Common mistakes made by foreigners when buying real estate in Poland

Realtor experience and practical advice

Buying real estate in Poland is an important step, especially for foreigners. The market has become more transparent in recent years, but Mistakes when buying an apartment in Poland still cost a lot: lost money, drawn-out deals, legal problems.

As a practicing realtor working with foreigners all over Poland, I regularly encounter the same situations. In this article, I'll discuss The most common mistakes when buying a home in Poland and I will explain how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Buying real estate without understanding the legal status and restrictions of the border zone

One of the biggest mistakes is to start buying, without figuring out whether MSWiA permission is required (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration).

What is important for foreigners to know:

• Apartments (lokal mieszkalny) in most cases you can buy without permission
• Houses with land and plots often require permission
• Poland's border zone — a separate category with special rules

❗ In the border zone MSWiA resolution required almost always,
with the exception of one case - if acquired
spółdzielczo-własnościowe prawo do lokalu (cooperative ownership of an apartment).

In practice, many foreigners learn about this already after signing the preliminary agreement, When:

• the deposit has been paid
• the terms of the transaction are limited
• registration is suspended due to lack of permission

Expert advice:
Before making a deposit, you must check:

• type of property right
• location of the object (border zone or not)
• need for permission MSWiA

Mistake #2: Searching on your own without understanding the Polish market

Online portals create the illusion of simplicity, but the reality is different:

• the price in the ad does not always correspond to the actual cost of the transaction
• some of the proposals are not relevant
• Some objects have legal restrictions
• the liquidity of the area is often overestimated

Foreigners without experience:

• overpay
• buy properties that are difficult to resell
• do not take into account the real prospects of the area

The real estate market in Poland operates differently than in the CIS countries., and without knowledge of local specifics it is easy to make a mistake.

Mistake #3: Lack of a full legal review of the property

Even a visually perfect apartment can have problems:

• encumbrances in księga wieczysta
• debts for czynsz
• unauthorized redevelopment
• disputes between owners

It is important to understand: The notary does not check the property in the interests of the buyer, he only formalizes the deal.

Conclusion:
Legal due diligence is a mandatory step, especially when purchasing real estate on the secondary market.

Mistake #4: Underestimating additional expenses, especially with a mortgage

Many buyers consider only the cost of the apartment, forgetting that the final budget is always higher.

Standard additional costs:

• PCC 2% tax (secondary market)
• notary services
• wpis do księgi wieczystej
• agency commission
• sworn translator

Additional costs when purchase with a mortgage:

• real estate valuation (operat szacunkowy)
• compulsory property insurance
• life insurance (often a bank requirement)
• bank fees

Advice:
Buying real estate in Poland should be viewed as a financial project, not as a price in an advert.

Mistake #5: Buying an apartment "on impulse"«

The phrase "take it before it's gone" is a common accompaniment to mistakes. Without analysis:

• district
• infrastructure
• liquidity
• demand for rent

After some time it becomes clear that:

• the apartment is difficult to sell
• the rent does not bring the expected income
• the object does not meet real needs

Mistake #6: Not understanding the difference between the primary and secondary markets

Primary market:

✔ Developer guarantees
✔ installment plans
✖ waiting for change
✖ additional finishing costs

Secondary market:

✔ You can move in immediately
✔ often the best location
✖ PCC tax
✖ increased legal risks

The choice should depend on the purpose: life, investment or rent, and not just on the price.

Mistake #7: Lack of a Buying Strategy

Buying a property without a clear plan is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

Before making a deal, it is important to answer the following questions:

• purchase for living or investment?
• Is it possible to resell after a few years?
• How will the property perform on the rental market?

Real estate in Poland is a strategy, not an impulse decision.

How to avoid mistakes when buying real estate in Poland

In my experience, the best results are achieved by clients who:

• work with one expert from start to finish
• understand the legal and financial nuances in advance
• make decisions based on analysis, not emotion

Why foreigners choose rutkowskihome.pl

I accompany customers at all stages of the transaction:

• selection of real estate for the purpose
• document verification
• negotiations with the seller
• accompaniment at the notary's office
• assistance after purchase

My job is to explain complex Polish rules. in plain language and protect the client's interests.

📌 Planning to buy real estate in Poland?

If you want to avoid mistakes, unnecessary expenses and legal risks -
contact me through the website rutkowskihome.pl.

A competent consultation at the start saves money money, time and nerves.