Question About: PKO Mieszkaniowa Ksiazeczka Oszczednosciowa

My father still has this red book that was given to him by his late mother.

I understand that these were savings accounts towards a home/land back in the communist era. The money in this account was never used.

The question is, what is the process to use whatever funds are in this book towards the purchase of a home in Poland? How do you get the ball rolling?

Does anyone have any experience in dealing with this little red book?

There are two options:
First - you can withdraw money from your PKO MKO. It is less profitable, because bank would give you less money comparing to the second option.

Second:) You have to buy an apartment, then you go with deed executed by a notary to bank and bank would transfer money from PKO MKO to account of the apartments owner. Bank have 90 days (I think) to do that.

You have to remember that you also have 90 days to inform bank that you purchased an apartment (house...).
The best idea would be to contact with bank and make sure about procedure.

Thanks for the reply Gator.

Do you know how to find out the balance in the account? My father doesn't live in Poland anymore, so he won't be able to visit a branch in person. He should be attending Euro 2012 in the summer, so maybe he can find out then. Is it possible to get the balance over the phone?

I don't know if that woul be possible. This is PKO infoline number: (+48)81 535 65 65
Hope that would help.