Housing prices in Poland remain high, but the market is offering new opportunities for buyers—including discounts of up to 10% and stable rental income of 5–7% per year. However, the buying process involves many details: from taxes and document verification to choosing a city and property type. Find out what to look for before buying an apartment in Poland and how to avoid common mistakes

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The real estate market in Poland remains one of the most attractive in Europe for both investment and relocation. A stable economy, clear legislation, and geographical proximity make the country a logical choice for purchasing a home. At the same time, demand continues to drive up prices: in major cities, the cost per square meter has already reached 18,000 zlotys, and rentals yield an average of 5–7% annually.

Despite this, the market is gradually changing—owners are increasingly willing to offer discounts of up to 10%, which opens up new opportunities for buyers. But the transaction itself is not just about choosing an apartment: you need to factor in taxes, verify documents, assess the neighborhood, and understand the legal nuances.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what to look for when buying an apartment in Poland, how much it actually costs, and how to navigate the process without mistakes.

In the previous article, we reported on the most expensive cities in the world to live in in 2026, according to Numbeo.

Are you planning to buy real estate abroad? Before concluding a deal, it is important to consider not only the price per square meter, but also tax liabilities, restrictions for foreigners, title checks, and additional costs. Visit World's real estate lawyers will help you analyze the property, assess legal risks, and accompany you at all stages of the transaction: from the initial consultation to the signing of the contract. Get professional support and confidence in every step.

What to look for before buying an apartment in Poland?

Before investing in real estate in Poland, it is important to evaluate not only the apartment itself but also the factors that influence its marketability, living comfort, and potential income. These parameters determine whether the purchase will be profitable in the long term.

1. Location and city. In Warsaw, Kraków, or Wrocław, prices are significantly higher, but rental demand is stable. In smaller cities, housing is cheaper, but returns may be lower.

2. Market type. The primary market is often more cost-effective during the construction phase but requires time. Secondary housing allows you to move in immediately or quickly rent it out.

3. Infrastructure. Transportation, shops, schools, and offices nearby—a key factor that influences both comfort and property value.

4. Condition of the apartment. A renovated and furnished apartment allows you to avoid additional expenses and start generating income sooner.

5. Prospects for the neighborhood.Active development of the area can significantly increase the value of the apartment in just a few years.

It’s also worth considering the market situation: despite high prices, sellers are increasingly willing to negotiate, and discounts can reach around 10%. This means that skillful negotiation today translates to real savings.

In our previous article, we reported that Spain has been named the best country for real estate investment in Europe for the first time.

How much does an apartment cost in Poland and additional expenses

When planning to buy a home in Poland, it is important to look not only at the price of the apartment but at the total cost of the transaction. Additional expenses can significantly impact your budget, especially for foreigners.

Average apartment prices

Real estate prices depend primarily on the city and location. In 2025, prices for new construction in the largest cities are as follows:

1. Warsaw — approximately 18,000 PLN/m²

2. Kraków — approximately 16,700 PLN/m²

3. Wrocław — about 14,700 PLN/m²

4. Poznań — about 13,600 PLN/m²

5. Silesian Agglomeration — about 11,400 PLN/m²

When it comes to the total cost of housing, one-bedroom apartments in major cities typically range from 300,000 to 700,000 PLN, while three-bedroom apartments can exceed 1,000,000–1,200,000 PLN depending on the neighborhood and the condition of the property.

At the same time, in cities such as Łódź, Lublin, or Bydgoszcz, prices are significantly lower: from 5,000 to 8,000 PLN/m², making them attractive for budget-friendly investments.

Mandatory expenses when buying

In addition to the cost of the apartment itself, the buyer pays a number of associated expenses. The Civil Law Transactions Tax (PCC) is 2% and applies to the purchase of housing on the secondary market. Notary fees typically range from 0.5% to 2% of the property’s value, while the real estate agent’s commission is around 2% to 3%, depending on the terms of the deal.

As a result, these additional costs can increase the purchase budget by approximately 5–8%, so it is important to factor them in during the planning stage.

Recurring Expenses and Yield

After purchasing a home, the owner faces recurring expenses: utility bills, building maintenance, potential repairs, and taxes if the apartment is rented out.

At the same time, in major Polish cities, renting can yield about 5–7% annually, making real estate not only a place to live but also a source of stable income.

We previously reported that housing prices in the EU have risen by 65% over 10 years.

How to buy an apartment in Poland: a step-by-step guide

The process of buying a home in Poland is quite transparent and well-regulated, but involves several mandatory steps. If you understand the sequence of actions, the transaction proceeds quickly and without risks.

Setting a budget and preparation

The first step is to clearly define your budget and sources of funding. It’s important to account not only for the cost of the apartment but also for taxes, notary fees, the realtor’s commission, and potential renovation costs. If you’re planning to take out a mortgage, it’s worth assessing your chances of getting approved by a Polish bank in advance.

Choosing an apartment and verifying documents

Once the budget is set, the search for housing begins. At this stage, it is important not only to find a suitable option but also to conduct a legal review: to ensure that the seller has title to the property and that the apartment is free of debts, liens, or other encumbrances.

Signing the preliminary agreement

Once the parties agree on the terms, a preliminary agreement (umowa przedwstępna) is signed. It sets out the key terms of the transaction—the price, deadlines, and obligations of the parties. Typically, at this stage, the buyer pays a deposit, which is often around 10% of the property’s value.

Finalizing the transaction with a notary

The main purchase and sale agreement is signed exclusively before a notary—this is a mandatory requirement under Polish law. The notary verifies the documents, confirms the legality of the transaction, and ensures its legal validity.

