Rental Supply Hits Five-Year High; Warsaw Rents Begin Slow Decline
Poland's rental market has expanded to its highest inventory level since 2021, with September averaging 88,500 listings. Increased supply is moderating rent growth in major cities including Warsaw, where rents have begun to fall year-on-year.
Poland's residential rental market has reached a turning point, with the supply of available apartments climbing to levels not seen since August 2021. This abundance is finally cooling rent growth and creating breathing room for tenants in overheated cities.
In September 2026, Poland averaged 88,500 rental listings, representing a 9% year-on-year increase. The surge is geographically uneven: Kraków's supply jumped 26% compared to the prior year, while supply gains elsewhere were more modest. Most significantly, rents in major cities have stabilized or begun to decline.
Regional Shifts
Warsaw's average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment stood around 3,500 PLN in October 2026 and has edged down by 0.8% compared to the same period last year. Smaller regional cities continue to see rental growth, but the growth rate has moderated sharply from the 2023–2025 peak. The rental market is no longer a sellers' market; it is becoming a renters' market in major cities.
Why Supply Matters
Expanded supply means more choice, lower vacancy risk for landlords, and less pressure on tenants to accept unfavorable terms (e.g., inflated deposits or restrictive clauses). In Kraków, where supply surged 26%, renters have had more leverage to negotiate contract terms and avoid sudden price jumps at renewal.
For Expat Renters
If you are apartment hunting or renewing a lease in Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk, use the increased supply to your advantage. Request written proof that the landlord will register your meldunek (address registration); negotiate the security deposit (kaucja) down to one month if the market supports it; and ask for a rent-increase cap in your renewal clause. In smaller cities (Łódź, Katowice, Lublin), supply remains tighter, so expect less room to negotiate—but rents are proportionally lower. Always get multiple offers before committing.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
