Where to sleep near a university or college in Warsaw?

Find out which apartments are most often rented by foreigners in Warsaw

Warsaw is a dynamically developing city that attracts an increasing number of foreigners – tourists, corporate employees, students and digital nomads. With the growing interest in the capital of Poland, the demand for comfortable apartments, which meet the needs of visitors from all over the world. The short-term rental market is becoming more and more diverse, but there are several clear trends when it comes to foreigners' housing preferences. From the perspective of property owners and rental companies, knowing these preferences is the key to success. So - what apartments are the most popular among foreigners in Warsaw?

Spacious apartments in the city center - luxury and location

One of the most common choices when it comes to foreign tenants is modern apartments located in the very center of Warsaw. The proximity of key points of the city, offices, restaurants and tourist attractions means that people coming to Warsaw willingly choose apartments on streets such as Marszałkowska, Świętokrzyska or in the vicinity of Plac Zbawiciela and Rondo ONZ. Foreigners, especially those coming for business purposes, appreciate:

• easy access for public transport (metro, trams, buses),

• proximity to office buildings and headquarters of international companies,

• cafe availability, restaurants and shops,

• modern finish apartments – often with air conditioning, fast internet and spacious interiors.

Many of them travel with their families, so it is important for the apartment to be not only visually appealing, but also functional – with a separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable bathroom. It is currently noticed that foreigners are increasingly willing to book apartments of the type studio with mezzanine or two-room apartments with a balcony and a view of the city skyline. Such properties offer a balance between space, aesthetics and location, making them an extremely attractive option.

What's more, the center of Warsaw is a place that enjoys a good reputation among foreigners – considered safe, well-maintained and friendly to tourists. Hence the popularity of serviced apartments self check-in, which give tenants great flexibility. The presence of elevators, security and private parking spaces in modern apartment buildings is also important.

Studios and studios – functionality and comfort for singles and digital nomads

The second extremely popular type of apartments chosen by foreigners are: studio apartments and studio flats. They are especially often chosen by younger people, traveling solo or in pairs – students, freelancers or digital nomads who stay in Warsaw for a few weeks or months. Studio apartments have many advantages that make them an ideal solution for this group:

• low rental cost compared to apartments with multiple rooms,

• easy to keep clean and order,

• ergonomic space planning, often with a separate bedroom area,

• modern equipment – dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, TV, fast internet,

• location close to the university, coworking spaces and entertainment centers.

In addition, many studio apartments are located in districts such as Mokotów, Wola or Żoliborz – which combine convenient access to the city center with greater peace and quiet. This is especially important for people who work remotely and need not only a comfortable bed, but also comfortable work space.

Interestingly, foreigners renting apartments for a short period of time increasingly pay attention to details of the decor. Fashionable, bright interiors with Scandinavian elements, potted plants, good lighting and relaxation zones in small spaces can decide about choosing this offer and not another. That is why owners of studios should invest in design and high quality photos, which emphasize the advantages of the interior.

Family apartments – comfort and space for longer stays

Although smaller apartments dominate the short-term rental market, the growing interest cannot be ignored family apartments, especially among foreigners coming to Warsaw for a longer period of time – for corporate contracts, diplomatic missions or relocations. Such people are looking for larger apartments – usually 3- or 4-room, which will provide comfort to all family members.

The most popular properties are those in the following districts:

• Mokotow – proximity to international schools, lots of greenery, great communication,

• Wilanow – quiet, prestigious area, ideal for families with children,

• Saska Kepa – an atmospheric district with many villas and apartments in tenement houses,

• Ursynów – good infrastructure, proximity to recreational areas, peaceful atmosphere.

Families with children pay attention not only to the layout of the rooms, but also to aspects such as:

• proximity to kindergartens, schools and playgrounds,

• parking available the car in a safe place,

• elevator availability, especially with small children,

• Quiet area with low night noise levels.

Family apartments are often rented for a minimum of several months, which means that the owners stable income and lower tenant turnover. It is therefore worth preparing the offer appropriately - taking care of full equipment, safe surroundings and good documentation of the offer, also in English. For this group, it is very important sense of security and trust in the landlord.

Shared apartments and rooms - a solution for students and young workers

The last but extremely important category of real estate that is very popular among foreigners renting apartments in Warsaw is: rooms in shared apartments. This market segment attracts mainly young people – Erasmus students, language course participants, young professionals and people starting their careers in international corporations. These are often people who come for a stay of several weeks to several months, looking for budget and social way of life in a new country.

