Accommodation Poland

Long-term Rental

Finding Accommodation

Online Platforms: Popular websites for rental searches include Otodom, OLX, Gratka, HousingAnywhere. These platforms offer a wide range of apartments and rooms for long-term rentals, with options to filter by price, location, and other parameters.

Real Estate Agencies: Local real estate agencies can offer more personalized service and help find accommodation that meets your requirements.

 

Necessary Documents: Usually, a passport or ID card, proof of income, and sometimes reference letters are required.

Rental Agreement: Carefully read the terms of the agreement, including the rental period, deposit amount and conditions for its return, as well as the parties' responsibilities for repairs and maintenance of the accommodation.

 

Short-term Rental

 

Short-term Rental Platforms

Airbnb: One of the most popular services for short-term rentals, offering a wide selection of apartments and houses throughout Poland.

Booking.com: The platform also offers short-term rental options, including apartments and houses.

 

Aparthotels: An option that combines the amenities of a hotel with the coziness of an apartment, often offering cleaning services and reception.

 

Rental through Agencies: Local real estate agencies often offer short-term rental options, which can be useful for those who prefer personal contact and consultation.

A rental agreement provides legal protection for both the tenant and the landlord. It outlines the rental conditions, rights, and responsibilities of the parties, helping to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. A property purchase agreement is the main legal document confirming the transfer of property rights from the seller to the buyer. These documents are necessary for several administrative and legal procedures. 

 

Legalization of Residence: To confirm your place of residence when applying for temporary or permanent residence. This is one of the main documents required by the Voivodeship office.

 

Employment: Some employers require a rental/purchase agreement to process employment contracts and other administrative procedures.

 

Financial Transactions: When opening a bank account, obtaining a loan, or mortgage, a rental/purchase agreement is often used to confirm your current address. This is a mandatory requirement for most banks and financial institutions.

 

Educational Institutions: When enrolling in a Polish university or another educational organization, a rental/purchase agreement may be required to confirm your place of residence.

 

Other Administrative Procedures: For registration with local authorities, tax offices, receiving medical services, obtaining insurance policies, connecting utilities, and other important life aspects.

Renting accommodation in Poland has its specific features that need to be considered to avoid potential problems and inconveniences.

Standard Rental Agreement: A standard contract regulated by the Civil Code. The landlord is obliged to provide housing in a suitable living condition and maintain it throughout the rental period. The tenant, in turn, is responsible for minor repairs and maintaining cleanliness in the apartment.

Single Planned Lease Agreement: This type of agreement gives the landlord more options for quickly evicting the tenant in cases of non-payment or other breaches of the contract terms. This type of contract requires notarization and includes the tenant's obligation to provide an alternative residence in case of eviction.

 

Furnished Apartments: In major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw, renting furnished apartments is quite common. This is especially relevant for short-term rentals or for expats and students who do not want to spend money on buying furniture. Furnished apartments typically include basic furniture items such as beds, tables, chairs, wardrobes, and sometimes appliances (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, and stove).

 

Partially furnished apartments: Sometimes apartments may be partially furnished, meaning they include only basic furniture or appliances. 

 

Unfurnished apartments: There are also many offers for renting unfurnished apartments in Poland. This is more typical for long-term rentals. Unfurnished apartments are usually cheaper to rent than furnished ones, but renters will need to consider additional expenses for purchasing furniture and appliances.

 

How to find out if the apartment is rented with furniture?

Ads and descriptions: Always read rental ads carefully. They usually specify whether the apartment is rented furnished or unfurnished.

Contact with the landlord: If the information in the ad is incomplete, contact the landlord or real estate agent to clarify all the details, including the availability of furniture and appliances.

 

Parking spaces 

Availability of parking spaces: In new apartment buildings, parking spaces are usually provided. Landlords often offer parking spaces for an additional fee. In older buildings, parking spaces may be limited. In such cases, residents are forced to look for parking on the streets near the house.

Public parking spaces: In larger cities, there is a paid parking system on the streets. In less populated areas or suburbs, street parking may be free or significantly cheaper.

Real estate search

Online platforms: Otodom, Morizon, Gratka. These platforms offer a wide range of apartments, houses, and land plots throughout Poland.

