Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Poland: Pros & Cons

Q: Are most apartments in Poland rented furnished or unfurnished?

The majority of rental apartments in Poland -- roughly 75 to 85 percent -- are offered furnished. This is particularly true in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw, and especially in the segment targeting students and internationals. Unfurnished apartments are more common in newer developments and suburban areas. You can filter by furnishing status when searching on Domkaspot .

Q: How much more does a furnished apartment cost per month in Poland?

On average, furnished apartments in Poland carry a rent premium of 300 to 800 PLN per month compared to equivalent unfurnished apartments in the same building or neighborhood. In premium segments, the difference can be 800 to 1,200 PLN. Over a year, this adds up to 3,600 to 9,600 PLN in extra rent.

Q: How much does it cost to furnish an empty apartment in Poland from scratch?

A basic IKEA-based furnishing for a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately 5,500 to 10,000 PLN. A mid-range setup runs 12,000 to 23,000 PLN. Premium furnishing can cost 25,000 PLN and up. Second-hand options through OLX or Facebook Marketplace can reduce costs by 40 to 60 percent.

Q: Can I negotiate furniture changes with my landlord in Poland?

Yes, many Polish landlords are open to furniture negotiations, especially for longer leases. Common successful requests include replacing mattresses (80%+ success rate), removing unwanted furniture to storage, and adding a desk. The key is offering to split costs or agreeing to leave purchased items when you move out.

Q: What does 'unfurnished' mean in Poland -- is it completely empty?

In Poland, 'unfurnished' (nieumeblowane) typically means the apartment has a fitted kitchen with cabinets and sink, bathroom fixtures (toilet, shower/bathtub, sink), and ceiling lights. Some unfurnished apartments include a refrigerator and stove. However, there will be no bedroom furniture, sofa, dining set, or desk. Some 'developer standard' (stan deweloperski) apartments may even lack a fitted kitchen.

Q: What is a furniture inventory and do I need one?

A furniture inventory (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy) is a document listing every item in the apartment with its condition at move-in. You absolutely need one -- it is your primary protection against unfair deposit deductions. Always take your own photos with timestamps, test all appliances, and keep a copy of the signed inventory.

Q: At what point does unfurnished become cheaper than furnished?

With a moderate furnishing budget of around 12,000 PLN and a typical rent difference of 600 PLN per month, the break-even point is approximately 20 months. If you sell your furniture when leaving (recovering 30-50% of cost), the break-even drops to about 14-18 months. For stays of 2 years or longer, unfurnished is almost always the financially smarter choice.

Domkaspot Editorial

Feb 25, 2026•14 min read

Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Poland: Pros & Cons

Introduction: The Furnished vs Unfurnished Debate

One of the first decisions you will face when searching for an apartment in Poland is whether to rent furnished or unfurnished. Unlike many Western European countries where unfurnished rentals dominate, Poland has a strong tradition of furnished apartments -- particularly in the major cities popular with expats and students.

But 'furnished' in Poland can mean anything from a fully equipped, move-in-ready apartment with designer furniture to a place with a worn-out sofa, a wobbly table, and a mattress from the previous decade. Meanwhile, unfurnished apartments offer a blank canvas but come with significant upfront investment.

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each option, compares the real costs using 2026 Polish prices, explains what 'furnished' typically includes at different quality tiers, and gives you practical tips for negotiating furniture changes with your landlord. Whether you are an international student arriving for a semester or a professional planning a multi-year stay, this comparison will help you make the right choice.

The Polish Rental Market: Furnished Is the Norm

Before diving into the comparison, it is important to understand a key feature of the Polish rental market. Unlike Germany or the Netherlands where unfurnished is the default, the vast majority of rental apartments in Poland -- roughly 75 to 85 percent -- are offered furnished. This is especially true in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw where a large portion of tenants are students, young professionals, or international newcomers.

This furnished-dominant market exists for several reasons. Many Polish landlords are individual investors who bought apartments as investment properties and furnished them specifically for rental. The high turnover of tenants (particularly students and expats on shorter stays) makes furnished apartments easier to rent quickly. Additionally, many landlords inherited apartments from family and rent them as-is, furniture included.

Unfurnished apartments are more common in the suburban market, in newer developments where the developer hands over a 'shell and core' (stan deweloperski), and in longer-term rental agreements targeting families. If you specifically want an unfurnished apartment, expect a smaller pool of listings but often better-quality spaces in newer buildings.

Furnished Apartments: Pros and Cons

Furnished apartments remain the most popular choice for anyone new to Poland, and for good reason. But they come with distinct disadvantages that are worth considering before you sign a lease.

