The increase in real estate values in Zakopane continues
Real estate prices in Zakopane are among the highest in Poland (comparable to Warsaw) and are constantly rising. This is due to a unique combination of limited supply, enormous tourist demand, and the prestigious location. Below, a few words about trends and factors influencing real estate values in Zakopane.
Factors influencing the increase in real estate value in Zakopane include:
· Limited land supply
Zakopane lies at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, and much of the area is protected by the Tatra National Park and nature conservation regulations. This means that available building plots are very scarce and their prices are exceptionally high.
· Strong tourist demand
Zakopane is the most popular mountain resort in Poland, visited by several million people annually (including over 80,000 guests from Arab countries). High hotel and apartment occupancy rates make investing in short-term rental properties very profitable, driving up prices.
· Premium Investments (Apartments and Condo Hotels)
In recent years, many luxury apartment buildings and condo projects have been built. They attract investors from across Poland and abroad (including Arab countries), driving up the average price per square meter.
· Prestige of Location
Zakopane is considered the “winter capital of Poland.” Owning a property in the city center or with a view of the Tatra Mountains carries a certain prestige, which further drives up prices.
· Development of tourist infrastructure
Road modernization (e.g., the S7 “Zakopianka” route), the development of 5★ hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions increase the attractiveness of the region and increase property values.
· Seasonality and high rental rates
During the winter and summer seasons, short-term rental prices are among the highest in Poland. Investors are purchasing apartments and flats with Airbnb, Booking, or luxury rentals in mind, which increases investment demand.
· Legal and planning restrictions
Local zoning plans and building restrictions (e.g., building height, architectural style) limit the development of new investments, which keeps existing property prices high.
· Investment capital
In times of inflation and economic uncertainty, many investors consider real estate in Zakopane as a safe investment, which further increases demand.
A significant factor is the relatively small number of top-class hotels. In 2025, only three were operating in Zakopane:
· Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Zakopane
○ A modern hotel from an international chain.
○ Offering over 200 rooms and suites, a spa, swimming pool, restaurants, and a conference center.
○ Popular with international tourists, including those from the Middle East.
· Aries Hotel & Spa Zakopane
○ A luxurious hotel in the city center, decorated in a style that combines highland tradition with modern design.
○ It features an exclusive spa, swimming pool, restaurants, and banquet halls.
○ One of the most prestigious hotels in the region.
· Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa
○ An elegant 5★ hotel located in the center of Zakopane.
○ It offers luxurious rooms, a wellness & spa, a restaurant, and premium apartments.
○ It belongs to the Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa group, known for its high standard of service.
Average occupancy rates in Zakopane for 2024 remain high, but are highly seasonal and depend on the type of property (hotels, apartments, guesthouses). Data from the tourism industry and accommodation market reports show clear differences between the winter and summer seasons, and the so-called “dead months.”
· Winter (December – February)
Occupancy in Zakopane reaches 80–95%, especially during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the winter break. This is the absolute peak season.
· Spring (March–May)
After the holidays, occupancy drops to 35–60%, except during Easter and the May long weekend, when it increases to around 70%.
· Summer (June–August)
During the summer season, occupancy rates average 70–85%, with peaks in July and August.
· Autumn (September–November)
This is the period of lowest tourist traffic – average occupancy drops to 30–45%, except for the November weekend (approximately 60%).
According to the Tatra Hotel Chamber, the average annual occupancy rate for hotels is 72%, and for 5* hotels it is above 80%.
It is also worth taking a look at the chart below showing the change in offer prices over recent years.
In summary, the increase in real estate prices in Zakopane is due to a combination of high tourist demand, limited land supply, investment attractiveness, and the prestigious nature of the location. The forecast for value growth is at least 25-30% over the next five years.
