Rents in Polish Cities — First Half of 2026 Report

Rents in Polish Cities — First Half of 2026 Report

The rental housing market in Poland is constantly evolving, and 2026 brings new challenges and opportunities for both landlords and tenants. The first half of the year saw moderate rent increases, varied by region, with clear shifts in tenant preferences and a rapidly growing institutional rental segment. This report presents a detailed analysis of the rental market in Poland's largest cities.

Overall Picture of the Polish Rental Market

The first half of 2026 brought stabilisation to the rental market after the dynamic changes observed between 2023 and 2025. The average nationwide rent increase was approximately 4–6% compared to the same period the previous year, representing a marked slowdown from the double-digit increases recorded in 2023. Several key factors are shaping rental prices:

• Growing supply of rental apartments, including the development of the PRS (Private Rented Sector)
• Demographic and migration stabilisation following the period of intense refugee inflows
• Persistently high interest rates, limiting access to mortgages and sustaining rental demand
• Rising property maintenance costs, including utilities and local taxes
• Shifts in tenant preferences regarding apartment standards and locations

Warsaw — Still the Most Expensive, but Growth Is Slowing

Warsaw remains the undisputed leader in terms of rental prices in Poland. In the first half of 2026, the average rent for a studio flat in the city centre was approximately PLN 3,200–3,800, while a two-room apartment commanded PLN 4,200–5,500. Compared to late 2025, this represents a 3–5% increase — a noticeably slower pace than in previous years.

An interesting trend is the growing interest in districts outside the strict city centre — Mokotow, Wola, and Praga-Poludnie are seeing steady demand growth, driven by improved transport and service infrastructure. Rents in these locations are 15–25% lower than in Srodmiescie, attracting young professionals and couples in particular.

Krakow — University City with a Growing Premium Segment

Krakow maintains its position as Poland's second most expensive rental market. The average rent for a centrally-located studio ranges from PLN 2,500 to 3,200, and for a two-room apartment — PLN 3,200–4,200. Rent increases in the first half of 2026 reached approximately 4–7%, above the national average.

Two phenomena are clearly visible in the Krakow market: first, a growing premium segment driven by an influx of international corporate and IT workers; second, pressure in the student housing market linked to increasing numbers of international students. Districts such as Kazimierz, Podgorze, and Zablocie are in particularly high demand.

Wroclaw — A Dynamic Market Driven by the IT Sector

Wroclaw remains one of Poland's most dynamic rental markets. Average rents for studios range from PLN 2,200 to 2,800, and for two-room apartments — PLN 2,800–3,800. The city is recording increases of 5–7%, driven mainly by the expanding technology sector and the influx of IT specialists.

Of particular interest is the development around new office complexes in the Psie Pole and Fabryczna districts, where more and more residential investments aimed at renters are being built. Wroclaw also stands out for the growing popularity of long-term rentals at the expense of short-term lets, which stabilises the market and benefits landlords seeking steady income.

Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot — The Tri-City with Seasonal Characteristics

The Tri-City rental market is characterised by pronounced seasonality. In the first half of 2026, average studio rents were: Gdansk — PLN 2,300–2,900, Gdynia — PLN 2,100–2,700, Sopot — PLN 2,800–3,500. Year-on-year rent increases amounted to approximately 4–6%.

A distinctive feature of the Tri-City is the strong influence of the short-term rental market on long-term rental prices, particularly in Sopot and the coastal districts of Gdansk. Property owners increasingly opt for a mixed model — long-term rental during the autumn-winter season and short-term during summer. Rental management tools like Brokik make it easier to switch between these models, offering flexible lease and settlement management.

Poznan — A Stable Market with Growing Supply

Poznan is recording some of the lowest rent increases among major Polish cities — approximately 3–4% in the first half of 2026. The average rent for a studio is PLN 1,900–2,400, and for a two-room apartment — PLN 2,500–3,300. Price stabilisation is largely driven by the growing supply of new rental apartments, including PRS projects.

Poznan primarily attracts students and young workers in the shared services sector (SSC/BPO). The Grunwald and Jezyce districts remain consistently the most popular, while the developing area around the main railway station is attracting growing interest.

Lodz and Katowice — Markets with the Greatest Growth Potential

Lodz and Katowice were among the cities with the highest rent growth dynamics in the first half of 2026 — 6–9% and 5–8% respectively. In Lodz, the average studio rent was PLN 1,600–2,100, while in Katowice it was PLN 1,700–2,200.

In Lodz, growth is driven by city centre revitalisation, the development of the New Centre of Lodz, and the growing presence of IT and business services companies. Katowice, meanwhile, benefits from the transformation of the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis, investments in cultural infrastructure, and increasing interest from foreign investors in the region.

Rental Market Trends — What to Watch

Analysis of data from the first half of 2026 reveals several key trends that will shape the rental market in the months ahead:

• Rising tenant expectations regarding standards — more tenants expect apartments equipped with modern appliances, fast internet, and smart home features. Higher-standard apartments rent more quickly and at higher rates.
• Growth of institutional rental (PRS) — the PRS sector in Poland is expanding, offering professionally managed rental apartments. This presents a challenge for individual landlords but also a catalyst for raising standards.
• Digitalisation of rental management — more and more property owners use rental management platforms like Brokik to streamline tenant management, documentation, and financial settlements.
• Green building and energy efficiency — energy performance certificates and heating costs are becoming important criteria for tenants when choosing an apartment.
• Flexible rental models — medium-term rentals (3–9 months) and co-living solutions are gaining popularity, especially in large cities.

Forecast for the Second Half of 2026

Based on the trend analysis from the first six months, it can be expected that the second half of 2026 will bring further moderate rent increases of 2–4% on a half-year basis. Key factors influencing the market will include:

• Potential changes in monetary policy — interest rate cuts could redirect some demand from the rental market to the purchase market, reducing pressure on rents
• Supply growth in the PRS segment — new institutional investments may stabilise prices, particularly in the mid-market segment
• Seasonal demand increase associated with the start of the academic year — traditionally September and October are the period of highest rental demand
• Regulatory changes — planned amendments to rental law may affect landlords' investment decisions

How Landlords Can Respond to a Changing Market

Facing shifting market dynamics, rental property owners should focus on several key areas. First, regular monitoring of market rates in their area enables optimal rent setting — too high a price means longer vacancies, while too low a price means lost potential income.

Second, investing in raising the apartment's standard — even modest improvements like refreshing the decor or upgrading the bathroom — can significantly enhance the listing's appeal and justify a higher rent. Third, professionalising rental management using tools like the Brokik platform enables more efficient handling of documentation, deadlines, and payments, resulting in a better experience for both landlord and tenant.

Summary

The first half of 2026 in the Polish rental market represents a period of moderate stabilisation following years of dynamic growth. Rents are rising, but at a more predictable and sustainable pace. The market is becoming increasingly professional — the role of institutional rental, process digitalisation, and energy efficiency awareness is growing.

For rental property owners, the key is to monitor market trends, invest in listing quality, and utilise professional management tools. The Brokik platform supports landlords at every stage — from market monitoring through lease and documentation management to payment tracking and tenant communication. In a dynamically changing market environment, a professional approach to rental management is becoming not just a competitive advantage but a necessity.