The Warsaw market of luxury real properties
As you may know, I specialise in luxury real estate and can proudly say that there is nothing I do not know about them. I am familiar with this market so well that I can name all the top locations and show you all the apartments available in Warsaw. Yes, I am a fan of the luxury premium market. This is why I have always wanted to work in this market segment. Having watched the market for many years now, I am convinced that it will continue to grow rapidly. The overall trend is upward – the prices per square metre in the best locations in other European capitals are on average EUR 15,000-20,000.
What makes a real property luxurious? It is mainly characteristics such as the location, the standard of finishing of the common areas, the standard of the apartments (windows, the width of the partition walls or the height of the ceilings), the surrounding infrastructure, the proximity of parks, the views from the window, and a peaceful and quiet area.
Luxury property in Warsaw first emerged right after the regime changes, in the 1990s. The real property developers operating in the premium segment were, primarily, Echo Investment, Spółdzielnia Mieszkaniowa Vistula and Dembud. The core idea they followed was “location, location, location” and erected premium standard buildings in excellent locations – among these first developments were Melody House in Al. Szucha and Nalewki 8 (both by Echo Investment), and the building in ul. Podchorążych 71 (Spółdzielnia Mieszkaniowa Vistula). In fact, the latter property is still considered one of the most attractive residential buildings owing to the proximity of the Royal Łazienki Park and incredible views it offers.
The market developed rapidly over the next decade – the properties erected at the time include Villa Monaco in ul. Cybulskiego (you can read more about it below), Opera Residence I and II at ul.Niecała (see the description below), Multico Residence in ul. Bitwy pod Rokitną, Mondrian House in ul. Ludowa, Morskie Oko in ul. Ludowa and Myoni in ul. Narbutta. These were the first residential buildings in Warsaw sporting private swimming pools and high-end finishing standard. The price per square metre was up to USD 2,500. Today, the price can reach up to PLN 30,000!
The most recent luxury residential properties in Warsaw are the two amazing high-rises, namely Złota 44 and Cosmpolitan. I am more fond of the Cosmpolitan with its prime location and infrastructure, although I appreciate Złota 44 for the genius common areas on the 8thfloor featuring a swimming pool, fitness club and a spa.
As regards the prices, the most expensive apartments and penthouses are those at the Park Lane estate (PLN 40,000 per sq. m.), Rezydencja Opera II (from PLN 40,000 per sq. m) and Złota 44 (PLN 50,000 per sq. m).
Below you will find descriptions of three Warsaw-based luxury properties.
Foksal Residence, Foksal St.
An apartment building with a premium location, in the very heart of Warsaw, close to the prominent Nowy Świat street. Its greatest merits include closeness to all crucial landmarks and quiet surroundings despite a central location.
The building boasts a high-end finishing standards, which is particularly visible in the common areas where marble, granite, travertine, onyx and different exotic wood types were used. The residents can avail themselves of an in-house spa, swimming pool, squash court and concierge services. What are the apartments like? Be sure to have a look here and see how beautiful they are.
Rezydencja Opera I and II, Niecała St.
The buildings erected in the years 2005/2006 (Opera I) and 2011/2012 (Opera II) are synonymous to luxury and prestige. They house apartments sized between 100 and 200 sq. m., studio apartments sized 60 sq. m and penthouses with roof garden access. Although the buildings have a distinct façade which is a nod towards the lavish Baroque, the apartments were sold on the spot. The semi-circular shape makes brings to mind an amphitheatre and this is precisely what the architect wanted.
The location of this property is extremely attractive, too. It is situated in direct proximity of the Saski Park and the National Opera. The elegant staircases were finished with stone cladding and exotic wood. There is a fireplace in the common areas, as well as an orangery, a private swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi available to residents. You can have a look at the interiors of the apartments here.
Villa Monaco, Cybulskiego St.
A small apartment building in Dolny Mokotów, close to the Sielecki Park. A true oasis of peace and quiet. The modern shape of the building is very pleasing to the eye. The interior common areas are finished with top-quality materials, especially the marble floors, cherry wood cladding inside the lifts and exotic wood floors.
The residents have a fitness zone at their disposal featuring a swimming pool with a glazed roof surrounded by a teak wood floor and walls covered with hand-painted murals, a gym, and saunas. The building has its own water treatment facility, a laundry room, a drying room, and a self-service car washing station in the garage. You can have a look at the interiors of the apartments here.