Safe Property Purchase in 2026: What You Need to Know About New Regulations and Prices in Szczecin
The year 2026 brings a long-awaited sense of "normalcy" to the Polish real estate market. Following a period of intense turbulence, the market has entered a phase of stabilization where purchasing decisions are made based on solid economic fundamentals rather than emotions or the fear of price hikes.
For buyers in Szczecin, this is great news – we are currently witnessing a buyer’s market, which means a wider selection of offers and more room for negotiation. However, how should you navigate this new landscape to ensure a completely safe transaction?
An End to the "Double Commission" – What Does It Mean for Your Wallet?
The biggest revolution of 2026 is the regulatory overhaul of the real estate brokerage profession. The government has introduced a draft amendment that prohibits charging commissions from both sides of the same transaction.
What does this mean in practice?
- Clear Rules: The agent represents the interests of only one party – the one with whom they signed a contract. As a result, you will learn about potential issues at the start of the process, rather than at the notary office.
- No Hidden Costs: Buyers will no longer be surprised by commission fees just for the opportunity to view an apartment they found online.
- Increased Safety: The new law obliges brokers to verify the legal and factual status of a property prior to publishing any listing.
Apartment Prices in Szczecin: Where Are We in 2026?
According to Q1 2026 data, Szczecin remains an attractive alternative to the most expensive metropolises like Warsaw or Kraków. Average transaction prices are as follows:
- Primary Market: approx. PLN 12,359/m²
- Secondary Market: approx. PLN 9,669/m²
It is worth noting that price growth dynamics have slowed down significantly. Although Szczecin recorded a 5.73% price increase last year, the current stabilization allows buyers to plan carefully without time pressure.
What Types of Apartments Rule the Szczecin Market?
Currently, the most stable and sought-after market segment remains apartments sized 40–60 m² (typically 2- and 3-room units). These properties offer the best combination of an acceptable price and high liquidity in case of a future resale.
A noticeable trend in 2026 is a strong aversion to renovations. Rising costs of construction materials mean that Szczecin residents far prefer turnkey homes or high-standard developer finishes, avoiding the risks and delays associated with renovation work.
Financing the Purchase: Improved Creditworthiness
For those relying on a mortgage, 2026 is a favorable year. A series of interest rate cuts (the reference rate dropped to around 4.00%, with prospects of further declines toward 3.5%) has genuinely boosted the creditworthiness of buyers.
Most buyers (nearly 65%) currently opt for fixed-rate mortgages for a set period, providing safety and predictability for household budgets during the initial years of repayment.
Summary: How to Buy Wisely?
The key to success in 2026 is partnering with reliable professionals. When choosing a real estate agency, look out for quality rankings (such as Otodom's "Lider Jakości"), which are based on listing transparency and agent professionalism.
At Prime Nieruchomości Szczecin, we believe an agent's main role is advice and complete technical and legal protection for the client. Under the new regulations, transparency is no longer a choice—it is a standard designed to protect your life savings.
👉 Planning a purchase and have questions about the new regulations? Join us for a informal cup of coffee at our office – we will analyze your situation and help you find a property that becomes your safe haven.