UK, Ireland / English people attitude towards Poles? [761]

I have just read some of the comments relating to Polish working here, particularly in the construction industry.

First of all I work in the industry, I am a chartered Surveyor. I have seen an increasing number of Polish come here along with other Central Europeans for a number of years ( I have been corrected from saying Poland is Eastern Europe - we still think of it politically as Eastern Europe but geographically it is Central - I digress). My experience is that they are doing what the Irish did 30 years ago. They come here to work and fill gaps in the work place that we British generally don't want to do. I am now starting to see Polish companies starting up in the construction industry, some are good and some not so good, the same could be said of British companies. My own experience is that they are generally hard working and have traditional values similar to what we had 20 - 30 years ago, although I except that is changing with the younger Poles as they travel and integrate more.

I have a number of Polish friends and they are good guys. I travel to Lodz, central Poland every month and I like the country and the people.

Obviously like with any country you will have some bad elements - god knows we have enough in this country. I live in Reading, we have a large Polish community - some 30,000 and our local newspaper is part printed in Polish once a week - I have no problem with this.

On balance there is no question that they are nett contributors to our economy. You will always find someone somewhere who will quote a story of someone coming to this country and abusing the system and yes it will happen. I can also possibly see resentment increasing if our economy slows down and work becomes a problem - history has shown us that in difficult times migrants are quickly viewed as being the route cause of the country's problems.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

I can add a bit more info. I have bought property in the UK, Spain and Bulgaria. I have had my mind on Poland for some time, for many reasons. Warsaw and Krakow have had good growth and I think the markets there have had their good times. I have been going to Lodz for 1 year now and I like it. geographically it is an intersection between Krakow and Warsaw, it has an airport on its doorstep which serves London, Dublin, Paris and a few other cities. There are new main roads being built and more interestingly an increasing number of big multinational companies. Lodz was know for its textile industry but now these former factories are being converted into up market flats. I have bought 5 and I am looking at getting more. If you go to Lodz take a look at Manufaktura - this building was former textile building - now converted I think it looks really good. There is a good opportunity for growth here and I can see in the next 5 years Lodz will change. In fact I believe this so much I have put my money where my mouth is.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

I have bought in the Ul Schrebelier development, there is a link below. Prices were 6500PLN /m2 when I first started looking, now they selling at 8300PLN /m2. The development is about 30 mins walk from the well know Piotrowska Street ( I can only ever pronounce that when Im drunk - funny that). There is a mixture of properties for sale in in Lodz. But, even if the more expensive apartments are out of reach it will have a knock on effect with other properties.

I have got some Polish friend who live in England. They go back to Lodz once year. They tell me every time they go back they see big changes.

uscheiblera.pl/pl/

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

Ok - I'm not trying to convince anyone here. I have been investing in various places for quite a few years and I haven't been wrong yet, of course there is always a first time I except this. I am just giving reason behind my thinking - In the case of Lodz - the right ingredients are there for things to get good in the future. Many people will not see what is happening until it's too late some will never see it. You pay your money and you take your choice. I have paid mine.

Poland has just been named in a recent International Real Estate Survey as the 4th best place (in terms of investment potential) in the world to invest. 30 years ago a dismissed a similar situation in my own town in my country. The same reasoning I am reading here was the same argument that I put forward at that time. It cost me dearly.

UK, Ireland / The British workers denied jobs because they can't speak Polish [45]

This is yesterdays news. Newspapers will publish headline grabbing stories just to sell their paper. The UK has had a very buoyant economy for nearly 10 years now . Any sensible person will see that in the UK we have benefited with people coming here from all over the world and filling job vacancies that would otherwise remain empty. This is how the world works today - people are free to travel, live, and work much easier than even 10 years ago. In time and in Poland you will see large scale immigration too.

UK, Ireland / PROBLEMS SENDING & RECEIVING MMS TO POLAND from UK [12]

Thanks - I have checked most of these things - I just think technology is not all it's cracked up to be - maybe a will go back to writing letters, ha, ha

UK, Ireland / PROBLEMS SENDING & RECEIVING MMS TO POLAND from UK [12]

I have solved the problem. I was told that the maximum size MMS I could send was 300kB. When you send an MMS you must make sure that the picture or attachment you put in the MMS does not exceed 100kB. This is because the presentation of the MMS itself is about 200kB. I was attaching pictures that were more than 100kB which with the presentation part of the MMS exceeded the 300kB limit. I simply reduced the size of the picture from say 108kB to say 60kB and problem solved.

Real Estate / A unique LOFT project in LODZ [23]

I have along with my friend invested in the old textile factory at uscheiblera in Lodz. I am from England and have invested in 5 properties there. I have no doubt that in the next few years this development will be much sought after. Although Lodz has some way to go compared with other cities in Poland we feel it has all the right ingredients for a prosperous future. Geographically it is well situated, it has an airport with growing links, investment is gathering pace and the City has an increasing number of regeneration projects. It also has a fabulous new shopping centre (built by the same people now constructing the uscheiblera apartment project). Many of the hotels in Lodz fully booked at weekends as people travel to Manufactura for shopping. Lodz has a good selection of bars and restaurants on the well know Piotrkowska Street.

