Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
The Secondary Home Market in Poland
The secondary home market in Poland is experiencing rapid expansion and attracting both locals and foreign investors eager to capitalize on this booming segment. This phenomenon, far more than a mere trend, is supported by a combination of favorable economic factors and evolving lifestyle quality demands.
In this context, the diversity of landscapes, ranging from the majestic Carpathian Mountains to the idyllic beaches of the Baltic Sea, plays a key role by offering a multitude of choices to potential buyers.
This dynamism is further amplified by recent infrastructure developments and the country’s economic stability, making Poland an attractive and strategic destination for real estate investments.✨
Benefits of Investing in Secondary Homes in Poland
Poland offers a particularly attractive environment for secondary home investment, thanks to a combination of economic, tax, and cultural factors.
Stable Economic Growth and Dynamic Market
- The Polish economy has enjoyed sustained growth for several years, strengthening real estate market stability.
- This stability attracts foreign investors seeking to secure their assets in a regulated and transparent environment.
- Rental demand is high, particularly in major university or tourist cities.
Attractive Prices Compared to Western Europe
| City | Average Price per m² (2025) | Emerging Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 12,000 – 16,000 PLN | Praga Północ, Wola |
| Krakow | 11,000 – 15,000 PLN | Zabłocie, Podgórze |
| Wroclaw | 10,000 – 13,000 PLN | Nadodrze, Krzyki |
Prices remain significantly lower than those seen in Germany or France for equivalent properties.
Advantageous Tax Incentives for Foreigners
- Some purchases on the secondary market are exempt from VAT.
- Transaction processes are streamlined for European citizens.
- There are local schemes encouraging rental investment through the institutional private sector (“Build-to-Rent”).
Cultural Richness and Natural Beauty Conducive to Tourism
Historic cities (Krakow, Gdansk), preserved national parks (Tatras), renowned seaside resorts on the Baltic Sea: all assets that attract a growing number of international tourists each year.
List of Major Attractions:
- UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Renowned cultural festivals
- Thermal spas and nature resorts
Attractive Long-Term Return on Investment Prospects
| Criterion | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Gross rental yield | Between 5% and 7% depending on location |
| Tourist demand | Constantly rising |
| Property appreciation | Steady price increase (+8–10 %/year) |
Continuous tourism development strengthens demand for high-end seasonal rentals.
Modern Infrastructure and Improved Accessibility
List of Recent Improvements:
- Ongoing modernization of the highway network
- New high-speed rail lines connecting major European cities
- Modernized international airports (Warsaw Chopin, Krakow-Balice)
- Massive deployment of digital infrastructure
Increased accessibility facilitates both personal use and seasonal or annual rental profitability.
Good to Know:
Investing in secondary homes in Poland offers numerous advantages thanks to its stable economic growth, making the real estate market very attractive with prices still competitive compared to other European destinations. The state also provides tax incentives for foreign investors, making the purchase process more advantageous. In addition to its cultural richness and natural beauty, which promote tourism development, Poland is seeing increased demand for vacation rentals, offering interesting long-term return on investment prospects. Modern infrastructure and continuous improvements in the transportation sector ensure enhanced accessibility, strengthening the country’s appeal for travelers and potential investors.
The Best Regions to Buy a Secondary Home in Poland
Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk, Sopot, and Zakopane are among the most popular regions for buying a secondary home in Poland among international buyers. These destinations attract with their cultural richness, varied landscapes, and diverse infrastructure.
| Region | Tourist & Cultural Attractions | Average Property Price (€/m²) | Local Regulations for Foreigners | Climate | Airport Proximity | Healthcare Services |
| Warsaw | Dynamic capital, museums, nightlife | ~3,500-5,000 | Purchase possible with official permit* | Continental | Chopin Airport | Modern hospitals |
| Krakow | UNESCO heritage, medieval old town | ~3,000-4,500 | Purchase possible with official permit* | Moderate/continental | Balice Airport | |
| Gdańsk/Sopot | Baltic seaside, unique architecture | ~4,000–6,000 | Purchase possible with official permit* | Temperate maritime | Lech Wałęsa Airport | University hospitals |
| Zakopane | Renowned alpine resort/winter sports/mountain culture | ~2,500–4,000 | Purchase possible with official permit* | Mountainous/long winter | Krakow nearby (~2h) | Local medical center |
*Generally: European nationals can purchase property without restrictions. For non-Europeans (outside EU), obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Interior is required for certain types of properties or agricultural land.
