Due to its central location in Europe, Warsaw is a much frequented expatriate destination and a leading economic hub within the European Union. As we see more international assignees heading for the city, I wanted to share our experiences of the local rental market, including best practices for finding a suitable home.
Divided by the Vistula River, the capital of Poland has a population of around 1.7 million. Compared to the rest of central Europe, rental rates are quite reasonable, with assignees able to secure a one-bedroom apartment close to the city centre for around EUR1,000 per month.
Searching for a Home in Warsaw
The rental market is not especially tight, although good quality properties can still be snapped up fairly quickly. This is especially so if the property is marketed by more than one agent, which can happen. In fact, several agents may be showing prospective tenants around some Warsaw properties.
We recommend that international assignees work closely with their Destination Service Provider to source suitable properties and avoid online property portals. Prices and descriptions on agency websites can sometimes be misleading and inaccurate.
Properties Available
Apartments and houses of varying sizes are available across Warsaw. Larger properties are typically rented unfurnished, whilst smaller properties offer furnished options. Currently in Warsaw, there is no major price difference between rental rates for furnished and unfurnished homes. Although assignees should be aware that properties advertised as ‘fully furnished’ may not always contain furniture that matches the value of the property it’s in. So quite a high-end property may have relatively cheap furnishings.
Apartments. Apartments are typically found in the city centre and monthly rental rates include property tax, heating, and administrative fees.
Houses. Smaller houses can also be found in the centre of Warsaw, but larger ones are located in the suburban areas. Rental rates each month include tax but not utilities like heating.
Where to Live in Warsaw?
The most popular expatriate neighbourhoods offering good quality properties include:
The leafy and green Mokotow on the left bank of the city. The area includes apartments and houses, good amenities, and extensive public transport options such as buses, trams, and metro stations.
Żoliborz in the north is popular amongst families as it has spacious houses, outdoor spaces, and restaurants/cafes.
Srodmiescie in the centre of Warsaw includes lots of businesses, shops, supermarkets, and eateries. Srodmiescie also has a well-established public transport network for those choosing not to drive.
Over recent years, the city has seen vast modernisation, yet it has retained its old world charm, offering assignees affordable historic city living. With a lively bar and café culture, it’s a popular destination amongst expatriates.
Additional Resources on Poland for Relocation Managers
For more information on relocating to Poland, visit these resources:
Market Watch: Poland―information on language, transportation, cultural issues, housing, and more.
On the Ground in Poland video―This video gives international assignees a whole range of hints and tips to help them relocate to Poland.
Due to its central location in Europe, Warsaw is a much frequented expatriate destination and a leading economic hub within the European Union. As we see more international assignees heading for the city, I wanted to share our experiences of the local rental market, including best practices for finding a suitable home.
Divided by the Vistula River, the capital of Poland has a population of around 1.7 million. Compared to the rest of central Europe, rental rates are quite reasonable, with assignees able to secure a one-bedroom apartment close to the city centre for around EUR1,000 per month.
Searching for a Home in Warsaw
The rental market is not especially tight, although good quality properties can still be snapped up fairly quickly. This is especially so if the property is marketed by more than one agent, which can happen. In fact, several agents may be showing prospective tenants around some Warsaw properties.
We recommend that international assignees work closely with their Destination Service Provider to source suitable properties and avoid online property portals. Prices and descriptions on agency websites can sometimes be misleading and inaccurate.
Properties Available
Apartments and houses of varying sizes are available across Warsaw. Larger properties are typically rented unfurnished, whilst smaller properties offer furnished options. Currently in Warsaw, there is no major price difference between rental rates for furnished and unfurnished homes. Although assignees should be aware that properties advertised as ‘fully furnished’ may not always contain furniture that matches the value of the property it’s in. So quite a high-end property may have relatively cheap furnishings.
Where to Live in Warsaw?
The most popular expatriate neighbourhoods offering good quality properties include:
Over recent years, the city has seen vast modernisation, yet it has retained its old world charm, offering assignees affordable historic city living. With a lively bar and café culture, it’s a popular destination amongst expatriates.
Additional Resources on Poland for Relocation Managers
For more information on relocating to Poland, visit these resources: