation.
• Oliwa (Gdańsk): the famous park, good schools, and a calmer pace than the tourist-heavy center.

These locally-preferred areas in Poland tend to attract established professionals, families with children, and long-term residents who prioritize quality of life over being in the absolute center of nightlife.

Interestingly, local Polish preferences largely align with what foreign investors target, except that locals often care more about school quality and neighborhood community feel, while investors focus primarily on rental yields and transit access.

Which neighborhoods in Poland have the best reputation among expat communities?

The neighborhoods in Poland with the best reputation among expat communities are Mokotów and Wilanów in Warsaw, Kazimierz and Stare Miasto-adjacent areas in Kraków, Oliwa in Gdańsk, and central Krzyki in Wrocław.

Expats prefer these Polish neighborhoods for specific reasons:

• Mokotów/Wilanów (Warsaw): international schools, English-speaking services, and family-friendly parks.
• Kazimierz-adjacent (Kraków): walkable lifestyle, cafes, and a cosmopolitan social scene.
• Oliwa (Gdańsk): high quality of life, beach access, and a growing international community.
• Central Krzyki (Wrocław): modern apartments, good transit, and proximity to tech employers.

The typical expat profile in these Polish neighborhoods includes corporate transferees, remote workers choosing Poland for cost of living, English teachers, and EU citizens working for multinational companies.

Which areas in Poland do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?

The three areas in Poland that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are Kraków's Old Town core (Stare Miasto), the most touristic waterfront blocks in Gdańsk, and ultra-premium new developments in Warsaw's Śródmieście marketed primarily to investors.

Why locals believe these areas are overvalued:

• Kraków Old Town: noise, tourist crowds, and STR saturation make it less livable than visitors imagine.
• Gdańsk waterfront tourist blocks: summer-only appeal and prices that assume year-round demand that does not exist.
• Warsaw ultra-premium Śródmieście: yields compressed so low that the investment math only works on aggressive appreciation assumptions.

Foreign buyers are often drawn to these areas by marketing materials emphasizing historical charm and tourism potential, while locals know that the day-to-day reality includes noise, parking problems, and neighbors who are mostly short-term visitors rather than a stable community.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Poland.

Which areas in Poland are considered boring or undesirable by residents?

The areas in Poland that residents commonly consider boring or undesirable are far-flung parts of Białołęka in Warsaw, outer blocks of Ursus in Warsaw, peripheral housing estates in Nowa Huta (Kraków), and isolated new developments in suburban Łódź.

What makes residents find these areas unappealing:

• Far Białołęka (Warsaw): long commutes, few restaurants or cafes, and a car-dependent lifestyle.
• Outer Ursus (Warsaw): industrial heritage with limited cultural or social amenities.
• Peripheral Nowa Huta (Kraków): dated Soviet-era architecture and distance from the vibrant city center.
• Suburban Łódź estates: disconnected from the revitalizing city center, with little nightlife or walkability.

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
National Bank of Poland (NBP)	Poland's central bank with official transaction-based housing data.	We anchored all city-level price trends to NBP's quarterly reports. We also used their database to verify whether markets were stabilizing or still accelerating.
Warsaw City Dashboard	Official municipal data tracking Warsaw's market at district level.	We used it to identify the most and least expensive Warsaw districts. We also relied on it for rent-to-price comparisons by neighborhood.
Otodom	Poland's largest property portal with millions of listings and market reports.	We used Otodom's rent and sales data to cross-check NBP trends at neighborhood level. We also referenced their 2025 market reports for supply and demand signals.
Eurostat	The EU's official statistics body for cross-country comparisons.	We used Eurostat's House Price Index to benchmark Poland against EU averages. We also used it as a sanity check on whether Poland is in boom, bust, or normalization.
AirDNA	Leading short-term rental analytics provider used globally by investors.	We used AirDNA to anchor Warsaw and Kraków occupancy and rate expectations. We also compared STR performance across neighborhoods to identify saturation.
Inside Airbnb	Independent dataset widely used by researchers to measure STR density.	We used it to identify where Airbnb listings cluster most heavily. We also used listing counts to flag oversaturation risk in tourist areas.
Statistics Poland (GUS)	Poland's official national statistics agency.	We used GUS for demographic and wage data that drives rental demand. We also referenced their construction permit data for supply pipeline analysis.
ZTM Warsaw	Warsaw's official public transport authority.	We used ZTM press releases to verify metro extension timelines. We also used their route maps to assess which neighborhoods gain connectivity.
RynekPierwotny	Specialized Polish platform focused on new-build market data.	We used it to track primary market pricing separately from resale. We also referenced their time series to spot developer inventory trends.
Global Property Guide	International property data provider with consistent methodology.	We used their rental yield calculations as a cross-check. We also referenced their Poland market overview for international context.