Poland Real Estate 2025: Buying Rules, Investment Cities & Foreign Ownership Guide

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7/8/2025

Poland Real Estate 2025: Buying Rules, Investment Cities & Foreign Ownership Guide

✅ Can Foreigners Buy Property in Poland?

Yes — most foreigners can buy apartments and commercial property freely, but buying land or houses may require government permission for non-EU buyers.

🏠 Poland is considered one of the most accessible property markets in Central Europe for foreign buyers.


⚖️ Foreign Ownership Rules in Poland (2025)

🔹 EU/EEA Citizens

  • Can buy residential and commercial properties freely

  • No restrictions on land or houses

🔹 Non-EU Citizens

  • Can freely buy apartments (condominiums) and office/commercial units

  • Need Ministry of Interior approval to buy:

    • Standalone houses

    • Land (residential, agricultural, or forested)

Permits are rarely denied if the buyer has legitimate use and no criminal background.

🔹 Company Ownership

  • A company registered in Poland or the EU can buy land and houses

  • This is a common workaround for non-EU buyers


🏙️ Top Cities to Invest in Poland (2025)

🔹 1. Warsaw

  • Capital city with the strongest rental and resale market

  • Major expat population, corporate tenants, and student demand

🔹 2. Kraków

  • Historic city and tech/startup hub

  • Popular for tourism, student housing, and serviced apartments

🔹 3. Wrocław

  • Young, dynamic population and growing foreign investment

  • High demand for affordable rentals and IT workforce housing

🔹 4. Gdańsk (Tri-City Area)

  • Coastal city with a thriving logistics and business hub

  • Emerging market for holiday rentals and office space

🔹 5. Łódź

  • Poland’s most affordable large city

  • Benefiting from massive redevelopment and logistics investments


💰 Average Property Prices in 2025

CityAvg. Price (PLN/sqm)Approx. €/sqm
Warsaw13,000–18,000€3,000–€4,200
Kraków11,000–15,000€2,500–€3,500
Wrocław10,000–14,000€2,300–€3,200
Gdańsk11,000–16,000€2,500–€3,700
Łódź7,500–10,500€1,700–€2,400

Poland uses the Polish zloty (PLN). Property remains relatively affordable by EU standards.


📈 Rental Yields & ROI

CityLong-Term YieldShort-Term ROI
Warsaw4.5–6.5%6–8.5%
Kraków4–5.5%6–8%
Wrocław5–6.5%6.5–8.5%
Gdańsk4.5–6%6–8%
Łódź5–7%6–8%

Airbnb and other short-term rentals are legal and thriving, though some cities are considering regulations in historic areas.


🛠️ Buying Process for Foreigners

  1. Reserve property and sign a preliminary agreement

  2. Pay deposit (usually 10%)

  3. Engage a Polish notary and legal advisor

  4. If needed, apply for Ministry of Interior permit

  5. Sign final agreement before notary

  6. Register property at Land and Mortgage Register

⏱️ The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, longer if a permit is needed (up to 90 days).


🧾 Taxes & Fees

TypeCost/Rate
Property Transfer Tax2% (not applicable for new builds)
Notary and Legal Fees~1–2%
Real Estate Agent Fee2–3% (buyer or seller pays)
VAT on New Property8% or 23% (depends on type and size)
Capital Gains Tax19% (waived after 5 years)
Rental Income Tax8.5% (flat for small landlords) or 12–32% progressive
Annual Property TaxLow, varies by local authority

🛂 Does Buying Property Grant Residency?

❌ No, buying real estate does not automatically provide residence rights.

However:

  • Property ownership can help support visa, business permit, or long-stay residency applications

  • Poland has temporary and permanent residence permits for investors and entrepreneurs


🏘️ Who Should Invest in Poland?

✅ Ideal for:

  • Investors looking for solid rental yields and capital growth

  • Foreigners wanting access to EU real estate with fewer restrictions

  • Digital nomads and families relocating to Europe

  • Buyers priced out of Western Europe who still want EU ownership

❌ Not ideal for:

  • Investors seeking luxury coastal properties or ultra-high-end homes

  • Those looking for citizenship by investment


🔮 2025 Market Trends in Poland

  • Strong demand in student cities and business hubs

  • International companies expanding into Wrocław and Kraków

  • Property prices rising but still below Western European levels

  • Infrastructure investments driving growth in regional cities

  • Foreign demand from UAE, Israel, UK, and Ukraine increasing


🧭 Final Thoughts

Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated real estate investment destinations. With clear laws, freehold ownership, and solid yields, it offers long-term value and growth potential.

For EU and non-EU buyers alike, Poland balances affordability with strong economic fundamentals, making it ideal for mid-tier investors, expats, and yield-focused landlords.

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