What changes will the new Polish building regulations bring to the housing market?
A new draft regulation sets stricter technical standards for buildings, requiring electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, energy storage systems, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors. Developers now face tough questions: how will these rules reshape project costs, and what do they really think of the changes? Company comments included in the text shed light on the potential impact, and any questions can be directed my way.
Mateusz Bromboszcz, Vice President of the Management Board of Atal
The proposed changes are a step towards even more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction, which is characteristic of today's environmental challenges. In addition, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings may, in the long term, reduce future operating costs, e.g., through lower energy bills.
At the same time, like any change that raises standards, it will translate into the cost of building apartments. The introduction of new requirements, especially in the field of electrical installations and renewable energy sources, may significantly increase the costs of construction projects. This will therefore be another major financial challenge for developers and buyers. On the other hand, the consistent raising of housing construction standards is making modern buildings increasingly attractive and may translate into increased demand for this type of property, especially among younger target groups.
Zuzanna Należyta, Commercial Director at Eco Classic
Any solution that requires the introduction of additional solutions or installations will have an impact on the cost of the investment and, consequently, on the price of apartments. However, the exact cost can be estimated in relation to a specific project. As far as the accessibility of new buildings for seniors or people with disabilities is concerned, we do not anticipate an increase in costs, as such solutions are already being implemented in our projects.
Joanna Chojecka, Sales and Marketing Director for Warsaw and Wrocław at the Robyg Group
The draft amendment to the regulation on technical conditions for buildings is an important step towards sustainable and more accessible construction. The introduction of the obligation to install charging points for electric vehicles, photovoltaic panels, energy storage facilities, and increased accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors responds to the real needs of today's users. On the one hand, it is an opportunity to create modern, eco-friendly housing estates, and on the other, it is a cost and technical challenge for developers.
The new regulations may significantly increase investment costs, particularly in terms of fire safety requirements for energy storage facilities and renewable energy infrastructure. Greater regulatory flexibility and differentiation of requirements depending on the type of technology used are needed. Otherwise, some projects may become unprofitable. It will be crucial for the industry to strike a balance between climate ambitions and the economic and technological feasibility of investments.
We have been applying many elements in this area for years. In order to reduce our impact on the environment, we implement modern, environmentally friendly solutions that allow us to care for the environment and reduce the costs of everyday life, as well as a set of standards and design guidelines for architects, designers, and subcontractors. Most of our housing estates are equipped with at least five low-emission solutions, such as LED lighting in common areas, triple glazing, heat exchangers, installation control systems, heat recovery elevators, motion and twilight sensors, green roofs, energy recovery elevators, and motion sensors in common areas.
We actively promote micro- and electromobility by installing electric car chargers and solar benches, as well as building bicycle infrastructure in the form of bicycle racks and repair stations. All these solutions help to reduce the carbon footprint of our housing estates during the operational phase, i.e., during the use of the buildings. In order to reduce emissions at the construction stage, we have switched 100% to renewable energy sources in our construction processes. This step will significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. We always implement solutions for people with disabilities and seniors.
Tomasz Czuchra, Vice President of the Management Board of Waryński S.A. Holding Group
The draft regulation on technical conditions for new buildings is a step towards modern and more responsible construction. Taking into account the provisions of EU Directive 2024/1275 and introducing standards for so-called “zero-emission” buildings is not only a legislative requirement, but also a response to growing social and technological expectations.
The new regulations include, among other things, the obligation to use automatic control systems, monitor media consumption, and develop infrastructure for electromobility and renewable energy sources. These are changes that conscious developers are already implementing to a large extent, such as the installation of elevators in low-rise buildings or photovoltaic panels.
Naturally, every such change has consequences, including financial ones. An increase in investment costs is inevitable, especially in the context of fire safety requirements or the integration of new technologies with existing systems. But it is difficult to expect that the energy and digital transformation will take place without any expenditure. Importantly, more and more customers are paying attention not only to the purchase price, but also to long-term operating costs. It is in this context that the new regulations may gain value. On the other hand, we believe that every regulation should be accompanied by an analysis of operational efficiency, because only in practice does it become clear to what extent the solutions applied actually bring the expected savings and comfort to users.
It should be emphasized that the changes are going in the right direction, but their effectiveness will depend on the quality of implementation, reasonable executive regulations, and a wise approach to costs, both on the part of the investor and the future resident. We are ready to participate in this transformation, while supporting solutions that realistically improve the quality of life and reduce the environmental footprint of construction.
Renata Mc Cabe-Kudla, Country Manager at Grupo Lar Polska
The housing market must move in this direction; it is a challenge for the whole of society. The impact on costs will be significant, leading to an increase in housing prices, but the changes will benefit future residents in the long term.
Piotr Dobrzyński, Head of Operations and Technical BPI Real Estate Poland - Builder
We see the proposed changes to building regulations as a natural step towards sustainable and future-oriented construction. The obligation to install charging points, photovoltaic panels, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities is a step towards more functional housing estates.
From our perspective, we already use many of these solutions in our current projects, including photovoltaic systems and vehicle charging infrastructure. Of course, the new regulations mean an increase in investment costs, but we believe that in the long term, it is an investment that increases the value of real estate and meets the expectations of today's buyers.
Janusz Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at Home Invest
We welcome projects that promote green solutions, such as electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels, and that increase the accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities and seniors. The new regulations will certainly raise the standard of apartments, making them more attractive to customers who value modernity and inclusiveness, but they may limit the supply of the cheapest units. The costs of project implementation will certainly increase due to additional requirements. These regulations support sustainable development, but require developers to adapt their investment processes, which may lead to an increase in apartment prices.
Damian Tomasik, President of the Management Board of Alter Investment
The new draft regulation on technical conditions is an important step towards sustainable construction and energy transition. The requirements for chargers, photovoltaic panels, and energy storage facilities are necessary, but they also mean an increase in investment costs – estimated at 5-10 percent. In the long term, however, the introduction of these solutions may increase the value of real estate and attract more conscious buyers. For investors, this means the need for even more accurate cost planning and a greater emphasis on technological innovation.
Photo: Aleje Praskie - Develia
Source: dompress.pl
