“Every third person initiating a conversation about buying property today is of Ukrainian origin,” says real estate expert Mirosław Król. “Two years ago, most of our Ukrainian clients were looking for rental apartments. Now, we increasingly see them deciding to buy. Typically, they’re interested in a specific type of property – a small unit in good condition or requiring low-budget renovations from the secondary market.”
According to Król, many Ukrainians have grown weary of the prolonged war. Having found employment in Poland, they’re beginning to realize that rising rental prices aren’t a sustainable way to live.
From 6% to 15% – Foreigners Are Driving the Property Market
The trend of Ukrainian nationals purchasing property in Poland has been growing for years. It’s not only about finding employment but also about seeking long-term stability amid ongoing conflict in their home country.
“People can’t live out of a suitcase forever. Many are now taking out mortgages or using their life savings to buy a home in Poland,” says Król. “Ukrainians’ creditworthiness isn’t bad. Increasingly, refugees are finding permanent jobs and have little trouble qualifying for loans. We’re not talking about million-zloty mortgages, but rather amounts that help close the gap in financing a home purchase.”
The Polish real estate market remains in a challenging phase. Deals involving Ukrainian nationals are becoming a significant pillar for many real estate businesses.
“Sometimes every third client in a given month is a Ukrainian citizen looking to buy an apartment. Previously, they were mainly cash buyers. Now, we’re seeing more and more financing through loans,” adds Król.
“Foreigners typically buy in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, and Wrocław. In 2023, sales to foreigners accounted for around 6–7% of all transactions. This year, that figure could even triple.”
Compact, Move-In-Ready Homes in High Demand
So, what types of properties are foreigners buying? Experts point to clear patterns: most buyers are purchasing homes for personal use, not for investment purposes. They prefer units on the secondary market, ideally under 50 square meters, though there’s a growing interest in two- or three-room apartments rather than studios.
“Ukrainian buyers are typically looking to settle down. Price is the key factor. They opt for smaller homes but with decent standards. Location plays a lesser role compared to the property being move-in-ready and suitable for families,” explains Król.
In some cases, foreigners choose to move to a different city within Poland to avoid high prices in markets like Warsaw or Kraków.
“Cities like Łódź, Bydgoszcz, or Szczecin are becoming more attractive. On the secondary market, you can find apartments there for as low as 8,000 PLN per square meter,” notes Król.
As foreign nationals, particularly Ukrainians, continue to establish long-term roots in Poland, their impact on the housing market is becoming increasingly visible. With rising demand for smaller, affordable, and ready-to-live-in properties, this trend may reshape regional real estate dynamics across the country.
Source: ceo.com.pl – Rising Number of Foreigners Buying Property in Poland
