Up to PLN 7,500 per year for an apartment. This idea is becoming more and more emotional
The new tax on the third apartment sparked a heated discussion. Concerns are raised by landlords and local governments.
The draft changes to property taxes, prepared by Left MPs, sparked a wide debate during social consultations. The proposal assumes the introduction of higher charges for people who own at least three apartments. Supporters argue that this will help increase the availability of premises, opponents warn of an increase in rental costs and additional burdens for property owners.
The tax on the third apartment is intended to limit the accumulation of apartments
The authors of the project indicate that the new regulations are intended to prevent the purchase of apartments solely for investment purposes. According to the justification, some premises remain unused or are put on the rental market at high rates, which makes access to apartments difficult for people looking for their own place.
The project provides for two tax rates. A rate of 0.02% would apply to the first and second properties. values. However, for the third and subsequent properties, the rate would initially be 0.5%. value of the premises. The following would be excluded from the new rules: apartments related to social and municipal housing and premises used as part of social assistance.
The tax on the third apartment may increase from year to year
Under the bill, the higher rate would not be permanent. In each subsequent year it would increase by 0.1 percentage point until it reaches a maximum level of 1.5%. real estate values. This means that the owner of an apartment worth PLN 500,000. PLN could pay as much as PLN 7,500 in tax per year after a decade.
According to the presented calculations, the tax on the third apartment in the first year of application of the new regulations would range from approximately PLN 1,900 to over PLN 3,000, depending on the location of the property. The changes would enter into force on January 1, 2027.
Apartment owners and tenants raise concerns
Public consultations showed that the proposal arouses many emotions. Some participants believe that the rates should be even higher to effectively limit the treatment of apartments as investments. Others assess the project as unfair to people who legally purchased real estate and have already incurred the associated costs.
There are also concerns about the possible effects on the rental market. Some people believe that the new burdens may be passed on to tenants in the form of higher rents. The comments also included warnings about limiting investments in the housing market and the outflow of capital outside Poland.
Local governments are afraid of implementation problems
Representatives of local governments also raise doubts. They point out that the change in the method of real estate taxation means new organizational and information obligations for municipalities. According to some opinions, the date of entry into force of the reform is very short, especially in the context of other administrative changes.
The consultations also included alternative proposals to solve the problem of housing availability. Among them was the idea of using vacant buildings in municipal resources and creating mechanisms encouraging their renovation and settlement. However, the final shape of the regulations remains at the legislative stage.
