Poland's lex deweloper housing law to expire in 2026

The Polish housing market is approaching a significant regulatory shift as the special housing act, commonly known as ‘lex deweloper’, is set to expire on August 31, 2026. Since its implementation in August 2018, this legislation has allowed developers to initiate residential projects on land not currently designated for housing in local spatial management plans, provided they meet specific standards and obtain municipal council approval.

The Polish Association of Developers (PZFD) estimates that decisions issued under this act cover the potential construction of approximately 100,000 apartments. This volume is nearly equivalent to the total number of new residential units typically started annually in Poland. The act has been noted for its ability to repurpose underutilized industrial or office areas for residential use while allowing for public participation in the planning process.

While new investments cannot be initiated under this mode after the deadline, transitional provisions will allow proceedings that began before September 1, 2026, to continue.