Report “Housing needs and aspirations of Poles”, prepared by the Polish Association of Developer Companies in cooperation with IBRiS and experts from the Warsaw School of Economicsleaves no doubt: the ownership model still dominates. As much as 71 percent respondents believe that only their own apartment ensures a good life, and 71 percent Poles have title to real estate. At the same time, 68 percent respondents declare satisfaction with their current housing situation.
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The problem is that for younger generations, entry into the market is increasingly difficult. 81 percent people aged 18-29 say that getting an apartment today is much more difficult than a dozen or so years ago. High housing prices, expensive mortgage loans and rising living costs mean that independent housing is postponed for years.
— In the housing debate, we too often use simplifications. This report shows a full picture of the needs, barriers and effects of the lack of available housing for the entire society – emphasizes Bartosz Guss, General Director of PZFD.
Renting apartments in Poland: a necessity, not a choice
One of the key conclusions of the PZFD report is: the way rent is perceived. Only 20 percent respondents consider it an acceptable model of residence in the long term, and only 1 percent declares willingness to live in a rented apartment “permanently”. For most Poles, renting is a temporary solution – a transitional stage before purchasing their own place.
Emotional dimension (photo from a publication made available to journalists during the conference)
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PZFD
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As much as 89 percent tenants admit that they would prefer to pay off the mortgage instead of paying rent if the monthly installment was at a similar level. The future is also a concern – many respondents indicate that without their own apartment in retirement, they will not be able to afford to pay the rent.
— Renting gives you flexibility, but it doesn't give you a sense of security. This is a fundamental difference compared to ownership, says Dr. Izabela Rudzka from the Warsaw School of Economics, author of the report.
Apartment prices, loans and demography. Barriers are growing
The most serious barriers to access to housing are primarily economic. 77 percent respondents point to too high purchase prices, 43 percent for rental costs, and 40 percent on mortgage interest rates. For 30 percent the problem is the requirements regarding creditworthiness and own contribution.
The effects go far beyond the real estate market. 69 percent respondents consider the lack of housing as a barrier to the decision to have children, and 76 percent indicates the unavailability of cheap housing as one of the reasons for the emigration of young Poles. This makes it housing is becoming one of the key topics, not only economic, but also demographic and social.
The assessment of state policy is critical: 45 percent. respondents consider the availability of housing to be bad, and only 6 percent positively evaluates the government's actions. Every fourth respondent claims that currently no social group is realistically supported in access to housing.
Housing market 2026: moderate optimism
During the meeting with journalists on January 16, market forecasts were also presented. Katarzyna Kuniewicz from Otodom announced that in 2026, sales of new apartments may increase by 10-15%, including: thanks to interest rate cuts and improved availability of mortgage loans. Prices on the primary market are expected to grow at a rate similar to inflation, i.e. approximately 2-3%. annuallyalthough locally the increases may be higher.
Apartment offer available
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Otodom
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At the same time, experts pay attention to regulatory risks, especially related to the planning reform, which may make it more difficult to obtain building permits in the first half of 2026.
Forecasts for the market
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Otodom
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The PZFD report clearly shows: Poles do not give up on their dreams of having their own apartment. However, they expect stable, long-term solutions that will make it easier for them to take their first step on the market. As Bartosz Guss summarizes, it is not about one-time support, but about a “fishing rod” that will allow you to meet your housing needs on your own.
