The start of a new year often brings new beginnings and resolutions. For many Poles, the dream of owning a home remains a top priority. But with rising property prices, persistently high interest rates, and the absence of government-backed “0% mortgage” programs, is achieving this goal in 2025 realistic? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s the Current State of Creditworthiness?
The past year saw little change in the mortgage market. The lack of new support programs and stable yet high interest rates have kept Poles’ creditworthiness relatively unchanged. According to the latest data from Credipass analysts for December 2024, creditworthiness for different groups of clients is as follows:
- Single with an income of PLN 6,500: Maximum credit limit of PLN 481,000.
- Single parent with an income of PLN 6,500: Maximum credit limit of PLN 488,000.
- Couple with an income of PLN 8,000: Maximum credit limit of PLN 567,000.
- Couple with an income of PLN 12,000: Maximum credit limit of PLN 888,000.
- Family (2+1) with an income of PLN 8,000: Maximum credit limit of PLN 476,000; with PLN 12,000 income: PLN 931,000.
- Family (2+2) with an income of PLN 12,000: Maximum credit limit of PLN 889,000.
At first glance, the situation appears stable. However, when paired with rising property prices, it becomes clear that Poles’ purchasing power is decreasing. According to the Metrohouse and Credipass Barometer, in Q3 2024, average creditworthiness increased only marginally, such as by PLN 26,000 for a family of four with a PLN 12,000 monthly income. Meanwhile, property prices, especially in major cities, have surged by as much as 20–30%.
“As we start the new year, it’s worth reflecting on financial goals. For many, buying a home is a top resolution. While the current mortgage and real estate market conditions may seem challenging, proper planning and support from a financial expert can bring this goal closer,” says Piotr Rusin, Product Manager at Credipass.
What Can You Buy with Current Creditworthiness?
Creditworthiness varies significantly among different groups of potential borrowers, resulting in notable discrepancies in the size of properties one can afford in various cities. Metrohouse real estate experts analyzed transaction data for secondary market properties collected by the National Bank of Poland in Q3 2024.
- Lowest creditworthiness: Singles with PLN 6,500 income and families with one child earning PLN 8,000. For singles, a credit limit of PLN 481,000 enables the purchase of a 30.6 m² apartment in Warsaw or 32.2 m² in Kraków. In cities like Gdańsk and Wrocław, properties larger than 40 m² are rare. Conversely, cities such as Bydgoszcz, Katowice, Kielce, Łódź, and Zielona Góra offer larger options, with apartments up to 60 m² available.
- Families of three (2+1): Struggle to buy even small two-bedroom apartments in cities like Warsaw and Kraków, often limited to properties on the outskirts. They fare better in cities such as Bydgoszcz, Kielce, and Zielona Góra.
- Highest creditworthiness: Couples earning PLN 12,000 or families of four (2+2) with similar incomes. In Warsaw and Kraków, they can afford small three-bedroom apartments of up to 60 m². In cities like Bydgoszcz, Łódź, Olsztyn, Opole, Katowice, Kielce, and Zielona Góra, apartments exceeding 100 m² become viable options.
Average Property Sizes by City for Given Credit Limits (Secondary Market)
| City | Price per m² (PLN) | Single | Couple 8,000 PLN | Couple 12,000 PLN | Family 2+1 (8,000 PLN) | Family 2+1 (12,000 PLN) | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Białystok | 9,529 | 50.5 m² | 59.5 m² | 93.2 m² | 50.0 m² | 97.7 m² | 93.3 m² |
| Bydgoszcz | 7,399 | 65.0 m² | 76.6 m² | 120.0 m² | 64.3 m² | 125.8 m² | 120.2 m² |
| Gdańsk | 12,604 | 38.2 m² | 45.0 m² | 70.5 m² | 37.8 m² | 73.9 m² | 70.5 m² |
| Gdynia | 11,609 | 41.4 m² | 48.8 m² | 76.5 m² | 41.0 m² | 80.2 m² | 76.6 m² |
| Katowice | 7,824 | 61.5 m² | 72.5 m² | 113.5 m² | 60.8 m² | 119.0 m² | 113.6 m² |
| Kielce | 7,932 | 60.6 m² | 71.5 m² | 111.9 m² | 60.0 m² | 117.4 m² | 112.1 m² |
| Kraków | 14,947 | 32.2 m² | 37.9 m² | 59.4 m² | 31.8 m² | 62.3 m² | 59.5 m² |
| Warsaw | 15,711 | 30.6 m² | 36.1 m² | 56.5 m² | 30.3 m² | 59.3 m² | 56.6 m² |
Data source: Metrohouse, based on Q3 2024 secondary market transaction data.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
In 2025, the Polish real estate market presents mixed prospects. While creditworthiness remains stable, rising property prices—especially in large cities—continue to erode purchasing power. For potential buyers, careful financial planning and expert advice will be crucial in navigating this challenging landscape. Transforming these challenges into opportunities could make the dream of owning a home achievable in the coming year.
Source: Manager Plus