Unique Tourist Attractions:
- Warsaw: Major national museums, theaters, and contemporary dining scene.
- Krakow: Wawel Castle, Main Market Square (Rynek), artistic festivals.
- Gdańsk/Sopot: Lively beaches in summer; historic walks along the quays; summer music events.
- Zakopane: Hiking in the Tatras; traditional wooden architecture; folk markets.
Rental Potential
– Sopot and Zakopane offer high seasonal rental yield thanks to summer/mountain tourist influx.
– Warsaw attracts stable international clientele year-round (businesspeople/tourists).
– In Krakow and Gdańsk/Sopot, rental potential is strengthened by the constant presence of students and international tourists.
List of Decisive Factors:
- Good accessibility from major international airports
- Warsaw-Chopin (center)
- Krakow-Balice (south)
- Gdańsk-Lech Wałęsa (north)
- Quick road access to seaside or alpine resorts
- Modern medical infrastructure especially in major university cities
- Climate:
- Northern temperate maritime in Sopot/Gdańsk — mild winters but cool summers;
- Southern mountainous colder in Zakopane — abundant snow December-March;
- Central continental in Warsaw/Krakow — warm summers/cold winters.
Key Points Before Purchase:
- Check legal possibility according to your nationality.
- Consider tourist seasonality if targeting maximum rental yield.
- Account for distance to essential services and international transport.
Coastal regions like Sopot/Gdańsk appeal as much as historic centers such as Krakow thanks to the blend between high tourist attractiveness – ideal for seasonal rental – and complete urban infrastructure ensuring year-round quality of life.
Purchase remains accessible to European citizens but requires additional steps for certain non-European profiles outside the EU.
Don’t hesitate to compare several areas according to your climate or heritage priorities before any major real estate commitment!
Good to Know:
In Poland, the most sought-after regions for buying a secondary home include the Baltic Coast, with its picturesque beaches and average property prices around 5,000 PLN per square meter, as well as the Tatra region, offering a mountain setting in Zakopane for about 7,000 PLN/m². The potential for rental yield is promising in these tourist areas, especially during ski and summer seasons. Warsaw and Krakow also attract buyers for their cultural richness, but prices there are higher, often exceeding 10,000 PLN/m². Foreigners must obtain special permission to purchase agricultural or forest land, but not for residential properties. In terms of infrastructure, proximity to Gdańsk or Krakow airport can facilitate international access. Finally, the Polish climate, with cold winters and mild summers, should be considered according to personal preferences and potentially influences the type of property desired.
Investment Strategies for Polish Secondary Homes
Current Trends in the Polish Real Estate Market for Secondary Homes
The secondary home market in Poland is experiencing growing demand, particularly in certain natural and seaside regions especially favored by the local population and foreign investors.
| Region | Main Assets |
| Warmia-Masuria (lake district) | Natural landscapes, +1000 lakes, green tourism, tranquility |
| Baltic Coast | Attractive beaches (Pobierowo, Świnoujście…), seasonal rental investment |
| Tatra Mountains | Winter sports, hiking, strong tourist appeal |
Polish city dwellers often favor these destinations for their vacations or weekends. Secondary homes (“dzialki”) are very common around Warsaw but also in these natural regions where returning to the countryside is a marked trend.
Criteria for a Successful Investment
- Location: Proximity to a body of water or the sea; accessibility from major cities.
- Return on Investment Potential: Strong seasonal rental demand; possibility for short-term rental.
- Local Infrastructure: Presence of shops, developed road access (car remains the main means of transport), tourist services (restaurants, water activities).
- Building Quality and Expansion Potential: Possibility to arrange into several independent units to maximize profitability.
A high-end house 200m from the beach with two independent apartments connected by a pool offers excellent rental potential.
Tax Benefits and Specific Regulations
- Real estate purchase in Poland is open to European nationals without particular restrictions.
- Taxation on rental income remains competitive compared to some neighboring countries. Local schemes may exist depending on the type of activity (tourist accommodation vs private use).
- It is advisable to inquire about precise administrative formalities as well as possible evolution of the legal framework at local and national levels.
- Some protected or rural areas impose specific environmental constraints.
- Recent changes in territorial organization may impact permit allocation or property taxes.
