By Oxstart
How to invest in real estate in Poland
Poland’s residential property market has emerged as a compelling asset class for UK investors seeking portfolio diversification, access to emerging markets, and long-term value. Post-Brexit, investing in Polish real estate provides a strategic entry point into the EU, backed by Poland’s robust economy and chronic housing shortage.
For UK investors unfamiliar with the Polish legal and administrative landscape, partnering with a local expert like OxStart is essential. OxStart offers comprehensive, end-to-end support for property and business setup in Poland, helping investors navigate regulatory frameworks, access vital resources, and unlock growth potential with confidence.
Understanding the Polish residential property market
Poland’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) continues to witness substantial growth; in 2024 it expanded by 26%, surpassing 22,300 rental units[1]. Yet, it still accounts for less than 1% of the entire rental housing stock, highlighting vast room for development. Demand is high from corporate tenants in the shared-services sector, which employs nearly half a million people in Poland. Many have come from out of town or from abroad, and finding their first accommodation when taking up a new job is a major problem. PRS units, let out to their employer (accommodation-as-a-service), are an excellent solution for corporate clients and their workforce.
Major cities like Warsaw and Kraków have seen growing investor interest, with Warsaw offering over 4,200 rental units and Kraków around 1,200. Institutional interest is also rising, as shown by Leumi UK’s €50 million loan to AFI Home for developing 746 apartments across these cities.
Investment considerations for UK investors
Market-growth potential
Poland has a housing deficit of over 800,000 units. This persistent shortfall ensures ongoing demand for rental housing, creating an opportunity for solid long-term returns.
Regulatory awareness
While Poland remains open to foreign investment, potential regulatory changes (such as those seen elsewhere in Europe regarding taxes on overseas buyers) make it vital to stay informed. A trusted local partner like OxStart can offer clarity and guidance through any legislative shifts.
- Financing and costs
Poland offers access to local and foreign lending, as seen in major deals like the Leumi UK loan. However, investors must understand the full scope of construction, operational, and maintenance costs, which vary by city and property type.
Steps to investing in Polish residential property
- Market research
Identify high-growth cities and suburbs. Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and the Tri-City (Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot) offer dynamic rental and resale potential. - Legal framework
Familiarise yourself with Polish real estate law. Foreigners often invest through a limited liability company ( z o.o.) to streamline purchasing and tax matters. OxStart offers tailored company formation services, making this step smooth and compliant. - Financial planning
Work with advisors to structure your financing. Be aware of exchange rates, interest rates, and inflation, as they impact long-term yields. - Partner selection
Local developers, legal professionals, and letting agents can provide vital insights. OxStart can recommend and liaise with reputable partners. - Due diligence
Conduct full legal and structural checks, including title verification, planning permissions, and market valuation. This ensures risk mitigation and peace of mind.
Polish residential real estate provides UK investors with a stable, high-growth opportunity within the EU. By leveraging the expertise of partners like OxStart, you can invest confidently gaining access to a large and underserved rental market while mitigating regulatory and administrative challenges.
Commercial property investment in Poland
A strategic EU opportunity for UK investors
An often overlooked sector, Poland’s commercial real estate market provides outstanding opportunities for UK investors. From office developments to logistics hubs, the sector is underpinned by strong fundamentals and EU wide relevance.
Key advantages
- Economic growth
Poland has remained one of Europe’s fastest growing economies, even during periods of global slowdown. This economic resilience fuels demand for office, retail, and industrial space. The Polish economy is forecast to grow between 3.0% and 3.7% in 2025, and around 3.2% in 2026. - Strategic location
Poland’s central location places it at the crossroads of European commerce, making it ideal for regional headquarters, logistics, and manufacturing. - Growing demand for office space
Despite global shifts toward hybrid working, demand for modern, flexible office space in Warsaw and other cities continues to grow, particularly from tech and outsourcing sectors. Older office spaces in out-of-centre locations, however, should be avoided unless there’s a clear path to energy efficiency or the possibility to adapt to a different use (residential or hotel) - Expanding retail sector
With a rising middle class and increasing consumer spending, Poland’s urban retail scene is booming. Major shopping centres and high-street spaces in cities like Kraków and Łódź remain in high demand; small centres in small towns are another area with high potential. - Logistics & industrial real estate growth
Driven by e-commerce and Poland’s logistics-friendly geography, demand for warehousing and distribution centres (including last-mile logistics) has surged. Investors benefit from long-term leases and lower operating costs compared to Western Europe.
Attractive returns and tax efficiency
Higher yields
Rental yields in Poland often exceed those in the UK and Western Europe, especially in emerging business districts or smaller cities where property costs are lower.
Tax environment
Poland’s corporate tax rates remain competitive. Through company structuring and EU aligned regulations, investors can optimise their tax exposure. OxStart provides full tax advisory and accounting services to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Market resilience and long-term outlook
Poland’s commercial property sector has proven resilient during global economic downturns. Long-term lease structures, steady tenant demand, and infrastructure investment (both public and private) contribute to market stability.
Poland offers UK investors a gateway to EU markets, a cost effective business environment, and strong ROI potential in residential and commercial sectors. Whether establishing a company for ownership, hiring staff, or just seeking to buy property, OxStart is your local expert and strategic partner, from setup through to full-scale operations.
For more information, visit www.oxstart.co.uk or contact us directly at info@oxstart.co.uk.
[1] https://eurobuildcee.com/en/news/35115-prs-growing-rapidly-in-poland
