Construction regulations directly impact the planning of the entire investment process. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of upcoming changes well in advance. Extradom.pl has examined what awaits us in 2025!
The upcoming year will be unique because the most significant change takes effect at the very end of the year. According to the Act on Spatial Planning and Development, municipalities must adopt general plans by December 31, 2025. The problem is that most municipalities will not meet this deadline, which could have serious consequences for future investors — not just private individuals.
What is a General Plan?
A general plan is a local law document that replaces the previous study of conditions and directions of spatial development. The primary difference is that the previous study was a set of recommendations, while the general plan is a binding document within a given municipality.
Municipal authorities have long warned that the deadline imposed by the act is difficult to meet. Most municipalities face financial issues and a shortage of experienced planners. Unfortunately, there is no indication that the deadline will be extended. “After December 31, 2025, you may not receive a zoning decision!” notes Wojciech Rynkowski from Extradom.pl.
What Does This Mean for Investors?
If your plot is covered by a local spatial development plan (MPZP), there will be no issue. However, if a general plan is not adopted, the municipality will have no legal basis to issue zoning conditions (WZ). Furthermore, any WZ issued under the new rules will only be valid for five years, whereas currently issued zoning conditions are indefinite.
“If your plot is not covered by an MPZP and the municipality fails to adopt a general plan, your investment plans will be highly uncertain after January 1, 2026,” adds Rynkowski.
Therefore, it is wise to review the legal status of your plot now and apply for zoning conditions as soon as possible if needed. Although the deadline may seem far off, zoning conditions take effect once finalized, so don’t delay this process until the end of next year.
Will Simplified Procedures for Building Houses up to 70 m² Disappear in 2025?
There are ongoing discussions about possible changes to the procedure for building houses up to 70 m² under simplified notification. This program, anticipated by many investors, has proven problematic.
“Like many laws created for political purposes, it is flawed and imprecise, causing difficulties for investors and municipalities alike,” points out Rynkowski. “This confusion affects everyone involved. Many people worry about meeting all the requirements. Banks are reluctant to finance self-built homes without a construction manager and a construction log. Municipalities also struggle with dishonest builders who exploit the fact that once a notification is submitted, construction cannot easily be stopped, even if it violates regulations.”
Municipalities are calling for the right to at least partially verify documents submitted by investors and to object to construction notifications that do not meet conditions. Some experts are even advocating for the removal of the current simplified procedure and the creation of a new one.
“I agree with this approach. The idea of a simplified procedure for houses up to 70 m² is good, but practice shows that sometimes it’s better to create new regulations than to keep amending existing ones,” concludes Rynkowski.
Changes to this simplified procedure will likely remain a hot topic in the media throughout 2025.
Increase in Minimum Wage Starting January 1, 2025
On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase again. Although this may seem unrelated, it directly affects construction planning. Investors should consider the decreasing availability of skilled labor. Experienced construction workers are aging and retiring, while younger replacements are scarce.
High demand for skilled labor drives up wage expectations, fueled by inflation and rising minimum wages. Additionally, social insurance (ZUS) contributions and other wage-related costs often depend on the minimum wage.
“Given this situation, I anticipate increased interest in prefabricated and ready-made homes, which are less affected by rising labor costs,” explains Rynkowski.
Will 2025 Be a Favorable Year for Building a House?
The year 2025 promises to be intense — not only for municipal offices preparing general plans but also for investors applying for zoning conditions. This must be done early enough to ensure the conditions are finalized before December 31, 2025.
“Don’t delay! Those planning to build a house as a New Year’s resolution should check the legal status of their plot and apply for zoning conditions as soon as possible if necessary,” concludes Rynkowski.
Source: ManagerPlus
