When Is the Best Time to Rent an Apartment in Poland?
Introduction: Timing Can Save You Thousands
If you are planning to rent an apartment in Poland, here is something most newcomers do not realize: the month you sign your lease can affect your rent by 10 to 25 percent. That is not a rounding error. On a typical shared room in Warsaw at 1,800 PLN per month, the difference between renting in January versus September is 450 PLN every single month -- or 5,400 PLN over a full year.
Poland's rental market follows strong seasonal patterns driven by the academic calendar, corporate relocation cycles, and even weather. Understanding these patterns gives you a concrete advantage whether you are a student arriving for your first semester, a professional relocating for work, or a digital nomad choosing when to settle in.
This guide breaks down rental pricing month by month using real market data, explains why certain periods are dramatically more expensive than others, highlights city-specific patterns, and gives you actionable strategies for timing your apartment search. Whether you are looking for a full apartment or a room in a shared flat, the same seasonal dynamics apply -- and the savings from smart timing are significant.
Month-by-Month Rental Price Guide
The Polish rental market does not charge the same price year-round. Demand fluctuates predictably, and landlords adjust their asking prices accordingly. We have analyzed listing data across Poland's major cities to calculate seasonal price multipliers -- the factor by which average rents increase or decrease relative to the baseline in any given month.
The table below shows the multiplier, what it means for a typical Warsaw shared room priced at 1,800 PLN (baseline at 1.00 in May), the competition level you will face, and our assessment of each month.
| Month | Price Multiplier | Warsaw Example (PLN) | Competition Level | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.90 | 1,620 | Very Low | Best deals of the year |
| February | 0.92 | 1,656 | Low | Excellent value, few listings |
| March | 0.95 | 1,710 | Low-Moderate | Market waking up, still good |
| April | 0.97 | 1,746 | Moderate | Decent prices, rising selection |
| May | 1.00 | 1,800 | Moderate | Baseline pricing, balanced market |
| June | 1.05 | 1,890 | Moderate-High | Summer premium begins |
| July | 1.08 | 1,944 | High | Tourist effect, pre-booking starts |
| August | 1.12 | 2,016 | High | Expensive, students pre-booking |
| September | 1.15 | 2,070 | Extreme | Peak prices, avoid if possible |
| October | 1.08 | 1,944 | High | Post-rush cool-down begins |
| November | 0.98 | 1,764 | Low-Moderate | Prices dropping fast |
| December | 0.93 | 1,674 | Low | Holiday bargains, limited selection |
The numbers tell a clear story. The gap between the cheapest month (January at 1,620 PLN) and the most expensive (September at 2,070 PLN) is 450 PLN per month. Over a 12-month lease, that is 5,400 PLN in savings -- simply from signing your lease at the right time. And this is for a shared room. For a full apartment in Warsaw's center at 4,500 PLN baseline, the January-to-September difference becomes 1,125 PLN per month, or 13,500 PLN annually.
These multipliers apply to asking prices on new listings. If you are renewing an existing lease, the seasonal effect is smaller but still present -- landlords know their leverage changes with the calendar. For a detailed look at how much rent costs across Poland, see our city-by-city rent comparison.
Why September Is the Most Expensive Month
September consistently sees the highest rental prices in Poland, with a 15% premium over baseline rates. Three forces converge to create this perfect storm of high demand.
The Student Influx
Poland's university semester begins in October, which means hundreds of thousands of students arrive in September looking for housing. Poland hosts over 1.2 million university students across its major cities, with significant concentrations in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Lublin. Many of these students search for apartments in August and September, creating enormous demand in a compressed timeframe.
International students add to this pressure. Poland is an increasingly popular Erasmus and degree destination, with over 90,000 international students enrolled. Most arrive in September with limited local knowledge and urgent housing needs -- making them willing to accept higher prices. If you are an incoming student, our flatmate matching platform can help you find housing before you arrive, potentially avoiding the worst of the September rush.
Corporate Relocation Season
September and October are peak months for corporate relocations. Companies that hire in Q3 often have start dates in September or October, bringing a wave of professionals who need apartments quickly. These tenants are often on corporate budgets or relocation packages, meaning they are less price-sensitive than students -- which pushes prices up for everyone.