Real estate agencies: Many buyers prefer to contact real estate agents for professional assistance in searching and completing the transaction.

 

Legal assistance

It is recommended to hire a lawyer specializing in real estate to assist with the legal aspects of the purchase. The lawyer will conduct a legal status check of the property to ensure there are no debts or other legal obstacles.

 

Features for foreign citizens

For citizens of non-EU countries, a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs may be required to purchase real estate in Poland (a permit is usually required to buy land, for example, a house with a plot; for buying an apartment, such a permit is not required, even if the buyer has lived in Poland for less than 5 years). 

 

Financial aspects

A civil law transaction tax (2% of the property value) and a notary fee are charged when purchasing real estate. Additional expenses may also include a real estate agency commission (usually 2-3%).

In Poland, real estate insurance is not mandatory by law. However, it is often recommended and may be a mandatory condition when obtaining a mortgage. It is recommended to consider real estate insurance to ensure that your property and personal belongings are protected from unforeseen situations, contributing to an overall sense of security and stability.

 

Types of real estate insurance

Building insurance: Covers damage to the building structure caused by various risks such as fire, flood, earthquake, and other disasters. 

 

Contents insurance: Covers losses or damages to personal belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, and other personal items. 

 

Third-party liability insurance: Protects the property owner from third-party claims in case of damage inflicted on them, for instance, if someone gets injured on your property due to an accident.

 

Insurance cost: On average, the annual cost can range from 200 to 1000 PLN for a medium-sized apartment depending on the policy terms and coverage level.

Utility payment in Poland may have its features depending on the type of housing, region, and lease agreement conditions. 

 

Payments for basic utilities - electricity, water, gas - depend on consumption volume, may vary depending on the season, and are calculated based on meter readings.

 

Heating: In apartment buildings, heating can be centralized or individual. The fee for central heating is often included in the general utility bill and is shared among all residents of the building.

 

Internet and television: These services usually require a separate contract with the provider and are paid separately from the main utility services.

 

Payment Methods

Online Payments: Paying utilities through internet banking is the most convenient and popular method. Many companies offer the option to pay through their websites or applications.

Bank Transfers and Automatic Withdrawals: You can set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account to avoid missed payments. This is especially useful for regular payments, such as rent and utilities.

Payment at the bank or post office: Some people prefer to pay their bills in cash at bank branches or post offices.

Recalculation and Additional Payment: In some buildings, a prepayment system for utilities is applied with subsequent recalculation based on actual consumption. In the case of overpayment, the excess is returned, and in the case of underpayment, it is necessary to pay the difference.

Basic Rules and Standards

 

Quiet and Peace: Most apartment buildings have a "night quiet" rule from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. During this time, any noisy work and events are prohibited to ensure peace for all residents.

 

Cleanliness and Order: Residents are required to maintain cleanliness both in their apartments and in common areas, such as staircases, corridors, and entrances. Waste disposal and sorting are mandatory, as mandatory waste recycling has been introduced in Poland.

 

Safety: Adherence to fire safety measures and rules for the use of common property is strictly monitored. Residents must ensure the proper functioning of electrical appliances and gas equipment, and should not block evacuation routes.

 

Use of Common Areas: Common areas, such as laundry rooms, basements, and attics, must be used as intended. It is important to respect the rights of neighbors and follow schedules for using these spaces if such exist.

The real estate market in Poland is dynamically developing, and its characteristics depend on a number of economic, demographic, and political factors.

 

Economic Factors

Economic growth in Poland is stable, which contributes to an increase in demand for real estate. Low interest rates on mortgage loans make purchasing housing more accessible, stimulating demand and rising property prices.

 

Foreign Investment: Infrastructure projects, such as new roads and railway lines, increase the attractiveness of certain areas, which contributes to rising property prices. This is especially true for large cities and their suburbs.

 

Demographic Factors

 

Urbanization: Population migration from rural areas to cities increases housing demand in large cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. This leads to rising home prices in these regions.

   

Aging Population: Demand for smaller and more convenient apartments is increasing due to demographic changes. In some regions, this also affects the types of housing that are in demand on the market.

 

Government Programs

 

Housing Support Programs: Programs like "Mieszkanie na start" (Home at Start) are aimed at supporting first-time home purchases. These programs offer favorable mortgage conditions, which stimulate demand in the real estate market.

