Understanding the True Costs of Developer Standard Apartments in Poland
- Westhouse Interiors
- 3 minutes ago
- 5 min read
When buying a developer-standard apartment in Poland, many foreign buyers are surprised to learn how much work (and money) is still needed before they can move in. Developer standard (in Polish, stan deweloperski) refers to a property that is structurally complete but not yet ready for living. Understanding the finishing costs is key to budgeting properly and avoiding surprises.
What Does “Developer Standard” Mean in Poland?
A developer standard apartment typically includes:
Structural walls and windows installed
Screed floors (unfinished)
Basic plumbing and electrical installations
Entrance doors
Radiators and central heating connections
It does not include:
Final wall finishes or paint
Interior doors
Flooring
Light fixtures
Kitchen or bathroom fittings
Built-in storage or cabinetry
Window treatments (blinds, curtains, tracks)
This setup gives buyers flexibility to choose their own finishes — but also means significant planning and budgeting.
The Importance of Early Planning in Apartment Finishing
Interior design and contractor scheduling take time. Planning a full apartment finish usually takes about 2 months, and most contractors require 3 or more months’ notice before they can start. Leaving design to the last minute often leads to long delays before move-in.
Plan technical installations early – Air conditioning, water filtration systems, automated shutters, and other built-in solutions require additional piping, drainage, and power supply. These must be installed before walls and ceilings are closed to avoid costly demolition and rework.
Plan window treatments early – If you want recessed curtain tracks, built-in pelmets, blinds, or external shutters, these need to be considered during the design phase. Wiring for motorization and space for tracks must be planned before ceilings are closed, and for external shutters, housing boxes and façade integration should be resolved before insulation and finishing.
Plan garden works if applicable – Outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yet soil preparation, drainage, and sprinkler systems should be in place before grass is sown. Addressing these elements early ensures proper growth, avoids rework, and can save significant costs in the long run.
Typical Apartment Finishing Costs in Poland
Because most contractors offer a comprehensive service, labour costs already include wall and ceiling plastering, painting, tiling, basic plumbing connections, and electrical point installation. The key cost categories therefore are:
Category | Typical Cost (PLN/m² or total) | Notes |
Comprehensive Contractor Fee (Labour) | 800–1200 PLN/m² | Covers plastering, painting, tiling, plumbing, electrical, and general installation work |
Flooring Materials | 150–350 PLN/m² | Laminate or mid-range wood; premium wood/tiles cost more |
Tile Materials | 150–350 PLN/m² | Per m²; ceramic, porcelain, or stone |
Cabinetry (all built-ins) | 50k–120k total | Kitchen, wardrobes, bathroom vanities, hallway & TV units |
Appliances & Other Kitchen Costs | 10k–40k total | Depends on quality and number of appliances |
Lighting Fixtures | 500–5000+ PLN total | Depends on style and number of fixtures |
Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures | 20k–50k total | Includes WC, sinks, shower, taps, appliances |
Window Treatments | 500–2500 PLN per window | Curtains, blinds, and installation |
Air Conditioning | 15k–30k total | Depends on number of units and complexity |
Water Filtration | 8k–12k total | Depends on system type and number of water points |
Garden / Landscaping (if applicable) | 15k–40k total | Soil preparation, drainage, sprinkler systems, turf or planting |
Example 60 m² Apartment Budget – Standard Finish
Category | Example Cost |
Contractor Fee (Labour) | ~48,000 PLN |
Flooring (250 PLN/m² average) | ~15,000 PLN |
Tiles (200 PLN/m², 25 m² of surfaces) | ~5,000 PLN |
Cabinetry (kitchen + wardrobes + bathroom + TV/hallway) | ~55,000 PLN |
Appliances & Other (standard) | ~15,000 PLN |
Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings | ~18,000 PLN |
Lighting Fixtures | ~6,000 PLN |
Window Treatments (5 windows) | ~7,500 PLN |
Air Conditioning | ~20,000 PLN |
Water Filtration | ~4,000 PLN |
Total Estimated Finish Cost: ~193,500 PLN
Example 60 m² Apartment Budget – Premium Finish
Category | Example Cost |
Contractor Fee (Labour, higher spec) | ~72,000 PLN |
