No more “paper walls” in blocks of flats. New regulations from September 20

The government is finalizing work on the biggest change in the regulations specifying the technical conditions of buildings in over two decades. The new regulation is intended to replace the regulations in force since 2002 and adapt the principles of design and construction to modern technologies, EU requirements and the needs of residents.

Most of the changes are to come into force on September 20, 2026, although some of the requirements will be introduced in stages until 2029. The reform includes, among others: acoustic insulation, fire safety, building accessibility, energy efficiency and electromobility solutions.

New technical conditions of buildings. It’s supposed to be quieter

One of the changes that will be most noticeable to residents will be the stricter acoustic requirements. New buildings are to be designed in the AQ-0 acoustic class, which has so far been used primarily in premium segment properties.

In practice, this means higher requirements for the insulation of walls, ceilings and doors. Vibrations from the installation are also to be damped more effectively. The new solutions are intended to reduce the problem of apartments described as having “paper walls” through which noise from neighbors can easily penetrate.

Elevators and apartments for people with disabilities

A large package of changes concerns the accessibility of buildings for people with special needs. Elevators will be mandatory in new public buildings and collective housing buildings.

The new requirements will also cover multi-family housing. At least 6 percent premises are to be accessible to people with disabilities. The regulations also specify minimum maneuvering areas, requirements for bathrooms and publicly accessible hygienic and sanitary rooms, and rules for eliminating thresholds.

Stricter fire protection requirements

The changes will also include fire protection. The use of flammable insulating materials, including polystyrene, in multi-family buildings and large-scale facilities is to be limited. The new rules will also apply to fire zones and inter-story strips.

The regulation also introduces an EU standard for zero-emission buildings. There will be requirements for automatic control of technical installations and the installation of charging points for electric cars.

Other design principles will also change

The reform is also intended to organize and simplify existing regulations. Definitions will be clarified, including: a zero-emission building, an aparthotel and an energy storage facility. The regulations will also include additional drawings to facilitate the interpretation of the requirements.

The changes also concern the rules of sunlight, the width of paths and access roads, the location of waste tanks and the design of playgrounds. The new technical conditions will be used in the design, construction and reconstruction of facilities, as well as in changing the way they are used.

Will new apartments be more expensive?

Additional requirements for developers raise questions about their impact on investment costs and, consequently, apartment prices. At the same time, the stricter requirements are to quickly become a new standard on the market. Most of the new regulations will come into force on September 20, 2026, while some of the requirements will only come into force at the end of 2026 or in 2029.