Tech companies, shared services centers, and multinational firms concentrated in Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw drive much of this demand.
Lease Renewal Timing
A large portion of Polish leases run from September or October through the following year, creating a cycle where many apartments hit the market simultaneously in late summer. While this theoretically increases supply, the demand surge more than compensates. Landlords listing apartments in August and September know they are in the strongest negotiating position of the year.
The competition level in September is extreme. It is not uncommon for desirable apartments in university neighborhoods to receive 10 to 20 inquiries within 24 hours of listing. Viewings are scheduled back-to-back, and landlords can afford to reject applicants who try to negotiate.
The Golden Window: January and February
If September is the worst time to rent, January and February are the best. Prices drop to 8-10% below the annual baseline, competition is minimal, and landlords are significantly more willing to negotiate.
Why are winter months so favorable for tenants? Several factors work in your favor.
Why Prices Drop in Winter
Vacant apartments cost landlords money. Every month an apartment sits empty, the landlord still pays czynsz (building administration fees), which can range from 300 to 900 PLN depending on the building. A landlord with an apartment vacant since November has already lost 2-3 months of income. By January, they are motivated to fill it -- even at a lower price.
Fewer competing tenants. Most people avoid moving in winter if they can help it. The cold weather, shorter days, and post-holiday budget constraints all reduce the pool of apartment seekers. This gives you leverage: instead of competing with 15 other applicants, you may be one of two or three people viewing an apartment.
End-of-semester departures. Some students leave Poland after the fall semester (January-February), freeing up rooms and apartments. These landlords need to fill vacancies quickly to avoid losing more income.
The Downsides of Winter Apartment Hunting
To be fair, there are legitimate trade-offs to searching in January and February.
Fewer listings overall. The total number of available apartments is lower in winter compared to summer. You will have less choice, though the reduced competition more than compensates for most renters.
Weather makes viewings harder. Apartment viewings in Polish winter means navigating snow, ice, and early darkness. You may not get the full picture of an apartment's natural light or the neighborhood's character. Try to schedule viewings around midday when daylight is at its peak.
Heating costs are visible. On the positive side, viewing apartments in winter lets you evaluate heating quality firsthand -- something you cannot assess in summer. If an apartment feels cold during your viewing despite the heating being on, factor that into your decision.
Negotiating Power in Winter
January and February offer the strongest negotiating position of the year. Landlords who have had vacancies since the fall semester ended are often willing to negotiate 10-15% below their asking price. You can also negotiate on other terms: reduced deposit, shorter notice period, or included furniture upgrades.
For detailed negotiation strategies, see our guide on how to negotiate rent in Poland. Our rent negotiation calculator can help you estimate your potential savings based on season and market conditions.
Shoulder Seasons: March-May and October-November
The shoulder seasons offer a middle ground between the extremes of winter bargains and the September peak. Prices are moderate, selection is reasonable, and you avoid the most intense competition.
Spring: March Through May
The rental market begins to warm up in March as the weather improves and more people plan moves. Prices climb gradually from 0.95 (March) to 1.00 (May), but remain below the summer and fall peaks.
March is an excellent sweet spot: prices are still below average, the winter vacancy desperation has not fully faded from the landlord side, and the selection of apartments is growing as new listings come to market. If you want a broader choice of apartments than January offers but still want below-average prices, March is your month.
April and May see the market approaching equilibrium. Prices are close to the annual baseline, and competition is moderate. These are neutral months -- you will not find bargains, but you will not overpay either. The improving weather makes apartment viewings more pleasant and gives you a better sense of each neighborhood's character.
One strategic note: if you find a great apartment in March or April with a 12-month lease, your lease will renew in March or April the following year -- well before the September rush. This gives you a strong negotiating position for renewal.
Autumn: October and November
October still carries some of September's momentum, with prices at the 1.08 multiplier. Many students who could not find housing in September are still searching, and landlords who listed late are holding firm on prices. It is not the worst month, but it is not a bargain period either.
November is where the real shift happens. The September rush has fully subsided, students who needed housing have found it, and the market enters its annual cool-down. The multiplier drops to 0.98 -- just below baseline -- and continues falling into December. Landlords with apartments that did not rent during the peak season become increasingly flexible.
