The Polish Rental Market – Is It Worth Buying an Apartment for Rent in 2026?

Real estate in Poland is viewed not only as a place to live but increasingly as a strategic capital investment. Given the volatility of financial markets, investing in rental apartments has gained popularity as a way to generate passive income. Does such an investment remain profitable in 2026? What key factors should be analyzed before making a decision?

Assessing the Profitability of a Rental Investment
In recent years, the Polish rental market has been growing dynamically. This is driven, among other things, by the high cost of purchasing property and stricter mortgage lending criteria. This generates steady demand for rentals, especially among young professionals, students, and foreigners in large cities, creating favorable conditions for investors.

Investing in an apartment for rent is an opportunity for regular passive income but also involves risk. Fluctuations in interest rates, changes in tax regulations (e.g., tax on rental profits), or temporary oversupply of units can significantly impact profitability. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the local market, precise cost calculation, and awareness of legal and administrative duties are essential.

How to Calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) for a Rental?
A key metric for assessing profitability is ROI (Return on Investment). It is calculated by dividing the annual net rental income by the total investment cost and then multiplying by 100%.

Formula: ROI = (Annual Net Rental Income / Total Investment Cost) * 100%

Annual net income is the rental revenue minus all costs: taxes, community/management fees, insurance, renovation fund, and a reserve for vacancy periods. The total investment cost includes the property purchase price, PCC tax, notary fees, and any renovation or furnishing costs.

The ROI indicator in 2026 will vary depending on the city, district, apartment standard, and type of rental (long-term vs. short-term). It should be compared with alternative investment forms (e.g., deposits, funds).

When Will the Investment Pay Back (Payback Period)?
The capital payback period depends on the purchase price, net rent level, and occupancy stability. Assuming favorable conditions, investors can expect a return on their outlay within 10-15 years. In the case of mortgage financing, this period may be longer due to interest costs.

When assessing profitability, one must also account for the risk of vacancy periods, costs of renovations between tenancies, and potential problems with unreliable tenants. A long-term benefit is the potential appreciation of the property's value itself.

The Most Profitable Cities for Rental Investment in 2026
Profitability is primarily determined by location. The largest and most stable demand remains in major academic, business, and economic centers.

Here is an overview of cities considered attractive for investors in 2026:

• Warsaw: The highest rental rates, but also very high purchase prices and strong competition.

• Krakow: Strong demand driven by tourism, the service sector, and foreign workers.

• Wrocław: A dynamic job market, a large number of students, and growing importance as an economic hub.

• Gdańsk (Tricity): Development of the IT and logistics sectors, attractive location.

• Poznań: Stable job market, a strong academic and industrial center.

• Łódź: Attractive purchase price to potential rent ratios (yield), city revitalization.

• Katowice (Silesian Metropolis): Transformation of the region, development of the modern business services sector.

When choosing a specific location, it's worth analyzing not only average prices and rents but also the city's development plans, infrastructure investments, and demographic trends.

Are Rental Investments Safe in 2026?
The year 2026 brings challenges: regulatory (e.g., potential changes in tenancy law), economic (inflation, credit costs), and competitive (growing supply of developer-built apartments). Nevertheless, real estate is still considered one of the more stable and tangible asset classes.

The Polish rental market is relatively young but maturing. The popularity of professional contracts and long-term rentals is increasing, which improves income predictability. The key to safety is proper transaction security (tenant verification, a well-drafted contract) and maintaining a financial reserve for unforeseen expenses.

Summary: Investing in rental apartments in 2026 can still be profitable but requires an analytical and professional approach. Success depends on accurate calculations (ROI, payback period), careful location selection, and conscious risk management. It is a path to building passive income and capital, which however – like any investment – involves commitment and responsibility.