Premium Flooring (350 PLN/m²) | ~21,000 PLN |
Premium Tiles (350 PLN/m², 25 m² of surfaces) | ~8,750 PLN |
Cabinetry (premium, bespoke full apartment) | ~100,000 PLN |
Appliances & Other (premium) | ~40,000 PLN |
Luxury Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings | ~30,000 PLN |
Designer Lighting Fixtures | ~12,000 PLN |
Designer Window Treatments | ~12,500 PLN |
Air Conditioning (multi-room) | ~28,000 PLN |
Water Filtration (advanced system) | ~5,000 PLN |
Smart Home / Intelligent Systems (lighting, heating, blinds, shutters, cameras) | ~15,000 PLN |
Total Estimated Finish Cost: ~344,250 PLN
Where the Money Really Goes
To give a clear overview, here is a combined cost breakdown showing the average ratios of spending between Standard and Premium finishes. This highlights the categories that dominate budgets — most notably cabinetry, labour, and appliances — and puts smaller items like lighting and water filtration into perspective.
Why Work with Westhouse Interiors
Working with Westhouse Interiors means turning a stressful, complex process into a smooth, well-managed experience. We don’t just design — we guide you from bare walls to a beautifully finished home.
There are a plethora of details and options available on the market, and countless decisions that need to be made at the correct point during the design phase. Without professional guidance, it’s easy to overlook critical steps or make costly mistakes. By working with an experienced designer, you ensure that every choice — from technical installations to final finishes — is coordinated, timely, and aligned with your vision and budget.
When you choose Westhouse Interiors, you benefit from:
A clear, professionally prepared concept and budget tailored to your lifestyle
Expert advice on finishes, materials, and layouts to maximize value and style
Coordination of trusted, vetted contractors so you don’t have to worry about quality or accountability
Prevention of costly mistakes through detailed planning and on-site supervision
A partner who understands the challenges foreign buyers face and communicates in English every step of the way
Schedule your consultation here: https://www.westhouseinteriors.com/contact-8
Finishing an Apartment on a Budget in Poland
It is possible to complete an apartment on a very tight budget by purchasing materials from local DIY stores. However, these low-cost solutions are generally poorer quality, often fail prematurely, and need to be replaced sooner, resulting in higher overall costs.
At the same time, it is important to note that finishing on a budget is possible without compromising completely on quality. By making smart choices — for example, selecting cost-effective but durable flooring, using ready-made cabinetry instead of bespoke solutions, or phasing the project to complete the most important rooms first — buyers can still achieve a comfortable and stylish home.
Westhouse Interiors can also assist clients working within limited budgets. We help identify where savings can safely be made, source good-value materials, and structure the project in phases so the home becomes livable sooner, with upgrades added later as funds allow. Our role is to make sure that even a budget-conscious finish is well planned, practical, and avoids costly mistakes.
Example Total Costs by Apartment Size in Poland
These examples apply to apartments 60 m² and larger, where a full finish including kitchen, bathrooms, AC, window treatments, cabinetry, and in some cases smart home systems or gardens is planned.
Apartment Size | Estimated Total Finish Cost |
60 m² | 190k – 350k PLN |
80 m² | 270k – 480k PLN |
What pushes costs higher: Apartments at the upper end of these ranges typically include luxury materials (natural stone, premium hardwood), smart home automation, automated shutters, external shutters, cameras, bespoke cabinetry, designer lighting, blinds, multi-zone air conditioning systems, and garden landscaping. These upgrades add comfort and long-term value but should be carefully planned into the budget from the start.
Discuss your priorities: Westhouse Interiors helps clients decide where to invest for maximum impact and where it’s possible to save without sacrificing quality. Book a consultation with us to create a realistic, well-balanced budget that suits your goals.
Lets talk about your project. Book a free consultation now: https://www.westhouseinteriors.com/contact-8
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