Many people planning buying real estate in Poland, they think only about down payment and monthly mortgage payment. But in practice, the costs are much higher.

Buyers often find themselves in a situation where the bank has already approved the mortgage, the apartment has been chosen, but there simply isn't enough money for additional expenses. That's why it's important to understand the full cost picture before purchasing a home.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how much money is actually needed to buy an apartment in Poland in 2026, what hidden costs exist, and what you should definitely leave a financial cushion for.

The biggest mistake buyers make

One of the most common mistakes is to think that if the bank gives mortgage, then you can buy an apartment with almost no money of your own.

In practice, in addition to the initial payment, the following arise:

• notary fees,
• taxes,
• bank commission,
• insurance,
• repair,
• furniture,
• technique,
• reserve for unforeseen expenses.

It is the additional expenses that often become the biggest surprise after purchasing an apartment.

Down payment (wkład własny)

In 2026, most banks in Poland will still require a down payment.

Most often it is:

• 10% real estate value,
• or 20% for better credit terms.

For example:

If the apartment costs 600,000 zł:

• 10% = 60,000 zł,
• 20% = 120,000 zł.

Some banks allow you to buy an apartment with a minimum down payment. state programs or with additional insurance, but the conditions depend on the specific situation.

Notary is a mandatory expense

When purchasing real estate in Poland, the transaction takes place through a notary.

The buyer pays:

• notarial deed,
• extracts,
• entry in księga wieczysta,
• court fees.

The amount depends on the value of the property, but usually you need to prepare:

• from 2,000 to 6,000 zł.

The more expensive the apartment, the higher the costs.

PCC tax when purchasing a used car

If you buy an apartment on the secondary market (rynek wtórny), you usually pay PCC tax – 2% on the value of the property.

For example:

The apartment costs 500,000 zł:

• PCC = 10,000 zł.

This is a very important point that many people forget.

When purchasing a new build from a developer, you typically don't pay PCC because the tax is already included in the price through VAT. You're also exempt from PCC when purchasing your first property.

Real estate agency commission

If an apartment is purchased through a real estate agency, there may be a commission.

Typically it is:

• 1%–3% real estate value,
• or a fixed amount.

For example:

For an apartment worth PLN 700,000, the commission could even be PLN 14,000–21,000.

Not all apartments are sold with a buyer's commission, but this should be clarified in advance.

Mortgage insurance

Almost every bank requires insurance.

Most often it is:

• property insurance,
• life insurance,
• sometimes insurance temporarily low wkład własny.

This may cost:

• from several hundred to several thousand zł per year.

Sometimes the bank adds insurance to the monthly payment.

Repair costs are something that almost everyone underestimates.

Even if an apartment looks "ready to live in," there are almost always additional costs.

For example:

• painting the walls,
• floors,
• kitchen,
• technique,
• lighting,
• furniture,
• plumbing,
• doors.

In 2026, the cost of repairs in Poland remains high.

The average basic apartment renovation may cost:

• from 1,500 to 3,500 zł per m²,
• and a good repair is even more expensive.

Many people realize after purchasing an apartment that a turnkey apartment listed online and the actual completion of the home are two different things.

Furniture and appliances are a huge hidden expense.

After purchasing an apartment, a stage begins that very quickly «eats up» the budget.

Even the basic kit:

• fridge,
• washing machine,
• sofa,
• bed,
• closet,
• table,
• kitchen,
• lighting,

can easily cost tens of thousands of zł.

Especially if the apartment is being purchased from scratch.

Monthly expenses after purchase

It is important to consider more than just the mortgage.

After purchase the following appears:

• czynsz,
• electricity,
• Internet,
• heating,
• parking,
• home repair fund,
• insurance.

Sometimes people get mortgage approval just in time, only to realize the overall burden is too high.

Should you leave a financial cushion?

Definitely yes.

It is very dangerous to invest absolutely all your money into buying an apartment.

After the transaction the following may appear:

• unexpected expenses,
• problems with repairs,
• job loss,
• rising rates,
• household breakdowns.

It's ideal to have at least a few months' worth of savings to cover your living expenses and mortgage payments.

How much money do you really need?

It all depends on:

• cities,
• cost of the apartment,
• type of market,
• repairs,
• the amount of the down payment.

But realistically, in addition to wkład własny, many buyers also spend:

• from 20,000 to 80,000 zł and more.

And when renovating and furnishing, the cost can be significantly higher.

Why is it important to calculate all expenses in advance?

Because mortgage — it’s not just about «getting bank approval.».

Very often people focus only on purchasing the apartment itself and forget about:

• life after purchase,
• repair,
• additional payments,
• money reserve.

Because of this, financial stress arises already in the first months after the transaction.

It's much safer to understand your entire budget in advance and buy property that's comfortable for you, rather than "at the limit of your means.".

What is especially important in 2026?

The real estate market in Poland continues to change:

• apartment prices remain high,
• the cost of repairs has increased,
• banks check carefully creditworthiness,
• monthly expenses have become higher.

That's why Proper preparation for buying an apartment is especially important now.

Results

Buying an apartment in Poland involves much more than just a down payment and a mortgage.

Before purchasing, it is important to consider:

• all additional costs,
• future payments,
• repair,
• furniture,
• taxes,
• reserve money for living.

The better prepared the buyer is, the smoother the entire real estate purchase process will be.

If you need help with mortgage in Poland, creditworthiness calculation, bank selection or real estate search — You can contact us. I help you through the entire process of buying an apartment in Poland: from analyzing your options to receiving the keys to your home.

More information on the website: Rutkowski Home