The so-called "patho-development" problem, i.e. selling notoriously small, often poorly-constructed apartments for exorbitant amounts of money, affects both those looking for a flat to rent and those planning to buy their own flat.

According to the National Bank of Poland's 2023 "Report on the Situation on the Residential and Commercial Real Estate Market in Poland," a majority of flats in Poland are purchased by companies and investors who already own at least one flat. Only 30% of buyers purchase a property for personal use.

The rental property market fares no better. Landlords demand unreasonable prices for substandard accommodations, often labelling these cramped spaces as "micro-apartments." It’s worth noting that these so-called "flats" frequently fail to meet legal requirements, which stipulate a minimum floor area of 25 square meters. Meanwhile, both private individuals and companies offer tenants 13-square-meter "bedsits," suggesting they store excess belongings elsewhere, such as with their parents.

However, this represents merely the tip of the iceberg regarding housing issues. When it comes to renting out individual rooms within a larger flat, the law does not afford citizens the same protections as it theoretically does for bedsits. Consequently, we encounter peculiar concepts like three-meter rooms or spaces within a flat divided into 25 mini-flats.

While it is indeed possible to purchase or rent a flat without feeling financially shackled for a million years, the reality is more complex. Lower property prices tend to prevail in smaller cities, which, unfortunately, may not appeal to everyone yearning for their own space. Additionally, the so-called commuter towns—small communities near major urban centres—have also experienced a sharp increase in property costs.

Among Poland’s most expensive cities, Warsaw stands out. The capital's average price per square meter hovers around PLN 16,000 (€3,700). Of course, this figure varies based on location and additional amenities (such as gated communities). The highest property prices are typically associated with flats in the city centre and those with excellent access to public transportation.

Recently, an online advertisement caught the attention of Internet users. The owner listed a one-room flat in Ursynów, Warsaw, for PLN 210,000. While this price might not seem outrageous initially, consider that the bedsit measures a mere 10 square meters. Consequently, the price per square meter significantly exceeds the Warsaw average, sparking both curiosity and debate.

The advertisement for this bedsit provides only a visualisation, and what it reveals is both intriguing and alarming. Within the limited confines of this space, one can discern a sofa, a wardrobe, a small desk, a table with a TV, and a bathroom so minuscule it borders on the absurd. Additionally, there’s an ambiguous representation of what might pass for a kitchenette—a double sink and a sliver of countertop, perhaps intended to serve as a mini fridge. Notably absent are any signs of an induction hob or gas stove.

Internet users have not held back in their commentary:

• "The simplest projection measures a mere 3.16 meters by 3.16 meters. This doesn’t even meet the standards of a dog pen," writes one observer.
• Another user humorously remarks, "I believe my rabbit enjoys more space, considering its weight and dimensions."
• A wry commenter quips, "So much space! I’d still divide it in two."
• And finally, someone finds a silver lining: "If you happen to stumble in the shower, fear not—you’ll land right on the sofa."