2025-01-14
residential
Housing prices in Poland may experience slight declines in 2025 if the trend of lower apartment sales continues, according to Agnieszka Mikulska, a housing market expert at CBRE. While more frequent developer promotions are likely, significant price reductions remain unlikely. “With the announced end of the ‘Safe Credit 2%’ program and no clear prospects for new government support for buyers, coupled with the distant timeline for interest rate cuts, we do not anticipate a significant recovery in housing sales in the near term,” Mikulska stated. The expiration of government-backed programs has prompted many buyers to delay property purchases. Data from CBRE and REDNET Property Group revealed that only 9,600 units were sold in Warsaw’s primary market from January to September 2024, representing a nearly 30% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Similar downturns were observed in other major cities, including Krakow, Wrocław, Poznań, and the Tri-City region. The reform of spatial planning, set to be implemented by the end of 2025, may influence market conditions. Under the reform, municipalities are required to adopt general plans to replace existing spatial development studies, which could simplify procedures and increase the availability of land for housing. Additionally, the “supply law,” expected to be adopted by the Council of Ministers in the first quarter of 2025, may further enhance land availability. However, the timing and impact of these changes remain uncertain. Despite reduced sales, housing prices have stayed elevated. “If weak sales persist in 2025, we could see minor price reductions and more frequent promotions by developers. However, significant price cuts are unlikely,” Mikulska noted. One potential long-term solution to high housing prices is the development of the affordable housing sector seen in other parts of Europe. However, Mikulska emphasized that such an initiative would require substantial collaboration among various stakeholders. While regulatory changes and market adjustments may offer some relief, the housing market in 2025 is expected to remain challenging, shaped by high prices, subdued demand, and evolving government policies.