Job Discussion Forums

misteradventure · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Posts: 246

Wanting to get my own flat for once and not have roomies. Anyone know what a decent (not huge) two room flat near-ish the Rynek is going for these days? I will be attending UJ and want a room to sleep in, a room to work in and then a kitchen and a bathroom... for a total of 4 rooms (at least).

...and not out in Nowy Sacz.

Thanks for reading... Info much appreciated!

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

I don't understand why posts like don't receive any replies. This is a question of universal interest to a lot of us on this forum. Even ballpark figures can help us with our planning.

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

Why no replies? It could be that nobody here lives in Krakow and we don't know what the going rates are for flats there. Or it could be that we're all unhelpful gits who simply don't care what happens to the newbies. Which do you think it is?

Here in Warsaw a flat like the one you describe is going to be 1500zloty up depending on location and standard. You won't find many places with two rooms that you'd want to even think about living in for less than 1400 in the city centre.

Is Krakow less, more or as expensive as Warsaw? I have no idea. How much less or more? No idea. And a fairly similar amount of interest too to be honest.

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

Fair enough.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:09 am Post subject:

In Cracow you can easily rent a place for 1000. I paid 750 plus utilities for a newish flat a 20 minute walk from the square.

Cracow is definately a lot cheaper than Warsaw just be sure to stay away from resturants for tourists and you'll be fine.

I would've replied sooner but I'm busy doing a summer intensive.

misteradventure · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Posts: 246

I should probably ask that posters indicate if it is furnished/unfurnished and what utilities were included, if any.

And if this is normal, or a great deal, or what have you... I could deal with the student ghetto since I'll be going to school with those folks, you know?

Thanks everyone for responding so far.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:01 pm Post subject:

Flats in Poland are usually furnished.

In fact all the ones I've seen were furnished and my girlfriend says that this is standard in Poland.

Don't forget to factor in utilities which is usually over a hundred and more if you have to pay your own heating bills.

Your best bet is to get a place with central heating and a place that you think will be warm in the Winter.

Goodluck.

martin przybyla · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 5

hello, since i'm renting out an apartment in krakow i can answer the original poster's question - or at least i can tell you how much i'm looking to rent my place out for:

it's a 1 bedroom with a balcony, plus living room, kitchen, and bathroom. the apartment is 55m2. the place is on ul. kazimierza wielkiego in a good neighborhood and only about 10 minutes walking from the main square (or 2 tram stops). there is a park across the street, the place is in good condition, and it is fully furnished.

1250zl + utilities (these usually come to about 150-200zl per month).

if you're interested email me, i'm a fellow english teacher and translator but i'm currently working in barcelona so i need somebody responsible to rent this place out to.

martin
[email protected]

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

another thing to bear in mind is Czynz (sp?) - an extra charge the building maintainance company may add for hallway lighting, security etc - something to confirm with the landlord.

And Warsaw's not THAT expensive - I got a great furnished two room apartment, 40m2, for 1200zł, in the Centre. Costs about 180k to buy something like that.

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

Rents are falling fast in Poland (too many people have flats to rent) and foreign people are no longer thought of as rich mugs (usually).

I used to pay 1100 for frankly a slum in central Warsaw (2 dingy rooms and a 1940s kitchen and bathroom by Poniatowski Bridge), and even more than that about five years ago, but pay 1500 now for 4 rooms of vulgar opulence. It's a pleasure to come home now. I found it through a good realtor. Email me off-list if you want her number.

One problem is that teachers often want a one or two room flat. It's a much better deal to share because 1500 often gets something 3 times better than 1000zl.

Another tip. Beware of flat owners who want you to pay Dollars, Euros, Swiss Francs or whatever. The zloty is hard currency now and anything like that suggests dishonesty. Likewise owners who won't register you. Avoid them if they say that registration isn't included, since they are trying a tax fiddle. Without registration you can't get a residence permit.

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

It's possible for landlords to provide a temporary zameldowanie, thereby giving them no problems if they want you out. But many fear that if someone is registered there (especially a foreigner), they'll have to declare the income. The old scam about filling in a declaration about someone living there free no longer works apparently.

As for tax saving - if it's legal (ish), it isn't tax evasion; if it's illegal, then it's a crime.