Registration of ownership

After signing the contract, the new owner is registered in the land and mortgage register (Księgi wieczyste). This stage officially establishes ownership and usually takes several weeks.

Completion of the transaction and move-in

Once all formalities are completed, the buyer receives the keys to the apartment and can connect utilities. At this stage, the transaction is considered fully completed.

In our previous article, we provided a ranking of the most expensive European capitals for buying a home in 2026.

Specifics of Buying an Apartment in Poland for Foreigners

Buying a home in Poland is generally accessible for foreigners, but involves several legal and practical nuances. It is important to understand these in advance to avoid delays or problems during the transaction process.

Is a purchase permit required?

For EU citizens, there are virtually no restrictions—they can purchase real estate under the same conditions as Polish citizens. For citizens of other countries, the situation is slightly different:

- Buying an apartment usually does not require a special permit

- When buying a house or a plot of land, a permit from the Polish Ministry of the Interior may be required

This is one of the key points that needs to be verified before the transaction begins.

What documents are required?

To complete the purchase, a foreigner must prepare a basic set of documents. Most often, this includes a foreign passport, a PESEL number, and proof of the legal origin of funds.

Banks or a notary may also request additional documents—for example, proof of income or proof of legal residency status.

Mortgages for Foreigners

Foreigners can obtain a mortgage in Poland, but the conditions are usually stricter. Banks focus on income stability, formal employment, and legal residency status in the country.

It is also important to note that interest rates may vary depending on the economic situation, but generally remain competitive compared to other EU countries.

New construction or the secondary market

The choice between new and existing housing has practical implications:

1. New construction is often cheaper initially but requires time to complete and additional renovation costs

2. The secondary market allows you to move in immediately or start renting out the apartment

This decision directly affects both your budget and the timeline for obtaining housing.

Renting or buying: which is more cost-effective

In many Polish cities, buying a home may be more cost-effective than long-term renting, especially given rising housing prices and rental rates.

At the same time, the market remains dynamic, so decisions should be made based on personal goals: living there or investing.

To learn more about the best countries in Europe to live and work in 2026, please follow the link.

Where is it cheaper to buy an apartment in Poland?

If your budget is limited or you’re looking for investment options with a lower entry threshold, you should focus not on major cities but on less popular ones. That’s where housing prices can be significantly lower, while demand for rentals remains stable.

Cities with affordable real estate

There are several cities in Poland where you can buy an apartment significantly cheaper than in Warsaw or Kraków. The difference can sometimes be nearly double:

1. Łódź — approx. 6,000–8,000 PLN/m²

2. Katowice — approx. 6,500–9,000 PLN/m²

3. Bydgoszcz — from 5,000 to 7,500 PLN/m²

4. Lublin — about 5,500–7,500 PLN/m²

5. Szczecin — approximately 6,000–8,000 PLN/m²

6. Bielsko-Biała—around 5,000–7,000 PLN/m²

These cities attract investors due to lower housing costs and gradual infrastructure development.

Why are prices lower?

The more affordable real estate in these cities is due to several factors. They are usually located farther from the capital or major business centers, have lower demand, and experience slightly slower economic growth.

At the same time, this isn’t always a disadvantage. On the contrary, in many cases, it is precisely these regions that have growth potential, especially if infrastructure is developing or new jobs are being created.

How to choose the right city?

Low price isn’t the only criterion. When choosing a city, it’s important to evaluate the balance between cost and prospects. Employment rates, transportation links, the presence of universities, and the region’s overall development dynamics all play a significant role.

If you’re buying an apartment to live in, pay attention to comfort and infrastructure. If it is an investment, however, the key factors are rental demand and the potential for price growth.

In our previous article, we told you where in Europe it will be the cheapest to buy real estate in 2026.

What types of contracts are used when buying an apartment in Poland?

Several types of contracts are used when purchasing real estate in Poland. Understanding their roles helps avoid risks and better control the transaction process.

Preliminary Agreement (Umowa przedwstępna)

This is the first legally significant document that records the parties’ intention to enter into a transaction. It sets out the key terms: price, deadlines, and the parties’ obligations.

Typically, at this stage, the buyer pays a deposit—approximately 10% of the apartment’s value. If one of the parties withdraws from the transaction, financial penalties may apply, including the return of the deposit in double the amount.

Main Purchase and Sale Agreement

This is the key document confirming the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It must be executed by a notary in the form of a notarial deed—without this, the transaction has no legal force.

The contract specifies the final price, payment terms, and the date of property transfer. It is only after signing this contract that the buyer actually becomes the owner of the property.

Development Agreement

Used when purchasing an apartment in a new building. In this case, the agreement is concluded with the developer and regulates the terms of construction, the completion date of the property, and the payment schedule.

Payment is usually made in stages—in accordance with the progress of construction. Polish law provides additional guarantees for buyers in the event of the developer’s failure to fulfill their obligations.

Deed of Transfer of Ownership

This document is signed upon completion of construction and confirms the actual transfer of ownership from the developer to the buyer. Like the main contract, it must be notarized and registered with the land registry.

Buying a home in another country is not only an investment but also a serious legal procedure. Mistakes in documents, unaccounted taxes or restrictions for foreigners can lead to financial losses. Consultation with a real estate lawyer from Visit World will help you to safely complete the transaction, check the seller and avoid hidden risks. Contact the experts to make your real estate purchase abroad as transparent and secure as possible.

We remind you! The Cypriot parliament is considering draft laws that could significantly change the conditions for buying real estate for citizens of countries outside the European Union. The initiatives include quantitative limits on properties, geographical bans and transparency requirements for transactions. Read more about the proposed restrictions, foreign purchases statistics and how to prepare for possible changes in the Cyprus real estate market.

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