 

Rental Market

 

Rental Prices: The cost of rent varies depending on the city and type of housing. In Warsaw, renting a two-room apartment can reach 4600 PLN per month, while in smaller cities, prices are significantly lower. High demand for rentals contributes to price increases, especially in large cities and student centers.

 

Risks and Prospects

 

Risks: Political and economic uncertainty, as well as possible legislative changes, can impact the real estate market. Investors should consider these risks when making decisions.

   

Prospects: The growth of the IT and technology sector, as well as international investments, continue to increase demand for real estate, especially in large cities. This supports the trend of rising housing prices.

 

Overall, the real estate market in Poland continues to grow, but it is important to consider economic and demographic factors, as well as potential risks, to make informed decisions about buying or renting property.

The cost of living in Poland varies depending on the city and region, but overall, Poland remains a comparatively affordable country compared to most Western European countries.

 

Housing

 

Rent

In Warsaw, renting a three-room apartment outside the city center costs approximately 5,324 PLN per month.

Renting a furnished 85 m² apartment in a normal area costs around 5,128 PLN per month, while in an expensive area — about 7,410 PLN per month.

The rent for a 45 m² studio apartment ranges from 3,395 PLN in ordinary areas to 4,383 PLN in expensive areas.

 

Purchase

Approximate housing prices in major and medium-sized cities in Poland:

Warsaw: Price per m² is approximately 2,600–4,400 euros.

Krakow: Price per m² is 2,400–4,000 euros.

Gdansk: Price per m² is approximately 2,200–3,800 euros.

Wroclaw: Price per m² is approximately 2,000–3,500 euros.

Poznan: Price per m² is approximately 1,800–3,100 euros.

Lodz: One of the most affordable major cities in Poland. Price per m² is approximately 1,300–2,200 euros.

Rzeszow: In this rapidly developing city, the price per m² is about 1,100–2,000 euros.

Bialystok: Price per m² is approximately 1,100–1,800 euros, making it one of the more affordable cities in the east of the country.

Utilities

Bills for basic utilities (heating, electricity, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment amount to about 1,309 PLN per month.

For a 45 m² studio, utility bills will be approximately 745 PLN per month.

 

Food

 

Food prices: A liter of milk costs about 4.36 PLN, a loaf of fresh white bread — about 4.35 PLN, a dozen eggs — 11.93 PLN, a kilogram of apples — 4.74 PLN, a kilogram of potatoes — 4.22 PLN.

The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant for two is about 160 PLN, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is 35 PLN.

 

Transport

 

Public transport: A single ticket for local transport costs about 4.40 PLN, and a monthly pass — approximately 119 PLN.

The price of gasoline is about 7 PLN per liter.

 

Internet and Communications

 

Internet and mobile communication: High-speed fiber-optic internet (up to 600 Mb/s) costs about 70 PLN per month. Mobile communication with a prepaid plan at 35 PLN per month includes free calls and SMS, as well as 45 GB of internet.

 

Additional expenses

 

Entertainment and dining out: The cost of two movie tickets — about 60 PLN, and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant — about 130 PLN.

A pack of 20 Marlboro cigarettes costs approximately 18.92 PLN.

 

Overall, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low compared to other European countries. However, prices can vary depending on the city and area of residence. Warsaw and Krakow are traditionally considered the most expensive cities, whereas living in smaller cities and rural areas will be cheaper.

In Poland, there are numerous government support and subsidy programs aimed at assisting various population groups. Here are the main ones:

 

The "Rodzina 500+" program: provides monthly payments for each child under the age of 18. The program is designed to support families and improve their financial situation. The program is available to both Polish citizens and foreigners, provided they live and work in Poland.

 

The "Mój Prąd" (My Electricity) program: aimed at supporting the installation of solar panels for households.

 

The "Apartment on Start" program: designed to support the first home purchase. The program is available to both Polish citizens and foreigners residing in Poland.

 

The "Clean Air" program: provides subsidies for the modernization of heating systems and improvement of home energy efficiency.

 

These programs provide significant support for improving housing conditions, the financial situation of families, and sustainable development. They are available to both Polish citizens and foreigners living in the country, subject to certain conditions.