2025 in real estate: summary of trends and forecasts for 2026

1. Introduction: end-of-year reflection

December is a time for summaries: what has changed in the housing market over the past 12 months and what conclusions are worth drawing before the new year. In 2025, we observed a mild but steady rise in prices, accelerated digitalization of sales processes, and growing interest in sustainability. Let’s take a look at the key elements and what may await us in 2026.

2. Prices and demand in 2025

• Price increases Average listing prices in the largest Polish cities rose year-on-year by around 2–3%. Rising material and labor costs were the main drivers of higher prices.
• Stable demand Despite increasing property prices, the number of transactions remained similar to 2024, driven by both mortgage buyers (supported by relatively low interest rates) and cash buyers.

3. Key trends of the past year

1. Digitalization of the purchasing process
   • 3D virtual tours and augmented reality (AR) presentations allowed buyers to explore properties without leaving home.
   • Electronic signatures and cloud-based agreements minimized the need for notary visits.
2. Eco-friendly construction and certifications
   • An increasing number of developments obtained BREEAM or LEED certifications.
   • Solar panels, heat recovery ventilation systems, and recycled materials became increasingly popular.
3. Customized finishes
   • Buyers could choose turnkey finishing packages and modify partition walls during the early construction stage.
4. Alternative financing
   • Developer bond issues and investments via private equity funds supplemented traditional bank financing.

4. Risks and challenges

• Delivery delays Disruptions in supply chains—especially steel and finishing materials—may continue to extend construction timelines.
• Fluctuating interest rates A potential rise in rates may limit buyers’ borrowing capacity.
• Rising labor costs Wage increases and higher transport rates affect overall project costs.

5. Forecasts for 2026

Trend	Forecast
Housing prices	Moderate growth of 2–3% year-on-year, driven by persistently limited supply of new units.
Technologies	Increased use of VR/AR in real estate marketing and AI tools for valuation and customer preference analysis.
Sustainable developments	At least 50% of new investments expected to hold ecological certifications; greater focus on building thermal upgrades.
Financing	Further development of developer bonds and residential investment funds as alternatives to banks.
Customer preferences	Growing demand for apartments with remote-work spaces and shared amenities (coworking areas, relaxation zones).

6. Practical tips

1. Monitor price reports – use NBP data and industry portals to stay informed about current price levels.
2. Use online tools – explore virtual tours and ask about electronic contract signing.
3. Check ecological certifications – choose projects with BREEAM/LEED to save on bills and increase property value.
4. Consider alternative financing – check whether the developer offers bonds or partners with investment funds.
5. Analyze risks – verify delivery schedules, legal documents, and potential extra costs before finalizing the purchase.

7. Summary

The year 2025 brought stable price increases, accelerated digitalization, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In 2026, key factors will include new technologies, eco-friendly solutions, and flexible financing models. Prepare yourself by monitoring the market, using digital tools, and investing in future-proof projects.