In general, foreign nationals have to apply to the Minister of the Interior and Administration for permission to buy property in Poland.

However, the nationals of EU countries who are going to live in Poland for longer than 90 days and hold a residency permit are exempt from this requirement, and can buy property for use as their own main residence in Poland. Foreign nationals are only allowed to buy property up to a maximum size of 5,000 square metres for use as their own residence.

EU citizens who do not hold a residency permit must apply for a permit to buy a second home or holiday home in Poland.

Permits are valid for the purchase of property within two years from the date of issue.

A wide range of new and existing properties are available for purchase in Poland, but existing properties often require extensive renovations.

There are wide variations in property prices between different locations, with typical costs per metre for a new property between PLN2500 and PLN5000 in the main cities, and around PLN2000 in smaller towns.

Properties are advertised for sale by real estate agencies, online and in national and daily newspapers.

To purchase a property in Poland you will need to agree a price with the owner, and appoint a notary to deal with the legal aspects of the sale. It is normal practice in Poland for the same notary to be used by the buyer and seller of the property, and for the buyer to pay the notary fees, which usually amount to 2-3% of the purchase price. The buyer will be required to pay a deposit which cannot be refunded unless the buyer decides not to sell. On completion of the sale the vendor will be required to provide a document confirming that no loans are secured on the property.