Apartment renovation sticker shock: up to PLN 5,500 per m²

Summer is the peak season for apartment overhauls in Poland, and a full renovation can cost anywhere from PLN 1,500 to PLN 5,500 per square metre. The final price depends mainly on the materials chosen and the scope of the works.


The bill is also shaped by the technical condition of the flat, the range of work commissioned, and whether contractors charge hourly rates or a fixed price for the entire job. Before starting, it is wise to agree on the scope with the housing community, the building administrator, or even a monuments conservator when required.

According to current estimates, a complete renovation of an apartment in Poland costs between PLN 1,500 and PLN 5,500 per m². The property’s location matters a great deal. Flats in city centres often generate higher charges for rubble removal and material deliveries, as transport restrictions make access difficult.

Logistics and access: the hidden side of renovation costs

Renting a container for rubble and other waste adds to the price. Another cost driver is the building itself: in a tenement or block without an elevator, everything has to be carried up and down by technical crews, which also raises the final invoice.

Three price tiers: from budget to premium

The market distinguishes three main cost models. The basic version includes inexpensive paints, classic white ceramics, budget floor tiles and simple laminate panels, with fittings carrying a warranty of about ten years. This falls in the range of PLN 1,200-1,800 per m².

The standard version is priced at PLN 2,200-3,200 per m² and covers stoneware tiles, wooden boards or thin parquet on the floor, plus kitchen furniture designed to an exceptional standard. The premium model has virtually no ceiling: contractors use natural stone, oak wood and high-end fittings, and can integrate smart home systems. Prices start at PLN 3,800-5,500 per m², with higher levels available.

Extras such as underfloor heating in the kitchen or throughout the whole flat push the price up further. Air conditioning is also becoming a common element of new apartments, and window replacement can be folded into the overhaul as well.

Sample budgets and how long the work takes

A major renovation of a 40 m² flat works out to roughly PLN 88,000-128,000 on average. For 50 m², the cost reaches PLN 110,000-160,000, while 60 m² translates into PLN 132,000-192,000.

Old, historic buildings require a conservator’s permit for renovation works. In new developments and flats delivered in developer standard, decisions often have to be consulted with the housing community or the building administration.

Depending on the availability of construction crews, the renovation takes from several to roughly a dozen weeks. Homeowners should also be prepared for unexpected issues that may surface during the works.

Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

Categories:

Tags: