Poznań is once again inviting residents to move back into the city’s historic centre through the “Apartment for Renovation” programme. After extensive renovations around the Old Market Square, the city is offering 17 municipal apartments, including six on the square itself and one on Szewska Street, to those willing to take on the challenge of fixing them up. This initiative not only provides affordable housing but also breathes life back into the city’s core, ensuring that it remains a place for both business and community.
What Is “Apartment for Renovation”?
The “Apartment for Renovation” programme is a long-standing municipal initiative that allows individuals and families to secure a long-term rental agreement in exchange for renovating the apartment themselves. Participants in the programme benefit from a six-month rent-free period, during which they must complete all necessary repairs. Once the work is finished, they sign a standard lease for an indefinite period, ensuring long-term stability.
This programme is part of a broader strategy by the Municipal Housing Resource Management Board (ZKZL) to prevent depopulation in the city centre while preserving its historic buildings. The properties available under “Apartment for Renovation” are located in some of the most desirable areas, including the Old Market Square, offering a unique opportunity to live in one of the most vibrant parts of Poznań at a fraction of the usual cost.
Where Are the Available Apartments?
This edition of “Apartment for Renovation” includes 17 apartments spread across various locations in Poznań. The most sought-after flats are in the Old Market Square, but there are also options in other districts.
List of Available Apartments:
- Old Market Square 65 – Apartments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Szewska 9/8a
- Święty Marcin 49a/23
- Czechosłowacka 97/2
- Dojazd 30, 15/9
- Drzymały 13/3
- Mottego 5/24
- Rybaki 18/1
- Tokarska 13a/12
- Sypniewo 23c/3
- Umińskiego 7/38
- Osiedle Jana III Sobieskiego 13/44
Apartments vary in size, from 26 m² studio apartments to three-room flats of 79 m², making them suitable for both individuals and families.
Why Is Poznań Encouraging People to Move Back?
In many Polish cities, including Poznań, urban depopulation has become a growing issue. As commercial spaces, offices, and short-term rentals take over central areas, fewer people choose to live in the city’s historic districts. Instead, they relocate to the suburbs, leaving once-thriving neighbourhoods feeling empty after business hours.
Poznań aims to reverse this trend by encouraging long-term residents to return to the city centre. The successful revitalisation of the Old Market Square has made the area more attractive than ever, but real urban life depends on a mix of businesses, culture, and permanent residents. By offering municipal apartments through “Apartment for Renovation”, the city hopes to ensure that Poznań’s centre remains a lively and dynamic place to live.
Who Can Apply for “Apartment for Renovation”?
The “Apartment for Renovation” programme is open to Poznań residents who meet certain financial and social criteria. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be official residents of Poznań
- Have a monthly income below 325% of the minimum pension for single-person households or 275% for multi-person households
- Cover renovation costs independently, without reimbursement from the city
- Have no outstanding debts related to previous rental agreements with the city
- In addition to these basic requirements, priority is given to:
- Individuals with a court ruling entitling them to social housing
- People already on the municipal housing waiting list
- Residents experiencing financial hardship due to health conditions
- Tenants currently living in unsuitable housing conditions
These criteria ensure that “Apartment for Renovation” benefits those who need stable, long-term housing the most, while also supporting the city’s goal of revitalising its central neighbourhoods.
How to Apply for “Apartment for Renovation”
Those interested in applying for “Apartment for Renovation” should follow these steps:
- View the Apartments – Potential tenants can sign up for apartment viewings until 12 February 2025 via the official ZKZL website (zkzl.poznan.pl/mieszkanie-do-remontu).
- Submit an Application – The deadline for submitting an application is 20 February 2025. Applicants can select up to three apartments and must provide documentation proving their eligibility and financial ability to complete the renovation.
- Wait for Approval – A municipal committee will review applications and select tenants based on financial need, current housing situation, and commitment to the renovation process.
Bringing Poznań’s Historic Heart Back to Life
Poznań is making a clear statement: the city centre should not be just for tourists and businesses—it should be for its residents too. The 2025 edition of “Apartment for Renovation” is a step towards creating a stronger, more diverse, and more lively Old Market Square.
For those willing to take on the challenge of renovation, this programme offers an exceptional chance to secure affordable housing in one of Poznań’s most prestigious areas. Don’t miss your opportunity to bring new life to an old home—and to be part of Poznań’s ongoing transformation.
