Where to buy property in Warsaw: an overview of neighbourhoods to live in

Poland remains one of the most attractive countries to move to due to its developed economy, low unemployment rate, affordable housing prices and well-designed infrastructure. The country offers excellent conditions for work, business, education, as well as immigration programmes that make it easier to obtain permanent residence.

Choosing the best city in Poland to live in depends on many factors: salary level, property prices, ecology, infrastructure and climate conditions.

Warsaw: a dynamic metropolis

Warsaw ranks first among the top Polish cities thanks to its developed economy, large number of jobs and comfortable infrastructure. It is the financial and technological centre of the country, offering high salaries and fast career growth.

The average income in the capital is significantly higher than in other Polish cities. Specialists in IT, finance, marketing and construction can earn between 8,000 and 15,000 PLN per month. The city offers many vacancies for expats and professionals in international companies, making a move to Poland particularly favourable for skilled personnel.

Cost of property and standard of living in Warsaw

Housing in the capital is more expensive than in other regions, but still more affordable than in Western Europe. The average cost of a flat in the centre is 15000-18000 PLN per square metre, rent from 3000 PLN for a “one-bedroom”. Despite the high pace of life, Warsaw remains a comfortable city with developed infrastructure, good ecology and the best medical care in Poland.

Krakow: cultural centre

Krakow holds an honourable place in the ranking of Poland’s best cities to live in thanks to its original architecture, high level of education and strong tourist industry. In a metropolis with a rich history and a dynamic economy, it is easy to find work and enjoy a comfortable living.

Why does Krakow attract expats and students?

One of the best educational institutions in the country, the Jagiellonian University, is located here. International companies operate in the city, which creates employment opportunities in IT, finance and marketing. The average income of professionals in Krakow is 7000-12000 PLN per month.

Housing prices

Krakow offers affordable property prices. A square metre in the centre costs 12000-15000 PLN, renting a flat from 2500 PLN per month. The city is suitable for students, young professionals and families who want to live in the cultural capital of Poland with a high level of comfort.

Gdansk: a corner by the sea

Gdansk occupies a special place among the best cities in Poland to live in, offering a comfortable atmosphere, economic stability and high quality infrastructure. It is the country’s key port hub, playing an important role in international trade, shipbuilding and logistics. In addition, Gdansk attracts tourists, IT professionals, entrepreneurs and family people, creating optimal conditions for moving to Poland for permanent residence.

Advantages of living in Gdańsk

Gdansk has a moderate climate, a large number of green areas and a convenient transport system. Families, pensioners and those who appreciate sea air and ecology can live here comfortably. The average salary in the city is 6000-11000 PLN per month, and the cost of housing is lower than in Warsaw and Krakow.

Jobs: prospects and salary levels

Gdansk remains one of Poland’s leading economic centres, offering a wide range of career opportunities in shipbuilding, logistics, IT, tourism and trade. It is home to major international companies, industrial parks and a growing start-up industry. The location is attractive for IT professionals and entrepreneurs.

Average salaries:

1. IT specialists: 9000-15000 PLN per month.
2. Logistics and transport: 6000-10000 PLN.
3. Tourism and hospitality: 5000-8000 PLN.
4. Shipbuilding and industry: 7000-12000 PLN.

Due to low competition among specialists in certain fields, moving to Gdansk can be a good solution for professional growth and stable employment.

Real estate: how much does housing cost?

Gdańsk offers affordable property prices compared to Warsaw and Krakow, making it a favourable city for long-term residence. For example:

1. Flats in the centre: 10000-14000 PLN per square metre.
2. Housing in dormitory areas: 8000-10000 PLN.
3. Renting a flat (1-bedroom): 2000-3000 PLN per month.
4. Rent a flat (2-3 rooms): 3500-5000 PLN.

The cost of the property depends on the neighbourhood, proximity to the sea and the level of infrastructure. However, long-term rentals are more affordable than in other metropolitan areas of Poland.

Poznan: developed economy and convenient infrastructure

Poznan is one of the best cities in Poland to live in thanks to its developed industry, comfortable infrastructure and low housing costs. The country’s key business centre attracts programmers, engineers and entrepreneurs. Large industrial enterprises and IT companies are located here, which creates good conditions for career and business. The average salary in Poznan is 6500-11000 PLN per month, and the level of competition on the labour market is lower than in Warsaw or Krakow.

Cost of property in Poznan

Housing prices remain among the most affordable among major cities in Poland. The average cost of a square metre is 8500-11000 PLN, renting a flat from 1800 PLN per month. The location is suitable for technology professionals, engineers and those looking for a comfortable and inexpensive city to live in.

Conclusion

Choosing the best city in Poland to live in depends on your goals. Warsaw is suitable for career development and business, Krakow for those who value cultural environment and education. Gdansk attracts with its comfortable stay by the sea, while Poznan offers prospects in industry and the IT sector. For those looking for a peaceful atmosphere, affordable property and developed infrastructure, Bielsko-Biała, Bydgoszcz and Katowice are good choices.

Immigration to Poland in 2025 remains promising, offering stability, high quality of life and favourable conditions for work and investment.

