Polish rental market stabilizes but remains financially challenging

The Polish rental market is finding a calmer equilibrium, but affordability remains a significant hurdle for many, a new "Barometer of Real Estate Market Sentiment" survey reveals. The first reading of the index stands at 66.06 points on a scale of 0 (market paralysis) to 100 (boom).

While the "emotional sub-index" shows a majority feeling calm, hopeful, and optimistic, this sentiment is tempered by financial realities. The "moment sub-index" indicates that 43% of respondents view the current real estate market moment positively, but 35.7% disagree. Financially, 46.3% feel their situation has improved from a year ago, with 29.9% reporting stability.

However, "barrier sub-index" data shows that 56.2% of those surveyed cite excessively high property or rental prices as a direct obstacle. Another 26.7% struggle with a lack of offers meeting their criteria, as buyers with stable financing have high quality demands. The cost of credit or difficulty obtaining loans is a barrier for 17.2%.

These financial pressures mean a significant portion of renters are in a precarious position. A combined 62.9% of respondents find current rental costs at or above their financial limits, placing them in a high budget risk zone where further increases could force them to leave their homes. Only 25% reported financial comfort.

On the supply side, 25.3% of respondents believe the number of available rental units is high or very high, while 31.1% find it neither high nor low. The report attributes this increased availability partly to recent investments by individual buyers, some of whom are now renting out properties. Additionally, some previous renters have improved their creditworthiness and purchased homes, reducing competition. This shift means landlords are increasingly competing for tenants and show greater willingness to negotiate rental terms.

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The result shows a market that is breathing calmly, but it is not unconditional optimism. Poles feel financially safer, yet they still collide with a wall of high prices and mismatched offers. This tension – between growing purchasing power and a structural shortage of housing – will, in our opinion, define the market in the coming quarters.