Are you renting out an apartment? Or maybe you’re just thinking about stepping into the world of real estate? In 2025, short-term rentals in Warsaw are more than just a way to make some extra cash — it’s a fully-fledged business that, with the right approach, can generate more profit than some SEO agencies. Seriously.
But how much can you really earn? Can a studio apartment in Ochota compete with a loft in the Old Town? Is 20 nights a month a great result, or just the average? And finally: can you manage it all yourself, or do you need to delegate, like automating Google Ads campaigns?
This article offers a clear-headed analysis — no sugarcoating, no sky-high promises. I’ll break down real data, compare locations, and show you average rates and occupancy. If you’re looking for real numbers and want to know whether it’s worth investing your time, money, and energy into short-term rentals in Warsaw — you’re in the right place.
Get comfortable, because we’re about to find out whether your apartment can become your best-earning “employee.”
1. Warsaw – a Golden Market for Investors
Warsaw is not just the capital of Poland — it’s also the epicenter of short-term rentals. Thanks to the dynamic growth of weekend tourism and the abundance of cultural and business events, the demand for short-term stays is steadily increasing. Apartment owners can expect significantly higher returns compared to long-term rentals.
2. Potential Earnings in 2025
Earnings from short-term rentals in Warsaw depend on many factors, such as location, apartment standard, and seasonality. For example, a two-room apartment in the city center can generate an average of 5,000–7,000 PLN per month with an occupancy of around 20 days a month.
During the summer season, when demand for short-term rentals peaks, earnings can rise even up to 30,000 PLN per month for luxury apartments.
3. Factors Affecting Earnings
Warsaw has its own rhythm, and rental prices fluctuate depending on the season, day of the week, and even specific events on the calendar. New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or Independence Day — these are times when apartment prices peak. If you plan a stay during the middle of the week, you’re more likely to get lower rates. Weekend? Expect prices to be 20–30% higher. Pro tip: booking in advance can help protect your budget.
Many factors influence short-term rental earnings:
- Location: Apartments in the city center, especially near tourist attractions and metro stations, are in the highest demand.
- Apartment standard: Modern, well-equipped apartments attract more guests and allow for higher nightly rates.
- Seasonality: During peak tourist seasons like holidays or summer vacations, rental prices can rise significantly.
4. Costs Associated with Short-Term Rental
Before starting operations, it’s important to also consider the costs that can affect final profits:
Commission fees for booking platforms: Services like Airbnb and Booking.com charge commissions on each reservation.
Taxes: Apartment owners must settle accounts with the tax office, and the form of taxation depends on whether the rental is operated as a business or private lease.
Utility and maintenance fees: Electricity, water, internet, and heating are fixed costs that must be factored into calculations.
Cleaning and apartment preparation: After each guest, the apartment must be properly prepared for the next visitors.
5. Working with Property Management Companies
For those who do not want to manage short-term rentals on their own, there is the option to collaborate with companies specializing in rental management. These companies offer full-service support, including booking management, cleaning, guest communication, and price optimization — which can boost an owner’s income by up to 20%.
Przykładowe zestawienie zarobków
| Type of Apartment | Location | Average Price per Night | Occupancy (days/month) | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | City Centre | 350 PLN | 20 | 7,000 PLN |
| Two-Room Apartment | Downtown | 400 PLN | 20 | 8,000 PLN |
| Apartment | Praga-Północ | 300 PLN | 20 | 6,000 PLN |
| Luxury Loft | Old Town | 600 PLN | 20 | 12,000 PLN |
Summary
Short-term rental in Warsaw in 2025 can be highly profitable, especially for well-located apartments that are properly prepared to welcome guests. However, it is important to keep in mind the associated costs and responsibilities, as well as to consider working with professional property management companies, which can help maximize your profits.
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FAQ
Definitely yes – but not for everyone and not always. Short-term rental in the capital still has huge potential, but gone are the days when you could simply post a listing on Airbnb and watch the money roll in. Today, it’s a full-fledged business: you need to understand market seasonality, guest needs, analyze competitor prices, and operate like the owner of a well-oiled revenue machine. If you approach it with commitment and treat short-term rental as a project rather than passive income, the answer is: yes – it’s very profitable.
The closer to the city center, the better. Śródmieście, Powiśle, Old Town, and areas near the metro are the golden standard. There, you can expect higher nightly rates and better occupancy – especially if the apartment is nicely furnished and has good guest reviews. Meanwhile, Praga-Północ and Żoliborz are gaining popularity due to their atmosphere and interesting locations, but you’ll need to work harder to make your offer stand out. The farther from the center – the more you’ll need to invest in marketing to maintain a reasonable income level.
It depends on how you run your rental business. If you rent privately, you can choose a lump-sum tax (8.5% up to PLN 100,000 annual income, then 12.5%). If you run a registered business, you can settle under general tax rules, a flat 19% PIT, or a registered lump sum. It’s also worth considering VAT and deductible expenses. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry – many owners hire accountants or advisors specialized in rental business. It’s often a very profitable investment.
No, although many people try at first. Managing short-term rentals means constant guest turnover, cleaning, communication, updating prices, and calendar management. You can certainly do it yourself, but you can also hire a property management company. Such a company handles everything: guest relations, price optimization, post-checkout cleaning. In return, they charge a commission – usually around 20–25% of revenue – but thanks to better strategies, you often end up earning more than if you managed it all solo.
It depends if you already own the apartment. If yes, you can start with just a few thousand złoty: for good equipment, professional photos, minor renovations, and marketing. If you’re planning to buy a property for rental purposes, you’ll need much more – especially in Warsaw. You should be prepared to invest at least several hundred thousand złoty, including the mortgage, renovation, notary fees, and property setup. The good news? A well-launched rental can start paying for itself within a few months.