Why invest in property in the Podhale region?
Text from 2019. Laws, rates and prices may have changed since then. Ask an agent
Investing in property in a tourist destination is an increasingly common way of putting money to profitable use. Investors usually choose the seaside, large historic cities and the mountains. The latter seem the most lucrative when it comes to short-term rentals. Why? You will find out in today's article.
Zakopane – a paradise for tourists all year round
The Polish mountains, and Podhale with its capital Zakopane in particular, enjoy undiminished popularity. Tourists come here not only from Poland but also from abroad. On top of that, the season lasts all year. From November to March you can hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard and spend an unforgettable Christmas, New Year's Eve and winter school holidays. From April to October it is the season for conquering the Tatra peaks. No wonder, then, that demand for accommodation in Zakopane keeps growing. This is good news for people looking for a place for a profitable property investment.
The property market in Podhale offers mainly detached houses and flats in historic tenement buildings. Properties in blocks of flats are rarer, as there are few of these in the mountains. Prices depend on location. The most expensive are right by Krupówki itself. The further from it, the lower the cost of buying a flat in Zakopane. You must bear in mind, however, that owning a flat in such a popular tourist spot is a considerable investment, often comparable to buying a property in the centres of Poland's largest cities. If we have such an option, though, it is worth considering, because it is one of the safer investments, one that will pay for itself quickly and in future make it possible to sell the property at a profit.
What to consider when buying a flat in Zakopane?
The most important issue, as we mentioned earlier, is the location of the unit. The area around Krupówki is the most sought-after investment location. Finding tourists for short-term rentals, whether in winter or summer, will not be a problem here. However, flats or houses further away are also worth considering. They can be an excellent base for trips into the mountains or to the ski lifts. Let us also assess whether they are close to an attractive range of restaurants and entertainment. If so, they are worth taking an interest in.
Standard of finish
Besides location, when buying a flat in Zakopane you should also consider the standard of its finish. The higher the standard, the higher the nightly rates you can charge. Let us remember, though, that there are fewer wealthy tourists, so it may be worth considering buying a property of average standard at a lower price but in a good location, which will have a better chance of full occupancy all year round.
Size of the flat
The size of the flat is equally important. Here we have several options. We can invest straight away in an apartment of about 100 m2 accommodating up to a dozen or so people, each of whom will pay several dozen PLN a night. We can also consider buying a smaller 2-3 room flat, ideal for a family holiday. An investment in studio flats can also be profitable, as it is relatively cheap and there is no shortage of tourists arriving as couples. For them a studio will be an ideal place to stay.
People with large funds, in turn, can consider buying a mountain villa with a dozen or so rooms. Such a place often becomes the owners' way of life.
Surroundings and the view from the window
We have discussed the location, floor area and standard of properties in Zakopane worth investing in. Rounding off the important aspects not to be forgotten are the view from the window, the greenery around the property and a parking space. Of course, the more pleasant the surroundings of our investment, the higher its tourist appeal. After all, people come here above all to rest. It is therefore worth providing them with the most idyllic landscape possible. The same applies to the view from the window, and best of all from the terrace. There is hardly anything nicer than eating breakfast on the balcony in the rays of the summer sun, admiring the view of Giewont. Tourists will certainly want to come to such a place, and later return. It also increases the chances that they will recommend our property to their friends.
So do not delay any longer. If you are thinking of buying a property for short-term letting, choose flats and houses in Zakopane. It is a highly profitable investment that will pay for itself quickly and bring you regular income. Contact Marta Kulawik today and discover her attractive property listings in Podhale!

