Finding an apartment in a foreign country may be intimidating, even if you speak the local language. However, it can be an easy process if you know where to look.
Renting property is actually a lot more straightforward in Poland compared to somewhere like the UK, for example. Read on to find out how you can find an apartment in Kraków, quickly and efficiently.
Types of Properties
First of all, let’s review the typical property styles you’ll find in Kraków. Of course, there are plenty of apartments of different sizes, both old and newly built. Studio apartments are also common.
If you’re not looking for a whole apartment and you only want to rent a room, it’s just as easy. You won’t find many houses in the city though. There are some but if you want more options, you’ll most likely need to look a bit further out in areas such as Zielonki, Bronowice, Nowa Huta, and Wieliczka.
From time to time, you may find houses available in Podgórze which is just across the river from Kazimierz. Otherwise, there is Wola Justowka, located next to the forest, Las Wolski. It’s the most expensive residential area in Kraków.
Average Rental Prices
Prices vary depending on whether you rent directly from the landlord or whether you use an estate agent. Naturally, estate agents are more expensive as they charge additional fees. The good news is, it’s very accessible to rent directly from a landlord.
Rental prices in Kraków depend on both the standard of the property, and the size in square metres. For example, if a one bedroom property is of a very high standard, it may cost more than a small two bedroom property of a lesser standard.
According to rentberry.com, the median cost of rentals in Kraków, as of August 2020, are as follows:
- A room in shared accommodation: 819 PLN
- 1 bedroom apartments: 1482 PLN
- 2 bedroom apartments: 1885 PLN
- 3 bedroom apartments: 2743 PLN
- House rentals: 6413 PLN
Keep in mind that this is the overall median. Prices vary by district and you will find cheaper further out. You may pay significantly more in Kraków Old Town and Kazimierz, which are among the most popular destinations.
For example, in Kazimierz, you’re not likely to find a 1 bedroom apartment for less than 1800 PLN + bills. You may find studio apartments for a minimum of around 1400 + bills. However, if you look in somewhere like Bronowice or Nowa Huta, you will find cheaper.
Even within the Old Town, you can find single rooms to rent in shared apartments for around 700 PLN + bills. For double rooms, expect around 1000 PLN + bills. Most landlords require a deposit of one month’s rent.
Old center Krakow view
Jewish Quarter of the Kazimierz district
Podgórze discrict
Where to Search – Direct from Landlords
There are a few websites where you can deal directly with the landlords. Estate agents post on these sites as well, so make sure you select the option for private ads only.
http://www.krakow-poland.com/real-estate
https://rentberry.com/pl/apartments/1392912-two-br-kotlarska-31-503-krakow-poland
You can also find useful sources for property rental through social media. For example, there are several Facebook groups where landlords and agents post rooms and apartments for rent. Some groups let you post wanted ads as well.
The names of some Facebook groups are:
“Apartments for rent in Cracow city”
“Krakow Houses and Apartments (NO agents or agencies) For Rent”
“Kraków Wynajem Pokój / Mieszkanie – Szukam / Wynajmę” – This means Kraków room and apartment rental – searching / renting. You can post wanted ads in this group and people will respond with offers.
English Speaking Estate Agents
The estate agents below all offer services in English. Some of them speak additional languages so if English is not your first language, you may have other options.
Hamilton May: https://www.property-krakow.com/
Exclusive Estate: https://www.exclusive-estate.pl/
Nowodworski Estates: https://www.nowodworskiestates.pl/en/
Emerson Real Estate: https://emmerson.pl/
Firma Kontrakty Nieruchomosci: http://www.fk-nieruchomosci.pl/
INWESTYCJE FINANSE NIERUCHOMO CI Ltd: http://www.ifn.pl/
JOT-BE Real Estate: http://jot-be.pl/
Magnat Real Estate: http://www.magnat-krakow.pl/
Contracts
Most contracts are for a minimum of 12 months. You can find short term sublets, but contracts are typically long-term, whether you want to rent just a room or a whole property. If you’re looking for something temporary – a few months for example – you may find options on the Facebook groups. Otherwise, your best bet is to look for something through sites like Airbnb.
It’s always worth asking if the contract can be provided in English or another language, if necessary. If that’s not possible, there are plenty of translation services in Kraków.
Scams
You may be wondering how safe it is to rent without using an estate agent. Rental scams in Poland are not as common as they are in some other European countries, but they do still happen.
Make sure you see a contract and the owner’s ID before parting with any money. If a property is listed a lot cheaper than the average price for the area it’s in, it’s probably a scam – especially if the property is of a high standard.
Finally, you should never be charged any fees for viewing a property. This is a known scam in certain regions, so keep that in mind.
That’s all for this guide on how to find an apartment in Kraków. There are always plenty of options, so you’re sure to find something in no time.
Kirsty MacRae is a professional writer and editor living in Krakow, providing services in English to local businesses and international clients.