Life / HELP WITH BUYING A COMPUTER IN POLAND [20]

Her English is Ok and she is learning, her computer skills are basic so it would make sense for her to learn how to use a computer with a language she is totally familiar with (Not have to keep looking in a dictionary to find out what a word means)

Real Estate / Does anyone know of a property 'fit-out' company in Wroclaw Area [10]

Hi - I have a similar problem. I have five flats in Lodz that are being constructed. I will have one flat ready first with a further four flats to fit out in, all in Lodz. I am a Surveyor / Developer myself and appreciate the problems with trying to co-ordinate works like this in your own country let alone abroad. I too would be interested in finding a decent contractor capable of carrying out this work in Lodz !

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

Hi - I am from Reading, England and have bought 5 apartments ( see my previous post here).

There are two really interesting developments in Lodz, they are not the cheapest but I personally think when they area finished they will be really nice. I am a property developer in the UK and I look only at nice quality projects. There are several phases at Uscheiblera, the first phase is sold out and the next, although some re-sales are available (people selling and taking an early profit). If you are in Lodz take a look at Manufactura (sorry spelling may be wrong) - this is an old Textile factory renovated into shops - at Uscheiblera they are doing the same but this time they will be apartments (lofty) not shops. Having said that they will be building restaurants, and shops, and sports and fitness centers around the apartments. I spent a long time looking in Lodz - I may be wrong but long term I think this will be one of the best newly developed areas in Lodz.

uscheiblera.pl/en/index.asp - this is 1st phase
uscheiblera2.com - this is second phase

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

I see a lot of potential in Poland and I too are looking for Business opportunities in Lodz - if you have any ideas I may be interested. I even looked at making an offer on the lap dancing club in Lodz which is up for sale, he, he.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]


I am interested in what this development is. Could you give me some more information.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

Thanks very much - very interesting

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

Sorry don't agree. I was actually interested in what was happening with the new offices in that area, and the 1200 or so jobs it is expected to bring. I have already invested in apartments. I'm not going to argue with people about weather or not it is a good investment, I have put my money where my mouth is and I am happy with that. However, the area is run down, the old textile buildings are empty, the area looks really crap, it's hard to see how rejuvenating the area will hurt the locals. Breeding new life to a run down area with new offices, restaurants, sport facilities, shops, park areas and of course work must be good. I accept that in the immediate area newly built property may be too expensive for many people but this is progress and every city in every country that has experienced progress has gone through this transition. Investment and development on balance will be a good thing.

News / Poland's Growth Fastest in 10 Years [95]

I am an English guy and I visit Poland once a month and have done so for 18 months. I like the country and the people. Sure there are good and bad like in any country. My experience is that they are hard working with traditional values - we have lost that in my country. The Polish people come to the UK to work and earn money, some stay some go home. I have no problem with this. I work in the construction industry. Five years ago the Poles were coming to England and working for the English. Now they are starting their own businesses and because they work hard they do well - good luck to them. You must remember in the late 1990's when we had a recession here many, many people in the construction industry went and worked in Germany following unification because that is where the work was - this is no different from people coming from Central Europe to the UK.

One more thing, I have traveled around the country - and much of it is a bit like the Polish women - very beautiful.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]

I may contact you in the new year regarding mortgages for property in Lodz.

Real Estate / property in Lodz - anyone any experience [102]


I am well aware of the situation in Lodz, my girlfriend lives there, we all know what the level of earnings are. I have bought these properties partly because I need somewhere to live because I am there for one week in every four, and partly for long term investment - but I don't have to justify that to anyone.

Regarding the property market in the UK. You are wrong. The market is driven by supply and demand, we have greater demand than supply, driven by more people living by themselves, people living longer, divorces and net influx of people to this country. Mass property acquisitions by French is unheard of and the Russian's - will yes there are some high profile billionaires that have bought here but really I don't think that will effect me. Oh - I do have 30,000 Polish people living in my town - that may have any effect - but good luck to them

News / Poland adopting the Euro, but when? [65]

You must remember - if your country choose the Euro over the Zloty you will have people in Brussels making decisions about your country's finance. The European Central Bank will decide when interest rates will go up or down - this might be good for one country but might not be good for another - you will lose control. When the transition form Euro to Zloty happens (if it happens) you will see the cost of everything go up a little. On the other hand businesses that deal internationally will not have the fluctuations of currency change. I live in the UK I am quite happy with the pound.

Real Estate / Poland property boom over???? [54]

Sorry, don't necessary prescribe to the doom merchants. I work in the construction industry which is regarded as a primary indicator as to when things are good or bad - so far there is no change, in fact I and everyone I know are as busy as ever.Yes there is a change in the economic climate coming. I believe things will tighten up financially. I think those people who have (in the UK) lived beyond their means, taken out huge mortgages, have big unpaid credit card bills and had not experienced the bad recession years of the 1980's & 1990's will now learn a very hard lesson. You cannot live continually beyond what you can afford. However the underlying economy here is OK and I think, as with most countries things will bob along for a few years with before we see an improvement. Countries such as Poland will continue to grow and expand. Life goes on.

