Property Tax Hikes to Hit Households in Major Polish Cities in 2026

Residents of Opole are set to pay the lowest property taxes in Poland in 2026, according to data from GetHome.pl, but many other cities are moving in the opposite direction, raising levies on apartments, houses, and land to the highest levels allowed by law.

As Marek Wielgo, an expert at GetHome.pl, explains, end-of-year announcements of property tax increases have become routine. More local governments are now choosing to apply the maximum rates set annually by the Ministry of Finance. In 2026, the upper limit for residential buildings will be PLN 1.25 per square meter, up from PLN 1.19 in 2025. For land under residential properties, the ceiling will rise to PLN 0.77 per square meter from PLN 0.73.

Not all cities, however, are following this trend. Zielona Góra and Kielce have decided to freeze property tax rates for another year. Zielona Góra Mayor Marcin Pabierowski said the city’s financial situation is stable and that shielding residents’ household budgets remains a priority. As a result, 2024 rates will continue to apply: PLN 0.99 per square meter for buildings and PLN 0.68 for land.

Similarly, Kielce Mayor Agata Wojda confirmed that no increases are planned for 2026. Property owners there will continue to pay PLN 1.19 per square meter for apartments and houses and PLN 0.73 for land, unchanged from the previous year.

In contrast, most large cities have opted for increases, often up to the maximum permissible level. City officials argue that while the additional burden on individual households is modest—typically several or a dozen złoty per year—the cumulative effect significantly boosts municipal budgets. Kraków, for example, is expected to collect around PLN 28 million in additional revenue.

Elsewhere, decisions were more contentious. In Rzeszów, higher rates were approved only in a second vote and by a narrow margin. The final figures will be slightly below the maximum. Gorzów Wielkopolski will also remain under the cap, though residents will still face a notable six-percent increase.