The rental market in 2026, how tenant expectations are changing and what it means for owners and investors
The rental market in 2026, how tenant expectations are changing and what it means for owners and investors
The residential rental market in 2026 stands at a turning point. After years of intense changes driven by interest rate movements, demographic shifts and social transformations, this segment has entered a phase of maturity. Renting has stopped being a temporary solution for people who cannot yet buy and has become a deliberate lifestyle choice for a growing number of people across all age groups. Globally we observe phenomena that will change the shape of the market for good, and Poland is increasingly joining this movement.
The first clear trend is the emergence and rapid growth of the build to rent model. These are residential developments designed from the very beginning for long term rental rather than for sale. Investors are typically institutional funds that create entire buildings or neighborhoods managed professionally. Tenants gain predictable rental conditions, professional technical service and often shared spaces such as a gym, coworking area, event rooms or a rooftop terrace. The BTR model is already very strong in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, and in recent years it has been growing successfully in Poland, particularly in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań and Łódź.
The second important trend is coliving, where a private room with a bathroom is combined with attractive shared spaces. Coliving is gaining popularity among younger tenants, digital nomads and people relocating to a new city for less than a year. In Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, Amsterdam and increasingly also in Kraków and Warsaw, this model offers community, flexibility and a high standard. The rental contract usually covers all utilities, internet and access to shared amenities, which significantly simplifies daily life.
The third trend is the professionalization of classic private rentals. Individual owners increasingly cooperate with rental management agencies, and tenant expectations rise year by year. Today the quality of finishing, the freshness of furniture, the proper functioning of all appliances, fast internet access and the possibility of comfortable remote work all matter. A unit that would have rented out in a single day a few years ago today may need several weeks if it does not meet current market expectations.
The fourth key phenomenon is the shifting tenant profile. The classic image of a tenant as a young person fresh out of university is no longer complete. More and more often long term renting is chosen by families with children, professionals aged 40 plus relocating for work, expats and older people who have sold a large house and chosen a comfortable city apartment. Each of these groups has different expectations, and owners and investors who can adapt their offer achieve the best results.
From the perspective of global figures, the situation is interesting. According to reports by Savills and CBRE, institutional investments in the residential sector in Europe have reached record levels in recent quarters. In Germany classic rental accounts for over 50 percent of the housing market, with similar figures in Switzerland, while in the United States the single family rentals segment is one of the fastest growing areas of the real estate market.
In Poland the dynamics are also significant. In Kraków we observe stable demand for long term rental apartments, especially in districts such as Stare Miasto, Kazimierz, Grzegórzki, Krowodrza, Podgórze and Bronowice. Rising interest is also visible in modern investments around Rondo Grunwaldzkie, Ruczaj as well as in the rapidly developing Bieżanów. Rental rates have reached a level that is stabilizing after several years of strong growth. Tenants today expect transparent terms, smoothly working utilities and flexibility during the rental period.
For owners this means several practical conclusions. First, it is worth investing in finishing quality, because this is what creates the first impression. Second, well prepared photos and a clear description are today the foundation of an effective offer, since the decision to schedule a viewing is often made within 30 seconds. Third, a professional umowa najmu okazjonalnego protects both parties and builds trust. Fourth, regular communication with the tenant and quick reaction to small issues help build a long term relationship.
For tenants on the other hand it is worth paying attention to several key elements. The technical condition of the apartment, access to utilities, the costs of the building fees and operational charges, clauses regarding termination of the contract and the deposit, as well as the reputation of the owner or managing agency. Increasingly a good choice is to work with professional agencies such as ours, because they provide transparency and dedicated support throughout the entire rental period.
For investors the rental market remains attractive, although it requires a more thought through strategy than ever. Rental yields in major Polish cities range typically from 4.5 to 6.5 percent annually, depending on district and finishing standard. The best results are achieved by apartments in well connected locations with attractive finishing and access to social infrastructure such as schools, parks, shops and public transport.
At Eternel we support tenants, owners and investors as they navigate this dynamic environment. We combine deep knowledge of the Kraków market with professional marketing tools and an individual approach to each client. Spring and early summer are traditionally the busiest period in Kraków’s rental market, and 2026 brings especially many opportunities for those who plan ahead and know exactly what they are looking for.