Real Estate / Buying a new development in Lodz - advice wanted [14]

I have to agree with the sentiment of lodzinvest. I have spent a long time looking and investing in Property around the world. I have invested in the uscheiblera project. I as I know many others have, I can see the potential. When this project is finished it will rejuvenate the area and will place you would like to live. Adjacent areas will almost certainly benefit as the knock on effect ripples out.

Real Estate / A unique LOFT project in LODZ [23]

Hi - I have spent the last 18 months traveling to Lodz looking at property. My back ground is that I am a Surveyor, and have an understanding and appreciation for architecture. The development at Uscheiblera when finished I think will be very, very nice. I don't know if you have visited Lodz but there is a very large shopping complex called Manufaktura. The building at the shopping centre is very similar in looks as to the residential development at Uscheilblera. In addition and within the immediate area there will be a commercial development at Textorial Park. These are similar buildings but this time for office space. In additional you are only a couple of miles from Piotrkowska Street which is well known for its bars and restaurants. I have attached some links for you to have a look at. First is the loft development in English, second is info on Manufaktura, third is the nearby office development, and fourth some info on nearby Piotkowska Street.

Lodz is changing and due to its geographical location to other major cities, expansion of it's airport, new motorways and new fast train link to Warsaw I think this will become a more and more popular city. But this is only my opinion

uscheiblera2.com/en/

skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=351725

textorial-park.pl/?lang=en

polishculture.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=203&Item id=86

Love / Polish girls and this age thing? [173]

I think generally when you are in your early 20's 5 years in age difference seams a lot more than when you are in your 30's. As you get a little older I think men and women look for something a little deeper in a relationship than just physical appearance, I'm not saying it's not important but that it's just not a priority.

Also women in their later 20's and early 30's look for security in a relationship, they are more aware of their 'body clock' ticking. So if they find someone who ticks the right boxes can provide them with security then age is less of a barrier.

News / US dollar still falling... Change in Poland? [37]

I see the rise of the zloty more as a result of the major countries around the world having problems rather than a strong Polish emergence. I believe that a strong zloty now is too premature for a country that was starting build for the future and if it is maintained investment could go elsewhere. Exchange rates are fickle things, in 1993 £1 = 2.39PLN, in 2003 £1 = 6.80PLN - your guess is as good as mine about the future.

Real Estate / Global Housing Collapse Spreads East [8]

The world is heading for a slow down and to varying degrees all countries will be affected, some marginally some greatly. If you are only interested in short term gain from property investment then you could be in for a disappointment. However serious investors look more long term. Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries will continue to be a good investment in the medium to long term. I have read a lot of comments in this forum from people who just don't grasp the wider picture of what is and what will be happening, I think part of this is due to their lack of experience to a wider market and partly there are a number of "kill joys" who will never take a risk in anything in life but will sit on the side lines just waiting to heap doom and gloom on those who are prepared to take a risk.

Real Estate / Market Report - RICS 2008 Poland Housing Review [25]

I have a keen interest in Poland, I have property there and in Bulgaria too. I have been dealing with a number of institutional investors, bankers and real estate agencies regarding certain projects. The current thinking is that central and Eastern Europe is likely to remain largely unaffected by the credit issues hitting the USA and UK. It is also likely that future investments will come from new sources like Russia. Have a look at this report..................interesting reading

knightfrank.com/ResearchReportDirPhase2/11058.pdf

Work / Polish Labor Is Scarce as Workers Go West [60]

OK, i feel the need to add my bit. The UK, rightly or wrongly has in modern times opened it's doors for people to come live and work here. Certain elements of the press have highlighted situations where migrant workers have abused the system, i.e benefit payments, housing etc. Sure this has happened and it is wrong. There are also thousand's of British people doing the same, claiming disability benefit, unemployment benefit etc. we are no better. I have worked with many, many people from Central and Eastern Europe over the last few years, some bad, the majority good. . I can honestly say that on balance the migration of people coming here from that part of the world has been a good thing. Most just want to earn money to support themselves and or their families. I now have a lot of Polish friends, many of them have families back in Poland. They are separated from them for months at a time while they work here. During the late 1980's many British people in the construction industry went to Germany to find work because there was nothing here. Is this any different ? Like every country in the world most people just want a quite life and do the best they can for themselves and their families - you will always get someone trying to buck the system, I don't believe people from Central and Eastern Europe are any different than us.

Real Estate / Bulgarian and Polish market [11]

Actually I am the reverse. I am in the UK, have an interest in property in Poland but I am involved with something in Bulgaria about 40 minutes inland from the Black Sea coast. How is the Bulgarian residential market at the moment and are you finding much interest from the East, say Russia ?