How will the criteria for choosing a flat change by 2026?
In 2026, the winning projects will be those tailored to real needs, rather than merely aesthetic expectations.
The most interesting change in recent years concerns the location of properties. Hybrid and remote working have meant that choosing a home increasingly starts with the question: “What will my daily life be like here?”, rather than “How quickly can I get to the office?”. This favours neighbourhoods that offer a comprehensive package: amenities, schools, green spaces, transport and sensible urban planning. As a result, differences between neighbourhoods within a single city can grow – both in terms of prices and the dynamics of demand – and this trend is likely to become more entrenched in 2026.
The housing market itself will strive for stability – both in terms of the number of transactions and the rate of price growth. However, this does not mean it will be an easy year. Competition will be fiercer, and customers more analytical. Comparing offers, calculating running costs, and verifying the technical standard and surroundings of a development will become the norm. The projects that succeed will be those that meet the real needs of a given neighbourhood and a specific group of residents.
Emotions haven’t disappeared. They’re still important, but today they come into play later – once the figures add up and the product stands up to scrutiny in terms of functionality. Otodom reports show that a flat remains a space of comfort and security, yet the decision is increasingly rarely driven by that initial ‘wow’ factor.
So it can be said that in 2026 we are dealing with a more discerning customer in the emotional decision-making process.
The Polish Real Estate Forum is the perfect place to discuss how the housing market is changing, what builds trust in 2026, and how to design products and sales strategies in a world where data and emotion must work in harmony.