Advantages of Furnished Rentals

The biggest advantage is convenience. You can move in with just your suitcase and start living immediately -- no IKEA runs, no delivery waits, no assembly weekends. For students arriving for an Erasmus semester or professionals on a one-year contract, this convenience is invaluable.

Move-in ready: no upfront furniture investment required
Lower initial costs: you only need first month's rent plus deposit
Ideal for short to medium stays (3 months to 2 years)
No hassle of selling or moving furniture when you leave
Landlord is typically responsible for repairing or replacing broken furniture
Easier to compare apartments since you can see exactly what you get
Better for international tenants who may relocate again

Disadvantages of Furnished Rentals

The downsides are significant, particularly around quality and personalization. Many furnished apartments in Poland come with outdated or mismatched furniture that the landlord collected over years. You are living in someone else's aesthetic choices.

Quality varies wildly: from excellent to barely functional
Monthly rent premium of 300-800 PLN compared to equivalent unfurnished
Limited personalization: most landlords do not allow replacing furniture
Worn-out mattresses and sofas are a common complaint
You are liable for damage to the landlord's furniture
Inventory disputes at move-out can lead to deposit deductions
Furniture style may not match your preferences or needs

Unfurnished Apartments: Pros and Cons

Unfurnished apartments are less common but offer compelling advantages for longer-term tenants. In Poland, 'unfurnished' typically means the apartment has a fitted kitchen (cabinets, sink, possibly appliances), bathroom fixtures, and lighting -- but no bedroom furniture, living room pieces, or dining sets.

Advantages of Unfurnished Rentals

The primary advantage is control. You choose every piece of furniture, ensuring quality, comfort, and style match your preferences. Over a multi-year stay, this can result in a significantly better living experience.

Complete control over furniture quality and style
Lower monthly rent: save 300-800 PLN per month
New mattress and sofa -- no sleeping on someone else's used furniture
Easier to make the space feel like home
Typically found in newer buildings with better finishes
No furniture inventory disputes at move-out
Landlords of unfurnished apartments tend to offer longer lease terms

Disadvantages of Unfurnished Rentals

The upfront investment is the biggest barrier. Furnishing an apartment from scratch in Poland costs between 5,000 and 25,000 PLN depending on quality and apartment size. You also need to factor in delivery times and the hassle of selling furniture when you eventually leave.

High upfront furnishing cost: 5,000-25,000 PLN
Time-consuming: shopping, delivery, assembly can take 2-4 weeks
Impractical for stays under 2 years due to cost amortization
Smaller selection of available apartments in most Polish cities
Selling furniture when leaving can be stressful and time-consuming
No immediate move-in: you may need temporary housing while furnishing
Appliances (washing machine, fridge) may or may not be included

Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

Let us put real numbers to the comparison. The table below uses average 2026 prices for a typical 45-square-meter apartment in a mid-range Warsaw neighborhood like Wola or Mokotow. Similar ratios apply to other Polish cities like Krakow and Wroclaw, though absolute prices are lower.

Monthly Cost Comparison

The monthly rent difference between furnished and unfurnished is the most visible cost factor, but it is not the only one.

Cost Category	Furnished Apartment	Unfurnished Apartment	Difference
Monthly Rent	3,800 PLN	3,200 PLN	-600 PLN/month
Czynsz (Admin Fee)	650 PLN	650 PLN	0 PLN
Utilities (electricity, gas, water)	450 PLN	450 PLN	0 PLN
Internet	70 PLN	70 PLN	0 PLN
Total Monthly	4,970 PLN	4,370 PLN	-600 PLN/month
Annual Housing Cost	59,640 PLN	52,440 PLN	-7,200 PLN/year

Total Cost Over Different Time Periods

The break-even point depends on how much you spend furnishing the unfurnished apartment. Here is how the math works out over 1, 2, and 3 years, assuming a moderate 12,000 PLN furnishing budget.

Time Period	Furnished Total	Unfurnished Total (incl. 12,000 PLN furniture)	Savings (Unfurnished)	Verdict
6 months	29,820 PLN	38,220 PLN	-8,400 PLN (more expensive)	Furnished wins
1 year	59,640 PLN	64,440 PLN	-4,800 PLN (more expensive)	Furnished wins
2 years	119,280 PLN	116,880 PLN	+2,400 PLN (cheaper)	Unfurnished wins
3 years	178,920 PLN	169,320 PLN	+9,600 PLN (cheaper)	Unfurnished wins clearly
5 years	298,200 PLN	274,200 PLN	+24,000 PLN (cheaper)	Unfurnished wins decisively

The math is clear: if you plan to stay less than 2 years, furnished is more cost-effective. Beyond 2 years, unfurnished saves significant money. If you can recover some furniture cost by selling when you leave (expect to recoup 30-50% on used IKEA furniture via OLX or Facebook Marketplace), the break-even point drops to about 18 months.