Poland has long ago ceased to be only a country for tourism and business. Today, more and more foreigners decide to buy a flat in Poland to start a new life or to invest profitably in the local property market. The country offers not only affordable prices and high quality of life, but also an abundance of cultural attractions and cosy places to live.

Peculiarities of buying property in Poland for Russians

The Polish property market is attracting more and more foreigners, but there are important nuances to consider. Firstly, a purchase permit is required in some cases, especially when it comes to buying a plot of land or a house outside cities. For example, to buy a country house with a plot of land, you need to apply to the Ministry of Interior and Administration, which can take about 3-4 months.

The average cost of flats in Poland varies from 2,000 to 4,000 euros per square metre, depending on the city. Each offers its own advantages:

1. Warsaw: a metropolitan city with a developed infrastructure, cultural centres and numerous business districts. Important business centres such as the Warsaw Financial Centre are located here.
2. Krakow: the cultural heart of the country, famous for its castles and universities. Life here is close to attractions such as Wawel Castle and Market Square, as well as many museums and theatres.
3. Poznan: popular with families due to its quality infrastructure and lower housing prices. It is home to excellent schools and parks such as Citadel Park.

Step-by-step guide: how to buy a flat in Poland

Buying can seem like a complicated procedure, especially if you are dealing with foreign bureaucracy for the first time. However, by following certain steps and having the right information at hand, you will be able to go through all the steps with ease and confidence. In this section, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right property, what documents to collect, and what to look out for when working with real estate agencies.

1. determining the budget and choosing the type of accommodation

The first step in buying a flat in Poland is to determine your budget. Prices vary depending on the city and type of housing. For example, you can buy a studio in Poland in Warsaw for 120,000 to 150,000 euros, while in smaller cities such as Lodz or Bydgoszcz, prices start from 70,000 euros.

In addition to the cost of the flat, you need to consider the cost of taxes and commissions:

1. Civil Action Tax (PCC) – 2% of the value of the flat.
2. Real estate agency commission – 2-3%.
3. Notary costs are about 2 per cent.

2. Obtaining authorisation to purchase

Foreigners need a permit to buy property in Poland. This document is issued by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. To obtain it you will need:

1. Passport.
2. Proof of financial means (income certificate).
3. Documents on your stay in Poland (if you are already in the country).
4. A statement justifying the reason for the purchase of the property.

The process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, so it is important to start early.

3. Finding a flat and working with an agency

Once you have received authorisation, start looking for a flat. At this stage, it is best to use the services of a real estate agency, which will help with the legal verification of the object and the conclusion of the transaction. The agency’s commission is usually 2-3% of the transaction value. This will give you confidence that all the documents are in order and the purchase will go smoothly. It is important to check for a current extract from the land register (Księga Wieczysta) to make sure there are no debts or restrictions on the property.

4. Preliminary agreement

When an object is found, a preliminary contract is concluded – Umowa przedwstępna, where the key terms of the transaction are fixed. The deposit is 10-20% of the value of the object. This contract protects the buyer from possible risks on the part of the seller. The agreement should spell out all the terms and conditions of the purchase, including the value of the object, the terms of transfer and the responsibility of the parties.

5. Finalisation of the transaction

The contract is formalised by a notary. A lawyer records the transaction and after that the property is registered in the land register (Księga Wieczysta). The services of a notary cost about 2% of the value of the property, and a civil action tax (PCC) of 2% is also charged.

New or second-hand housing in Poland: where to buy a flat?

New buildings offer modern living conditions. The cost of such properties in Warsaw and Krakow starts from 3,000 euros per square metre. They are often located in gated residential complexes, which adds a level of security and comfort. Buyers of new buildings can count on quality guarantees from the developer, as well as lower maintenance costs, as modern buildings are built with energy efficiency in mind.

Secondary housing is most often located in central city districts and can offer a unique atmosphere associated with the history of the building. But it is worth considering that such properties may require remodelling. The cost of renovation ranges from 500 to 800 euros per square metre depending on the scope of work. Buying secondary housing can be more cost-effective, but requires additional effort to renovate and adapt to modern standards.

Mortgage for foreigners: how to get financing in Poland

Foreign buyers can easily apply for a mortgage to buy a flat in Poland. A down payment of 20-30% of the value of the flat is required. Interest rates are 3-4% per annum, which makes the conditions quite attractive compared to other EU countries. PKO Bank Polski and Santander Bank Polska actively co-operate with foreigners, offering different mortgage products.

The stages of obtaining a mortgage:

1. Pre–approval. To start the process, get pre-approved for a mortgage to see what kind of budget you can expect.
2. Filing Documents. Bank statements, proof of income, and NIP (Taxpayer Identification Number) are required. Often banks also require life or property insurance.
3. Signing of the mortgage agreement. The bank and the borrower sign the contract, after which the bank transfers funds to the seller. It is also necessary to register the mortgage at the land registry.

Conclusion

The country offers a wide range of opportunities for those who want to live in the heart of Europe, invest in a stable economy and enjoy a high standard of living. Buying a flat in Poland is a good investment, especially as prices continue to rise and rental demand also remains stable. The ease of obtaining a mortgage, quality infrastructure and security make the country an ideal place for both investment and permanent residence.

Invest in your future today and enjoy all the benefits of living in Europe, from high levels of education to a quality medical system and a stable economic climate.