Short-Term / Long-Term Strategy Comparison
| Strategy | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Short term | Quick income via seasonal rental; flexibility | Strong dependence on tourism; more complex management |
| Long term | Progressive asset appreciation; tax/rental stability | Lower liquidity; dependence on regional evolution |
Diversifying income sources between personal use off-season and rental during tourist peaks maximizes yield while limiting risks related to economic fluctuations.
Economic Perspectives & Influential Factors
- National political stability
- Evolution of local purchasing power
- Continuous development of tourist infrastructure
- Growing attractiveness to foreign buyers
“We chose Warmia-Masuria after several visits because it’s a lively region all year round despite its rural aspect. Word of mouth plays a big role – we rent easily throughout the beautiful season.”
- Prioritize a property already adapted for multiple rentals (divisible)
- Carefully study current road access… but also anticipate its future evolution
- Get closer if possible to an existing Francophone or international community
In summary
Investment in a secondary home in Poland appeals both for its environmental quality and financial potential – subject to rigorous analysis of location and regulatory context.
Good to Know:
In the Polish secondary home market, regions like the Baltic coast and Masuria are particularly sought after for their tourist appeal and high rental potential. When investing, selecting the location, coupled with robust local infrastructure like road access and nearby amenities, is crucial to maximizing return on investment.
Examples of Rental Profitability for Secondary Homes in Poland
The most popular regions for buying secondary homes in Poland are the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea (like Sopot, Gdańsk, Gdynia), the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains (Zakopane, Karpacz), as well as certain major urban centers benefiting from strong tourist appeal like Krakow or Warsaw.
Main Factors Influencing Rental Profitability:
- Location (proximity to sea or mountain)
- Local and international tourist attractiveness
- Tourist season and seasonal occupancy rate
- Type of property: downtown apartment vs. house/chalet in rural area or seaside resort
- Level of amenities (pool, parking, panoramic view)
- Advantageous tax regime on rental income
Concrete Examples by Property Type:
| Region | Property Type | Average Price per m² (2025) | Seasonal Occupancy Rate (%) | Average Monthly Rent* | Estimated Gross Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 2-bedroom apartment | 12,000 – 16,000 PLN | ~85% | approx. €400/month | 5 to 7 % |
| Krakow | Studio/Apartment | 11,000 -15,000 PLN | ~80% | approx. €350/month | up to 6 % |
| Baltic Coast | House/Chalet | from ~10,000 PLN | >90% summer / 70% high season | highly variable | often >6 % |
* Indicative for a standard furnished property.
Trends in the Polish Rental Market:
- Rapid annual price increase (+14 to +17%) linked to strong domestic and foreign demand.
- Attractive gross yields in tourist sectors; generally between 4 and 8 % depending on property type and location.
- Gradual lengthening of tourist season thanks to the rise of local and international tourism.
- University cities like Krakow benefit from continuous demand outside summer period.
- Simplified taxation: flat rate between 8.5 and 12.5 % on rental income without additional social contributions for non-residents.
List of Particularly Sought-After Areas:
- Baltic Coast: Sopot – Gdańsk – Świnoujście
- Mountains: Zakopane – Karpacz – Bieszczady
- Major historic cities: Krakow – Wrocław – Warsaw
Key Takeaways
The dynamics of the Polish real estate market are driven by sustained economic growth and a constant influx of European tourists. Coastal regions guarantee maximum occupancy during summer while mountain resorts attract year-round through nature/ski tourism. To optimize rental profitability, prioritizing well-located properties with views or superior amenities remains essential.
Investing in a secondary home in Poland combines potential for rapid real estate appreciation with high rental yield driven by local and international tourism dynamism.
Good to Know:
In Poland, coastal areas like the Baltic and the Tatra Mountains are highly sought after for buying secondary homes, offering interesting potential for rental profitability. Seaside apartments can achieve 8% gross yield thanks to high occupancy rates in summer. In the mountains, a chalet can generate up to 10% yield, supported by winter tourism. Average purchase price for a coastal apartment: approximately €3,000/m²; for a mountain chalet, around €2,000/m². Current trends show a significant impact from international tourism, with a 15% increase in seasonal bookings compared to the previous year, boosting rental income which can reach €15,000 per year for a well-located property. The effect of local tourism also remains important, especially in spa and historic towns like Zakopane, strengthening demand throughout the year.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