What 'Furnished' Typically Includes in Poland

The term 'furnished' (umeblowane) in Poland covers a wide spectrum. There is no legal standard, so what you get depends entirely on the landlord. However, there are general tiers that most furnished apartments fall into.

Quality Tiers of Furnished Apartments

Understanding these tiers will help you set realistic expectations when browsing listings on Domkaspot or other platforms.

Tier	What to Expect	Typical Monthly Rent Premium	Common In
Basic	Bed frame, mattress, wardrobe, table, chairs, sofa. Often mismatched, older furniture. Kitchen with fridge and stove.	+200-400 PLN	Older buildings, student rentals, inherited apartments
Standard	Matching furniture sets, decent mattress, desk, full kitchen appliances (fridge, stove, oven, washing machine), curtains, basic decor.	+400-600 PLN	Investment apartments, mid-range rentals
Premium	Designer or high-quality furniture, new mattress, dishwasher, microwave, full kitchenware, quality linens, smart TV, air conditioning.	+600-1,200 PLN	New developments, serviced apartments, luxury rentals

Standard Furnished Apartment Inventory

A well-furnished apartment in the 'standard' tier typically includes these items. Use this as a checklist when viewing apartments.

Bedroom: bed frame with mattress, wardrobe or built-in closet, bedside table, desk and chair
Living room: sofa (often a sofa bed), coffee table, TV stand, shelving or bookcase
Kitchen: refrigerator, stove/oven, washing machine, table and chairs, basic pots and pans
Bathroom: mirror, shower screen or curtain, towel rack, toilet brush holder
General: curtains or blinds on all windows, ceiling lights in every room, internet router

Items Rarely Included (Even in Furnished Apartments)

Even in fully furnished apartments, you will typically need to buy or bring these items yourself.

Bed linens, pillows, and duvet (some premium apartments include these)
Towels
Kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, and cutlery (hit or miss)
Cleaning supplies and equipment (mop, bucket, broom)
Dishwasher (only in premium apartments)
Iron and ironing board
Hangers for the wardrobe

Cost of Furnishing an Apartment from Scratch in Poland

If you decide to go unfurnished, here is what basic furnishing costs in Poland in 2026. IKEA is the go-to for most people, supplemented by OLX (Poland's largest classifieds platform) for second-hand deals.

Budget Furnishing: The IKEA Starter Kit

This table covers the essentials for a one-bedroom apartment, using IKEA Poland's 2026 prices as a baseline.

Item	Budget Option (IKEA)	Mid-Range Option	Premium Option
Bed frame + mattress	1,200-1,800 PLN	2,500-4,000 PLN	5,000-10,000 PLN
Wardrobe	600-1,200 PLN	1,500-3,000 PLN	3,500-8,000 PLN
Sofa	1,500-2,500 PLN	3,000-5,000 PLN	6,000-15,000 PLN
Dining table + 4 chairs	500-1,000 PLN	1,500-3,000 PLN	3,500-8,000 PLN
Desk + office chair	400-800 PLN	1,000-2,500 PLN	2,500-5,000 PLN
Shelving / bookcase	200-500 PLN	500-1,500 PLN	1,500-3,000 PLN
Curtains + rods (all rooms)	300-600 PLN	600-1,200 PLN	1,200-3,000 PLN
Kitchen essentials (pots, pans, utensils)	300-600 PLN	600-1,200 PLN	1,500-3,000 PLN
Bedding set (duvet, pillows, linens)	250-500 PLN	500-1,000 PLN	1,000-2,500 PLN
Lighting fixtures	200-400 PLN	400-1,000 PLN	1,000-3,000 PLN
Total Estimate	5,450-9,900 PLN	12,100-23,400 PLN	26,700-60,500 PLN

Money-Saving Tips for Furnishing

You do not have to buy everything new. Poland has a vibrant second-hand market that can cut your furnishing budget by 40 to 60 percent.

OLX.pl: Poland's largest classifieds site. Excellent for second-hand furniture, often from expats leaving the country
Facebook Marketplace: large expat communities regularly sell entire apartment setups
IKEA Family card: free membership gives 5-10% discounts and access to special offers
Jysk: Danish furniture chain with Poland's lowest prices on mattresses and basics
Agata Meble and Black Red White: Polish furniture chains, often cheaper than IKEA for certain items
End-of-semester sales: university areas see a flood of cheap furniture every June and September
Vinted PL: originally for clothing but increasingly used for home decor and small furniture items

Negotiating Furniture Changes with Your Landlord

Many tenants do not realize that furniture in a rental apartment is negotiable. Polish landlords are often open to modifications, especially if you are signing a longer lease. Here are practical strategies for getting the furniture situation you want.