Shared apartments are usually located in districts that are well-connected to the city center, but with more favorable rental prices. The most popular locations are:

• Desire – proximity to the university, convenient transport to the city center, affordable prices,

• Praga North and Praga South – dynamically developing districts with a nice atmosphere and lower living costs,

• Wola (western part) – new housing investments, proximity to coworking spaces,

• Bielany and Żoliborz – good infrastructure and a calmer pace of life.

Shared apartments have many advantages that make them an attractive option, especially for those traveling alone and looking to integrate with other foreigners. Some of the most important benefits include:

• lower costs rent – a room is a cheaper option than a whole apartment,

• the possibility of establishing contacts – shared apartments facilitate integration and cultural exchange,

• flexible rental conditions – many landlords accept short-term leases,

• access to common spaces – fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, and often a balcony,

• greater availability of offers – rooms are widely available in different districts.

Interestingly, many foreigners looking for shared apartments, especially students, decide to rent a room through companies offering professional short-term rental, which provide high standards, transparent contract terms and service in English. This approach minimizes risk and provides a sense of security - especially in the first weeks of your stay in Poland.

Apartment owners who offer rooms for rent should pay attention to several aspects that are particularly important for tenants from abroad:

• cleanliness and neatness common spaces,

• transparent rules of sharing apartments (e.g. division of duties, regulations for using the kitchen),

• high-speed internet access – essential for remote work and study,

• possibility of contact in English – both during the booking process and in case of any problems,

• flexibility in check-in and check-out – which is especially valuable when travel dates are unpredictable.

The visual aspect is also important – even in shared apartments, tenants pay attention to interior aesthetics, availability of a place to study and work, and the atmosphere. Often, it is the photos and good opinions of other tenants that decide to choose a specific room. What is more, many owners today decide to equip the rooms with desks, ergonomic chairs and additional lighting – which is especially appreciated by students and people working remotely.

It is also worth emphasizing that shared apartments are a good introduction to further rentals – many tenants start with a room, and after a few weeks decide to rent an entire apartment or flat. For companies and owners, this is a great opportunity to build long-term relationships with customers who may return or recommend the offer to other friends abroad.

Amenities Most Wanted by Foreigners – What Makes the Difference?

Nowadays, location or number of rooms are no longer enough to effectively compete in the short-term rental market. Foreigners, especially those who travel frequently and have experience with platforms such as Airbnb or Booking, attach increasing importance to additional amenities, which make your stay more comfortable, more functional and simply enjoyable. This is what details and technologies very often they decide whether a given offer will be selected, recommended and assessed positively.

Market observations and opinions from tenants from abroad clearly show that the most desirable apartments are those that offer:

• fast wifi – an absolute must for every foreigner, regardless of the purpose of their trip. Fast and stable internet is not only expected, but also essential, especially for people working remotely, students or internet creators. Tenants increasingly ask about the exact speed of the connection and its reliability.

• smart TV with access to streaming platforms – Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+ – the ability to relax in the evening with your favorite series in your native language is a huge advantage. Even a basic Netflix account available in the apartment can significantly increase the competitiveness of the offer.

• coffee machine or coffee maker – especially appreciated by guests from Italy, Spain and the USA. For many people, morning coffee is a ritual that they do not want to abandon even when traveling. Apartments with a high-class espresso machine, or even a simple coffee maker or French press, enjoy much better ratings.

• self check-in – access to the apartment via a code, key safe or electronic lock means convenience, flexibility and reduced language barriers. Foreigners, especially those travelling late at night or arriving with a delayed flight, appreciate the possibility of entering the apartment without having to arrange with the host.

• air conditioning or fan – especially in summer in Warsaw, when temperatures reach over 30°C. Foreigners from southern Europe or Asia are used to air conditioning and treat it as standard. Its absence may negatively affect the assessment of the stay, even if everything else is impeccable.

• washing machine and dryer – for guests staying longer (over a week), the possibility of washing clothes is extremely valuable. Additional points are gained by apartments that offer not only equipment, but also detergents, a laundry basket and an ironing board.

• work desk and ergonomic chair – digital nomads, freelancers and people working remotely choose apartments in which they can comfortably perform their professional duties. A desk with a lamp, a quiet environment and a comfortable armchair are today one of the most important elements determining the choice of a specific place.

• full kitchen equipment – foreigners often cook for themselves – due to diet, economy or culture. Apartments offering not only basic dishes, but also frying pans, pots, oven, blender or even spices (e.g. salt, pepper, olive oil) are highly rated and eagerly booked again.

• balcony or terrace – even a small outdoor space is a huge added value. Guests enjoy eating breakfast on the balcony, drinking coffee or simply relaxing with a view of the city. Among high-end apartments, a balcony is often a requirement.

