Accommodation in Poland

Expats looking for accommodation in Poland will be delighted to find that there are plenty of options across all budgets and preferences available. Despite the variety of options, housing demand often outweighs supply, so competition over accommodation can be fierce in desirable areas.

Regulations for foreigners who want to buy property in Poland are complex, and most expats living in Poland choose to rather rent property.

Types of accommodation in Poland

The types of accommodation in Poland vary widely and include older as well as more contemporary styles. Fortunately, the quality of housing in Poland is on the rise. Expats will have their pick from Soviet-style apartments, freestanding homes with gardens, duplexes, semi-detached houses and spacious modern penthouse apartments.

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Poland, although unfurnished options are more common. Standard appliances such as a stove, refrigerator and dishwasher are often supplied, but air conditioning is rare in Polish apartments.

Finding accommodation in Poland

Expats looking for an apartment or a house in Poland can find property listings online or published in daily Polish newspapers. That said, for expats unable to speak Polish, this may prove tricky, and they may want to acquire the services of a real estate agent. Once a lease is secured, agents usually require a fee equivalent to at least a month’s rent for their services.

When choosing an area in Poland to live in, expats should consider its proximity to their place of work and their children’s school, as well as access to public transport. The further away from the city centre, the cheaper the accommodation, but these areas typically have limited access to key services such as hospitals, schools and public transport. Rentals closest to public transport, such as Warsaw’s metro line, often cost more.

Renting property in Poland

Expats need to act fast after they find a suitable property, as the rental market is quite competitive.

Making an application

Prospective tenants usually need to provide proof of employment, ID and bank statements to secure a lease in Poland. The landlord and rental agencies will then review applications before choosing a tenant they think is the best fit.

Leases

After the application is accepted, a handover day is arranged where the tenant usually signs a 12-month lease. This also gives them an opportunity to inspect the property and do an inventory. Rental agreements are usually flexible and decided upon between the tenant and landlord.

Tenants are required to give a few months' notice if they wish to terminate a lease early.

Deposits

A deposit of one to three months’ rent is often required by landlords, while some may even require six months' rental upfront.

Utilities

Utilities such as gas, water and electricity are not usually included in the rental cost and are paid for by tenants. Additional expenses could also include general maintenance costs for the building, such as cleaning and gardening. Expats should keep this in mind when budgeting for accommodation.