What You Can Reasonably Negotiate

Different requests have different success rates. Here is what landlords typically agree to.

Request	Success Rate	Best Approach
Replace old mattress with a new one	Very high (80%+)	Health/hygiene argument; offer to split cost
Remove specific furniture pieces	High (70%+)	Offer to store them in a basement or storage unit
Add a desk or workspace	High (70%+)	Common request; offer to buy it yourself and leave it
Replace sofa	Moderate (50%)	Offer to buy replacement and leave it when you move out
Repaint walls	Moderate (50%)	Offer to restore original color at lease end
Change kitchen appliances	Low-Moderate (30-40%)	Only for longer leases; split cost argument works
Full refurnishing	Low (10-20%)	Only realistic for 3+ year leases with premium rent

Negotiation Scripts

Use these phrases when discussing furniture changes. Having them in both English and Polish helps, as many landlords communicate through property managers.

Requesting a mattress replacement: 'I would like to discuss replacing the mattress. For hygiene reasons, I would be happy to split the cost of a new one, or I can purchase it myself and leave it for the apartment when I move out.'

Polish version: 'Chcialbym porozmawiac o wymianie materaca. Ze wzgledow higienicznych chetnie podziele sie kosztem nowego, lub kupie go sam i zostawie w mieszkaniu po wyprowadzce.'

Requesting furniture removal: 'Would it be possible to store [item] in the basement? I would like to bring my own [item] for the duration of the lease.'

Polish version: 'Czy byloby mozliwe przechowanie [przedmiotu] w piwnicy? Chcialbym korzystac z wlasnego [przedmiotu] przez czas trwania najmu.'

The Furniture Inventory: Protecting Your Deposit

Whether you rent furnished or unfurnished, the furniture inventory (protokol zdawczo-odbiorczy) is one of the most important documents in your rental agreement. It protects both you and the landlord.

What a Good Inventory Includes

A thorough inventory should document every piece of furniture, appliance, and fixture in the apartment, along with its condition at move-in. This prevents disputes about pre-existing damage when you move out.

List of every furniture item with description (brand, color, size if relevant)
Condition rating for each item (new, good, fair, worn, damaged)
Photos of each room from multiple angles
Close-up photos of any existing damage (scratches, stains, chips)
Meter readings for electricity, gas, and water
Number and type of keys provided
Working condition of all appliances (tested and confirmed)
Date and signatures of both tenant and landlord

Common Inventory Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes cost tenants money. Avoid them at all costs.

Never sign an inventory without physically checking every item listed
Do not rely on the landlord's photos -- take your own set on your phone with timestamps
Check inside wardrobes, under beds, and behind furniture for hidden damage
Test every appliance: turn on the stove, run the washing machine, check the fridge temperature
Note the condition of walls, floors, and ceilings -- not just furniture
If the landlord refuses to do a proper inventory, consider it a red flag
Send yourself a copy of photos and the inventory via email for a timestamped record

Which Option Is Right for You: Decision Framework

Use this decision framework to determine whether furnished or unfurnished is the better choice for your specific situation.

Your Situation	Recommended Option	Why
Staying less than 1 year	Furnished	Not enough time to recoup furnishing costs
Erasmus student (1-2 semesters)	Furnished	Convenience and low upfront cost are priorities
Professional on 1-year contract	Furnished (negotiate mattress)	Convenient, but invest in sleep quality
Staying 2+ years	Unfurnished	Monthly savings compound; you deserve quality furniture
Couple or family settling long-term	Unfurnished	Create a real home; massive savings over 3-5 years
Digital nomad, unsure of duration	Furnished or co-living	Flexibility is key; explore <a href="/co-living">co-living options</a>
Budget-conscious, handy with tools	Unfurnished + second-hand	OLX and IKEA budget kit saves the most overall
High standards for comfort	Unfurnished or premium furnished	Basic furnished quality is often disappointing

Frequently Asked Questions

Are most apartments in Poland rented furnished or unfurnished?

How much more does a furnished apartment cost per month in Poland?

How much does it cost to furnish an empty apartment in Poland from scratch?

Can I negotiate furniture changes with my landlord in Poland?

What does 'unfurnished' mean in Poland -- is it completely empty?

What is a furniture inventory and do I need one?

At what point does unfurnished become cheaper than furnished?

Find Your Perfect Apartment in Poland

Whether you prefer the convenience of a furnished apartment or the freedom of an unfurnished space, the right apartment is waiting for you. On Domkaspot, you can browse verified listings across Poland's major cities, filter by furnishing status, and connect directly with landlords who are transparent about what is included.

For those considering flatsharing, furnished apartments are the standard -- and Domkaspot's personality-based matching ensures you end up with compatible flatmates in a space that works for everyone.

Ready to start your apartment search? Browse listings in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and more.

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