New Build and Old Flat in Katowice, Poland

mcrpolak 6 | 36

11 Sep 2015 / #1

Hi all,

Our property search continues in Katowice. We are relative novices in Polish Property. I therefore have another question (or two questions)

1) With new build properties what's the norm with list price. In the UK it's common to get a pretty decent discount on the list price of a new build often around 10-15%. Is this the case in Poland or is it pretty much pay what you see.

2) Same with older houses. Obviously here it is more varied and depends on the sellers motive but are all sellers expecting to be bargained down? Obviously I will try to haggle on any property I find but it helps to know the mindset of the other party.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Harry

11 Sep 2015 / #2

1) With new build properties what's the norm with list price. In the UK it's common to get a pretty decent discount on the list price of a new build often around 10-15%. Is this the case in Poland or is it pretty much pay what you see.

Depends entirely on the developer and the property (but they are more likely to give you a discount than stand firm).

2) Same with older houses. Obviously here it is more varied and depends on the sellers motive but are all sellers expecting to be bargained down?

Again it depends entirely on the seller. Some overprice knowing that they can then knock 15% off and make the property seem a bargain. Others overprice because they think they know better than the market what their property is worth and simply will not sell because they think any lower price doesn't reflect the real value.

delphiandomine 86 | 17823

11 Sep 2015 / #3

2) Same with older houses. Obviously here it is more varied and depends on the sellers motive but are all sellers expecting to be bargained down? Obviously I will try to haggle on any property I find but it helps to know the mindset of the other party.

I would expect stupidity in most cases in my experience. Expect to have your time wasted by endless people that think that Grandma's house is somehow worth 600k despite needing a huge amount of renovation.

Dougpol1 29 | 2497

12 Sep 2015 / #4

Expect to have your time wasted by endless people that think that Grandma's house is somehow worth 600k despite needing a huge amount of renovation.

Delph the voice of truth as so often. Why can't others tell it as it is.

Much better to buy from the council.

Lofts and roof spaces are still a good ploy, where you have to install water, leccy et al yourself. I am negotiating a buy in a German built block in Gdansk at 2,000 zl a sq. metre, though there are added costs re: communal renovations.......

OP mcrpolak 6 | 36

13 Sep 2015 / #5

Thank you so much, Delph that is definitely my impression to date. Been to look at a few flats which seemed high in price in my view (albeit rather limited view). It's amazing that you can have a great modern apartment with one round the corner, half the size and crumbling commanding the same price.

Martin PL - | 1

14 Sep 2015 / #6

@mcrpolak

According to last survey you may get a discount at around 10% on average in Katowice when buying new built flats. Sometimes developers are more willing to give you some extra benefits instead of discount.

When talking about flats from secondary market it's a very individual issue - it depends on goals of sellers, his situation and plans, location, standard of flat etc etc. you must just search for bargains and negotiate, but I don't consider it successful if you do from abroad, unless you've got someone you trust- to help you here. Good luck!