• high quality bedding and towels – for many tenants, the quality of textiles reflects the overall standard of the apartment. White, fragrant towels, cotton bed linen, an extra set of pillowcases – all this affects comfort of stay and final evaluation.

Of course, the list of amenities can be longer – some will appreciate it plants in the apartment, others books in English Whether universal chargers. But the most important thing is one thing: matching to the guest profile. An apartment designed for a family should have a highchair for a child and safety locks, and a studio for a digital nomad should have fast Wi-Fi and an ergonomic workstation.

It is also worth investing in professional photos, which will show these amenities - even the best coffee machine or a beautiful balcony will not work in favor of the offer if they are not well presented visually. Foreigners often choose apartments based on photos and reviews - so it is worth making sure that all trump card equipment elements.

Cultural and national differences – how do they affect the choice of housing?

Warsaw, as the capital of Poland and an important point on the map of Europe, attracts guests from all over the world – from students from Spain and Italy, through specialists from Germany and France, to managers from the USA and employees of technology companies from India. Each of these groups of visitors has slightly different expectations, cultural habits and approach to housing issues, which are worth taking into account when preparing a short-term rental offer.

Guests from Western Europe, such as Germans, Dutch or Scandinavians, value above all order, silence and functionality. For them, clear rules for using the apartment, detailed instructions for using the equipment (preferably in English), minimalist design and access to green areas are important. They appreciate bright interiors, plenty of natural light and ecological solutions, such as waste segregation and energy-saving lighting.

On the other hand guests from southern Europe, including Italians, Spaniards and Portuguese, attach much greater importance to the climate of the apartment – warm colors, cozy details, plants and comfortable sofas. For them, it is also important cooking option, therefore the kitchen should be well equipped, and the presence of a coffee machine is almost mandatory. Many of them choose apartments with balcony or a terrace where you can spend time with family or friends.

Citizens of the USA, Canada and Australia most often they come for professional or educational purposes and are looking for comfortable, well-connected locations. They attach great importance to technology and facilities, such as smart TV, self-check-in, washing machine with dryer or fast Wi-Fi. Their expectations are often based on standards known from their own countries – high quality of services and transparency of the offer are the basis.

Guests from Asian countries, such as India, China, Korea or Japan, often travel for longer periods of time – for professional or educational purposes. They value functionality, safety and cleanliness. A kitchen that allows for the preparation of hot meals, the availability of a washing machine, and also silence and privacy. Many of them avoid sharing a flat with strangers, which is why they choose to live in a flat more often. small, independent studio with separate entrance and bathroom.

Knowing these differences allows homeowners and companies dealing with short term rental in Warsaw better tailor your offer. Even small details – such as the language of the greeting in the email, the option to choose the type of pillow or offering several types of tea – can affect positive guest experience, his opinion and desire to return.

How to adapt the rental offer to the needs of foreigners?

Warsaw is a dynamic, open city that attracts foreigners with different profiles and expectations. This is a huge opportunity for the short-term rental market, provided that the offer is appropriately planned and individualized. Based on the examples discussed, several key conclusions can be drawn:

• The most popular ones are: apartments in the center, studio in new building, family apartments on the outskirts and rooms in shared apartments.

• Location is still the most important factor – proximity to transport, work, universities or tourist attractions often outweighs the price.

• Standard equipment and the presence of modern amenities (Wi-Fi, coffee machine, air conditioning, self-check-in) have a direct impact on the rental decision.

• Understanding cultural differences helps to tailor the offer to specific groups of tenants – from students from Southern Europe to specialists from Asia.

• Flexibility, good communication and professionalism these are the factors that distinguish the best offers on the short-term market.

Companies and apartment owners who can effectively combine an attractive location, functional interior and high level of service can count on a constant influx of guests from abroad, their positive opinions and recommendations. It is not only a chance to make a profit, but also to build brands of trust and quality, so appreciated in today's world.

Warsaw open to the needs of foreigners

The Warsaw short-term rental market is developing dynamically, and foreigners constitute a significant group of tenants whose needs and preferences are worth knowing. Regardless of whether they are:

• apartments in the center for business people,

• modern studio apartments for singles and digital nomads,

• family apartments for longer stays,

• Whether rooms in shared apartments for students and young professionals,

It is important that the offer is tailored, aesthetic and transparent. High standard of finish, good location, flexibility and high level of customer service (also in English) are features that significantly increase the attractiveness of renting for foreigners.

Companies offering short-term rental of apartments in Warsaw have a huge chance to develop if they take care of the proper presentation of their offers, activity in online channels (such as booking portals, social media, Google Maps) and regular collection of opinions and recommendations. Thanks to this, it is possible not only to attract new customers, but also to build reputation and trust, which are key in the rental industry today.