Deputy minister's statement on housing situation in Poland sparks controversy
During a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee, Deputy Minister Jacek Tomczak outlined the key principles of the proposed zero-interest mortgage scheme. His remarks have sparked surprise among many, leaving numerous individuals stunned by the words.
The housing market situation in Poland is becoming increasingly challenging. Since 2020, Poles' creditworthiness has stagnated, while property prices per square metre have nearly doubled in many areas. As a result, a large number of people, particularly young individuals, find themselves unable to afford a home.
We have previously reported that Polish housing loans are the most expensive in Europe. Developers' profit margins are also among the highest, while social housing constitutes only a small fraction of the market. The zero-interest mortgage scheme, promoted by the Ministry of Development and Technology, is set to maintain this status quo, funnelling billions of taxpayers' money into the record profits of banks and developers.
Is the government intent on further driving up housing prices?
Despite criticism from economists and some coalition partners, the Ministry of Development and Technology appears unwilling to abandon a project that will likely contribute to further price increases. On 25 September, during a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee, Deputy Minister Jacek Tomczak sought to explain the government's stance. His remarks left many commentators stunned.
Deputy Minister Tomczak stated: "Poles invest in flats, among other things, to hedge against inflation, to invest their funds. They expect that the prices will not go down, and they will not lose money."
In doing so, the minister openly acknowledged that one of the government's key assumptions behind the "Kredyt na Start" programme is the continued rise in property prices. This, in turn, ensures profits for investors who purchase multiple flats without restrictions, further limiting access for individuals looking to buy a single home to live in.
Jacek Tomczak's words horrified commentators
Many online commentators expressed astonishment at Deputy Minister Tomczak's statement. A well-known stockbroker on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: "This statement is appalling. Shameful and disgraceful, it strips away any illusion that the government aims to help young people. Unbelievable."
Razem Party MP Daria Gosek-Popiołek wrote: "I don’t know, perhaps Minister Tomczak should just go ahead and officially set up a lobbying firm with his colleagues already." Meanwhile, Adrian Zandberg commented: "And this, dear colleagues, is the moment when the class nature of politics is revealed behind the façade of empty words and gestures."
Filip Łamański, from Obserwator Gospodarczy (Economic Observer), also weighed in: "Mr Jacek Tomczak, I’d like to invite you for an interview. I’d love to discuss your comments and your perspective on the housing market. I’m sure you would like to clarify a few things because this doesn’t look good. The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) will surely take an interest, and things could only get worse for you."
Other social media users also suggested that the CBA should investigate the "Kredyt na Start" project.
Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska of Polska 2050 also reacted to Tomczak's remarks, posting on X: "Housing should not be a tool for speculation and quick profits, but a space where people live, start families and develop. Politicians must understand that high prices and limited availability are robbing citizens of opportunities. That’s why we reject the zero-interest mortgage scheme. We want social and affordable housing!"