November is strategically underrated. You get the improved selection that comes after a busy market period (some tenants break leases, others decide to move after the initial settling period), combined with declining prices and increasing landlord flexibility.
Summer: June Through August
Summer in Poland is beautiful, but it is not the cheapest time to sign a lease. Prices climb from the 1.05 multiplier in June to 1.12 in August, driven by two overlapping forces.
The Tourist Effect
Poland's tourism season peaks from June through August. Many landlords -- especially in tourist-heavy cities like Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw -- shift their apartments from long-term to short-term rentals during summer. This reduces the supply of long-term apartments, pushing prices up for those that remain on the market.
In Gdansk, the tourist effect is particularly strong. The Tri-City area (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia) is Poland's premier summer destination, and some landlords can earn more from two months of Airbnb-style tourist rentals than from several months of standard leasing. The result: fewer long-term options and higher prices for those available.
Student Pre-Booking
August is when the September crunch begins in earnest. Savvy students and their parents start apartment hunting in August for an October move-in. Landlords who list apartments in August know that demand will only increase in September, so they price accordingly -- often at a premium.
If you must sign a lease for an October start, try to search in July rather than August. You will face less competition and slightly lower prices. Better yet, consider arriving in Poland earlier and signing a lease in June when the multiplier is only 1.05 versus August's 1.12.
June: The Moderate Middle
Among the summer months, June offers the best value. The tourist season is just starting, student pre-booking has not yet reached full intensity, and prices sit at only 5% above baseline. If your timeline is flexible within the summer window, prioritize June for your apartment search.
City-Specific Seasonal Patterns
While the overall seasonal trend applies across Poland, different cities experience the swings differently. University-heavy cities see more extreme peaks and troughs, while cities with diversified economies tend to be more stable.
| City | Shared Room (Baseline PLN) | Seasonal Swing | Peak Driver | Best Month to Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 1,800 | Moderate (10-15%) | Corporate relocations + students | January-February |
| Krakow | 1,400 | High (15-20%) | Massive student population + tourism | January-February |
| Wroclaw | 1,400 | High (15-20%) | University influx + tech relocations | January-March |
| Gdansk | 1,500 | Very High (15-25%) | Summer tourism + university | November-February |
| Poznan | 1,300 | Moderate-High (12-18%) | University + trade fairs | January-March |
| Lodz | 1,100 | Moderate (10-15%) | University, smaller market | December-February |
| Katowice | 1,100 | Low-Moderate (8-12%) | Diversified economy, less student-driven | December-February |
| Lublin | 1,000 | High (15-20%) | Very university-dependent market | January-February |
Key Takeaways by City
Warsaw is the most stable major city. Its diversified economy (finance, tech, government, services) means demand is spread more evenly across the year. The September spike is real but less dramatic than in pure university cities. Browse Warsaw apartments on Domkaspot.
Krakow and Wroclaw experience some of the biggest seasonal swings. Both have enormous student populations relative to their size. Krakow adds tourism pressure on top, particularly from May through September. If you are moving to either city, timing your search for January through March can save you 15-20% on rent.
Gdansk has the most extreme seasonality of any major Polish city. Summer tourism creates an outsized effect that stacks on top of the student cycle. Renting in Gdansk between November and February can save you up to 25% compared to peak summer pricing. The trade-off is that Gdansk winters, while milder than inland cities, feature significant wind and rain from the Baltic.
Lublin is particularly university-dependent. With several major universities and a smaller overall rental market, the student influx in September creates proportionally larger price swings. The upside is that off-peak prices in Lublin are among the lowest of any major Polish city -- a shared room can drop to 850-900 PLN in January.
Katowice stands out as the most seasonally stable city. Its economy is driven more by industry and business services than by universities, and it receives relatively little tourism. If you want predictable pricing regardless of when you move, Katowice is your safest bet.
How Far in Advance Should You Start Searching?
