New buildings and resales in Poland: pros and cons for buyers

Poland attracts property buyers from all over the world due to its stable market, developed economy and high living standards. Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw are the largest cities where demand for housing remains high among both locals and foreigners. Buying an apartment in Poland is a serious step, and one of the key issues for future owners is to choose a new building or a secondary home. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of both options.

New buildings in Poland: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of new buildings

• Modern construction technologies — new houses are being built taking into account energy saving, sound insulation and comfort.
• Guarantee from the developer — Polish developers offer warranty services, which reduces the risks of unexpected costs.
• Flexibility in choosing — Customers can choose the layout, floor and even the view from the window. In Krakow, Wroclaw and Warsaw, many residential complexes offer apartments with terraces and panoramic windows.
• Well-developed infrastructure — New residential complexes often include landscaped courtyards, playgrounds, fitness rooms and parking lots. This is especially important for families with children and people who value convenience.

Disadvantages of new buildings

• The long process of waiting for the house to be delivered — If you are planning to move in the near future, buying a new building may not be suitable. In Warsaw and other large cities, you sometimes have to wait several years for construction to be completed.
• High cost — New apartments are usually more expensive than second homes, which can be a significant disadvantage for buyers on a budget.
• The risks of delays — despite legal guarantees, there may be delays in the delivery of the facility. This may come as an unpleasant surprise to shoppers, especially in larger cities like Warsaw and Wroclaw.

Secondary housing in Poland: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of second homes

• Ready to move in — One of the main attractive features of secondary housing is the ability to move into an apartment immediately after the transaction.
• Well-developed infrastructure — secondary apartments are most often located in already inhabited areas with well-developed transport and social connections. This is especially true for buyers choosing accommodation in the center of Warsaw, Krakow or Wroclaw.
• Low price — secondary housing is usually cheaper than new buildings. This can be a good option for those who want to invest in real estate in Poland on a budget.

Disadvantages of secondary housing

• Repair issues — old apartments may require significant investments in repairs and upgrades, which increases overall costs.
• No guarantees — unlike new buildings, the buyer does not receive a property guarantee, and any hidden defects will have to be repaired at their own expense.
• Old construction technologies — Although many apartments have been renovated, older buildings may use less efficient heating, electricity, sewage and other outdated technologies.

What should I choose? Depends on your goals

The choice between a new building and a secondary property depends on your personal preferences and financial capabilities. If you want modern housing with minimal renovation costs and are ready to wait for construction to be completed, a new building will be a good choice. At the same time, if you need housing quickly and you are willing to invest in renovations, secondary housing may be the best option.

Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw offer a variety of options that can suit different types of buyers, from those who are looking for a new home in the center to those who prefer quieter areas with developed infrastructure.

How to buy an apartment in Poland with EL ESTATE

Buying real estate in Poland is an important and responsible process, especially for foreign buyers. EL ESTATE provides a full range of services to make the process of buying an apartment in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw or other Polish cities as comfortable and safe as possible for customers. Below we will describe in detail how to buy an apartment with the help of our experts.

1. Consultation and analysis of customer needs

The first step is to consult with our specialist, where we will find out in detail your preferences, requirements and budget. We take into account factors such as:

• City (e.g. Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, or other regions of Poland);
• Property type (new building or secondary housing);
• The area and number of rooms;
• Infrastructure features (availability of transport, schools, shops, etc.);
• Suggestions for the location of the apartment (first floor, panoramic windows, etc.).

Based on this information, we will prepare a list of properties that meet your requirements.

2. Selecting objects and organizing views

Once we've identified your preferences, we'll start selecting the most appropriate options. Our experts carefully analyze the real estate market in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw to offer you only the best properties.

• We will arrange viewings of selected apartments at a convenient time for you, including advice on each property.
• You will be able to evaluate not only the apartment itself, but also the area: infrastructure, accessibility of transport, safety and other important factors.

If you are unable to attend the viewing in person, our specialists can provide detailed photos and videos of the property, as well as conduct a virtual tour.

3. Legal review and documents

Once you have chosen an apartment, we proceed with a legal review of the property. This is an important step that helps to avoid possible problems in the future. We carefully check:

• The seller's ownership of the property;
• Are there any encumbrances or debts on the facility;
• The legality of all constructed facilities and compliance with project documentation.

If everything is in order from a legal point of view, we will begin preparing the necessary documents to conclude the deal.

4. Transaction support and signing an agreement

When all legal aspects are verified and you are ready to buy an apartment, we help you complete the deal. We provide full support at all stages of concluding a contract:

• Preparation and review of a sales agreement taking into account all the requirements of Polish legislation;
• Assistance in arranging money transfers and paying taxes;
• Participation in the submission of documents for registration of ownership in Polish government agencies.

We will ensure that the process is carried out without delays and legal difficulties.

5. Financial and tax advice

EL ESTATE also provides advice on financing the purchase of real estate. We will help you understand mortgage options, tax issues, and how to transfer funds for foreign citizens.

• We will help you choose the best bank and mortgage program if you need financing.
• We will provide tax support so that you can properly prepare all financial documents.

6. After-sales service and adaptation assistance

Once the deal is complete, we don't leave you alone with your new home. We offer the following additional services:

• Assistance with registration and administrative issues;
• Consultations on renovating and improving an apartment;
• Rental support (if you want to rent an apartment);
• Recommendations for arranging an apartment and neighborhood, including information about the best schools, shops, medical facilities and other necessary services.

7. Serving foreign customers

We understand that buying property in a foreign country can be a difficult process, especially if you don't speak Polish. Therefore, our specialists provide services in several languages, including Russian, English and Ukrainian, which makes the process even more comfortable for foreign buyers.

The process of buying property in Poland with EL ESTATE is a reliable and transparent deal that will help you find the perfect property in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw or another Polish city. We offer a full range of services, from consulting to after-sales service, ensuring maximum comfort and minimal risks for our customers.

We will also help you make the right choice between a new building or a secondary home in Poland depends on many factors, including budget, moving time and lifestyle preferences. In large cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw, you can always find the right shopping option. In any case, EL ESTATE specialists will help you go through all the stages of buying a property with minimal effort.

‍