Poland’s real estate market, including historic and listed properties, offers a niche and captivating investment opportunity. In a recent interview with Nick Marr from EuropeanProperty.com, Polish real estate expert Bogna Gladden-Obidzińska shared her extensive experience navigating this complex market, which is teeming with hidden gems for discerning investors.
A Passion for Listed Properties
Bogna, with years of experience both in corporate and boutique real estate, has developed a speciality in selling listed buildings, manor houses, and estates in Poland. These properties, with their historical significance and commercial potential, are unique assets that demand not only investment but also a deep understanding of preservation. According to Bogna, these historic buildings often require substantial renovation and management, which is where her expertise becomes valuable.
Following World War II, Poland’s estates were often taken over by the Communist state, and many of these properties were neglected and repurposed for local use, such as schools or political offices. Today, some of these buildings are sold at relatively low prices, but as Bogna explains, they come with a caveat: the cost of restoring and maintaining these properties can easily surpass their initial purchase price by up to tenfold.
However, for investors looking to dive into this sector, the potential for transformation and high return on investment is immense. Bogna has worked on successful projects where these historic buildings were turned into hotels, aparthotels or condohotels, cultural centres, and commercial spaces that now not only self-sustain but also yield profit. It’s a tricky segment, requiring collaboration with local governments and conservation authorities, but the rewards are equally unique. Despite the challenges of renovation and upkeep, the relatively low initial prices, large acreage, and sheer beauty of these estates make them attractive for those who can envisage their potential and skillfully use available resources – also state and local government subsidies – to bring these historic homes up to their future roles.
An Investor’s Guide to Poland’s Growing Market
In addition to the niche of listed properties, Bogna also emphasises that Poland’s real estate market is a dynamic space for various types of investments. She noted that between 2018 and 2021, Poland experienced a steep rise in property prices, driven by growing demand in residential, commercial, and commerciable agricultural lands. Recently, since the inflation spike in 2022 and the subsequent rise in interest rates, the market has shifted in favour of buyers, making it a prime time for foreign investors to explore opportunities in Poland.
Regarding location, Bogna suggests great opportunities in places that not all investors are aware of. While the major cities—Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Kraków—remain popular among foreign investors for their safety and stability, she advises looking at smaller cities like Łódź, Poznań, Lublin, Szczecin, or Bielsko-Biała or emerging markets among towns <100,000 inhabitants. These locations are seeing rapid growth, driven by local buyers who have been priced out of the more significant markets. As Poland continues to develop, these smaller cities are poised to yield substantial returns for forward-thinking investors.
Polish resorts are another rewarding direction for investors, as suggested by Bogna. Both, the beautiful coastal line in the North and the Karpathian chains joining the East with the West at the southern border of Poland offer splendidly tranquil and picturesque locations visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists yearly. Investors will find that new builds as well as refurbished existing infrastructures, will guarantee higher returns on investments than their Western European counterparts.
A Market for the Visionary Buyer
For those with a long-term vision, Poland’s real estate market offers more than just prime investment opportunities. Whether you’re interested in historic buildings or new developments, understanding the intricacies of this market—particularly with the help of local experts like Bogna—is essential. Her deep knowledge of the listed buildings market, coupled with an understanding of how to navigate local regulations, provides potential buyers with a roadmap for success.
With the market currently favouring buyers, foreign investors would do well to explore the hidden potential of Poland’s smaller cities, resorts, and historic estates. Whether it’s restoring a manor house to its former glory or investing in commercial land for future developments, the opportunities are as diverse as they are plentiful.
In Bogna’s words, once you find the right place, “you will love it, and you will really work with it.” Plus, the Polish real estate market is not just about investment—it’s about passion, vision, and a deep connection to the history and future of these remarkable spaces.
Conclusion
The interview with Bogna Gladden-Obidzińska sheds light on a niche market within Polish real estate, offering exciting opportunities for investors with a passion for historic buildings. With careful planning, a willingness to invest in restoration, and the right guidance, the Polish market could be a gateway to acquiring unique properties that hold both cultural and financial value. For those considering investments in Poland, now is an opportune moment to explore these opportunities with the help of local experts who understand both the challenges and rewards of this exceptional market.
Contact
Bogna J. Gladden-Obidzińska
+ 48 664 603 886
bogna.gladden@castellan.estate
Puławska 77, lok. U.5, 02-595 Warszawa
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