Your search timeline should vary based on the season. Starting too early wastes effort on listings that will be gone before you can move in. Starting too late in a competitive market means you lose out on the best options.
| Season | Recommended Lead Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January-February (low season) | 2-3 weeks | Few competing searchers; landlords respond quickly; apartments stay listed longer |
| March-May (shoulder season) | 3-4 weeks | Moderate competition; good selection; no rush but do not delay |
| June-July (early summer) | 4-5 weeks | Competition building; tourist rentals reducing supply; act promptly on good finds |
| August (pre-rush) | 6-8 weeks | Start early to beat the September wave; landlords already listing fall apartments |
| September (peak) | 8+ weeks | Maximum competition; start in July if possible; be prepared to decide within 24 hours of viewing |
| October-December (cool-down) | 3-4 weeks | Declining competition; increasing landlord flexibility; comfortable timeline |
During peak season (September), speed is everything. Have your documents ready before you start viewing: proof of income or student enrollment, a valid ID or passport, and enough funds for a deposit (typically one to two months' rent). Apartments in desirable neighborhoods can be rented within hours of listing. If you wait even a day to respond to a listing, it may already be gone.
In contrast, during the low season (January-February), you can afford to be selective. View multiple apartments, compare carefully, and negotiate confidently. Landlords are not going anywhere -- and they know it.
Use our apartment search timing calculator to build a personalized search timeline based on your target city and move-in date.
Money-Saving Tips by Season
Regardless of when you move, there are strategies to minimize your rental costs. But the most effective tactics change depending on the time of year.
Off-Season Strategies (November-February)
The off-season is your time to be bold.
- Negotiate aggressively on price. Landlords have been losing money on vacant apartments. Offers 10-15% below asking price are reasonable. Use our rent negotiation calculator to find your target price
- Ask for extras. Beyond rent reduction, request a lower deposit, new furniture, fresh paint, or included utilities. Landlords who would not budge on price in September will often agree to these in January
- Offer a longer lease. A 14-18 month lease that extends into the next winter gives the landlord income security through another low season. This justifies a discount
- Move at the end of the month. Landlords facing yet another vacant month are most flexible in the last week. An offer on January 25th is more compelling than one on January 5th
- Check apartments that were listed in September but never rented. These have been sitting for months. The landlord has already lost thousands in potential income and will be very motivated
Peak Season Strategies (July-September)
In peak season, you shift from negotiation mode to preparation mode.
- Have all documents ready before viewing. Proof of income, student enrollment, ID, and deposit funds. The fastest applicant wins
- Be flexible on location. Neighborhoods one or two tram stops further from the center can be 15-20% cheaper with similar quality. Check areas that are not the obvious first choice for students
- Consider flatsharing instead of a solo apartment. Shared flats on Domkaspot are in high demand during peak season too, but the per-person cost is much lower and savings add up quickly
- Search outside the obvious platforms. While everyone is flooding Otodom and OLX, landlords also list on smaller platforms and local Facebook groups. Cast a wider net
- Look for early October move-in dates. Many landlords list for September 1st occupancy, but apartments with October 1st availability face slightly less competition and sometimes lower prices
Year-Round Strategies
These tips apply regardless of season.
- Use the rent affordability calculator to set a realistic budget before you start searching. Knowing your ceiling prevents emotional overspending
- Compare multiple listings. Even in peak season, take time to view at least three apartments. Rushed decisions lead to regret
- Consider the total cost. A 200 PLN cheaper apartment that is 30 minutes further from work costs you 20 hours per month in commuting. Factor in time, transport costs, and quality of life
- Build landlord trust. Present yourself professionally. Have references from previous landlords if possible. A landlord who trusts you is a landlord who is more likely to offer favorable terms
- Think about renewal timing. A lease signed in January renews in January -- keeping you in the low-season negotiating position permanently. A September lease locks you into renewing during peak season every year
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Move at the Right Time
The data is clear: when you rent matters almost as much as where you rent. A well-timed apartment search in January or February can save you 5,000 to 13,000 PLN per year compared to renting in September -- without sacrificing apartment quality. Even if you cannot control exactly when you move, understanding the seasonal patterns helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate more effectively.
Here is your action plan. If you have flexibility on timing, target January through March for the best combination of low prices and reasonable selection. If you must move during peak season, start searching 8 weeks in advance and have your documents ready to go. Regardless of timing, always compare multiple listings, calculate your true affordability, and consider the long-term renewal implications of your lease start date.
Use our apartment search timing calculator to build a personalized strategy, or start browsing verified apartments across Poland right now. If you are open to sharing, finding a compatible flatmate can stack additional savings on top of your seasonal timing advantage -- potentially cutting your housing costs by 50% or more.
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