The Polish government has announced a first package of changes to its flagship Clean Air (Czyste Powietrze) program, set to take effect in July 2026. The modifications aim to simplify access to subsidies for homeowners, particularly those who bought older homes for renovation.
The Ministry of Climate and Environment revealed the adjustments following several months of operation under the program’s new rules introduced in March 2025 and over 1,300 comments collected during public consultations. „These changes are primarily intended to simplify participation in the program, reduce formal barriers, and better adapt the rules to the realities of investment implementation” – said the ministry.
One of the most anticipated changes is the reduction of the property ownership requirement from three years to one year. The previous rule, designed to prevent abuse, had excluded many new homeowners, especially young families buying older houses for renovation. The ministry has not yet specified all cases that will qualify for the shorter period, but consultations suggested it would apply to those who acquired at least 50% of the property through purchase or gift.
Higher subsidies for key renovation costs
The government also plans to raise the maximum eligible costs for several items. Current limits – for example, 480 PLN per square meter for windows and 100 PLN per square meter for external wall insulation – have been criticized as too low compared to market prices, which often exceed 700–1000 PLN for windows and 180–300 PLN for insulation. The ministry did not disclose which items will see increases, stating that details will follow in the coming weeks.
Another change expands the list of professionals authorized to confirm the permanent decommissioning of old heat sources. Previously, only a narrow set of experts could issue such confirmations, causing delays and extra costs for beneficiaries. Now, individuals with relevant construction qualifications will also be allowed to do so.
Future phases are expected to introduce a certified contractor list and a separate subsidy for energy audits. Currently, audits cost between 1,500 and 3,000 PLN, while the program offers only up to 1,200 PLN for this service, leaving homeowners to pay the difference out of pocket.
Longer deadlines and future reforms
Beneficiaries who receive advance payments (pre-financing) will now have 180 days instead of 120 to complete their projects. This extra two months is expected to ease work dependent on weather conditions, such as wall insulation and roof repairs, which often suffer when started in autumn or winter.
The July package is only the first phase. More systemic changes, including a list of approved contractors and a voucher system for energy audits, are still under analysis and consultation. „Some solutions require further agreements, for example with the European Investment Bank. The July package does not close the process of change but is another stage in the continuous improvement of the program” – added the ministry.
These reforms are responses to problems that emerged after the major overhaul in March 2025, which temporarily halted applications and drew criticism from municipalities, builders, and homeowners. The new rules aim to restore trust and accelerate the pace of energy efficiency improvements in Poland’s housing stock.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
