According to the Otodom report “A Happy Home. The Meaning(s) Behind Residential Changes,” the average Pole changes their place of residence 3.6 times over the course of their life. Moving is no longer just about gaining more space or a better location — it increasingly reflects inner needs, emotional turning points, and life transitions. Published on June 4, 2025, the report presents Poland’s first segmentation model of residents based on the underlying meanings behind their housing decisions.
The Three Main Reasons for Moving
Among people who relocated within the past five years, three types of motivation stood out:
- Life challenges – 37%
- New life stages – 32%
- Search for comfort – 31%
For 69% of respondents, emotional and life-related factors played a more significant role than purely practical considerations like square footage or location. The study identified 12 unique resident segments whose decisions stem from personal stories, family dynamics, life experiences, and deeply held values.
Moving as an Emotion-Driven Choice
The data reveals stark contrasts between different resident groups:
- Nature lovers (90%) cited the desire to live in harmony with their surroundings as the main reason for moving. For 71%, this change was meant to be permanent.
- Multigenerational caregivers (65%) moved to care for relatives.
- Economic pragmatists (62%) expressed stress over financial constraints.
- Educational nomads (59%) found moving to be a financial burden.
- Nest leavers (49%) sought independence from family.
For many, moving is a way of restoring order in uncertain times. For example, Renewal Seekers often move after events like a divorce or the death of a loved one. Despite downsizing by an average of 13 m², 81% of them find deep personal meaning in the change.
A Return to Multigenerational Living
A growing number of Poles are returning to multigenerational living arrangements. 72% of those planning to buy property say it will be their primary home, while 14% are investing in a second property to support family members — either their children or aging parents.
Despite a decline in the share of four-bedroom or larger apartments in the market (from 18% in 2019 to 14% in 2025), demand is rising for homes adapted to larger households. Searches for such listings occurred an average of 150 times per month in 2025, outpacing searches for senior housing.
Moving as a Form of Escape
For some, changing residence is a way to escape uncomfortable situations. Peace Seekers often move due to roommate conflicts (20%) or landlord issues (18%). Yet only 54% report feeling happier after moving, indicating that a new address alone doesn’t guarantee a better quality of life.
The Growing Appeal of Suburban and Rural Homes
Peace, nature, and independence were cited as the primary motivation for moving by 11% of respondents. Among Nature Lovers:
- 58% moved to a different town or village
- 44% relocated from urban to rural areas — twice the rate of other groups
The type of housing also shifted significantly:
- Before moving: 75% lived in apartments
- After moving: only 37% remained in apartments, while 63% moved to houses
This trend is reflected in the housing market. In April 2025:
- 36% of home sale listings were for small homes (70–125 m²) on city outskirts
- In Warsaw, such listings increased 13 percentage points over six years
Key Takeaways from the Report
The Otodom report highlights deep shifts in how Poles approach housing. Residential choices are now more frequently driven by emotions, relationships, and a desire for peace, rather than just practical factors.
Moving has evolved from a logistical necessity into a life strategy — a response to inner tensions and a search for renewed identity. These trends reflect the growing influence of values, reflection, and interpersonal connections in decision-making.
As living costs rise and demographic and urban transformations unfold, Poland’s housing market will need to adapt more holistically — meeting both the practical and emotional needs of its increasingly diverse population.
Source: ManagerPlus
