A map created by the House4All ESPON project went viral on X in early October. This EU-funded programme aims to optimise EU policies through scientific research. The map illustrates the percentage of monthly income that EU citizens must allocate to rent a 100-square-metre flat.

The map was shared on X by sociologist and activist Jan Śpiewak, who commented: "Poland ranks the worst in the entire EU. Thirty-five years of political favouritism towards property developers and banks have resulted in Poles living in overcrowded, poorly designed flats while paying exorbitant prices. It's time to break the stranglehold of the property developer-bank cartel!"

The map of the EU is primarily shaded in green and yellow, signifying that renting a 100-square-metre flat consumes between 40% and 60% of an average resident’s income. Poland, however, stands out in maroon and violet, illustrating that such a rental would require the combined monthly salary of two people.

It is important to note that the data presented on the map is based on rental advertisements. Many commenters highlighted that renting a flat of such a large size is uncommon in Poland, which also reflects the state of our housing market and the compromises people make due to soaring property and rental prices. It’s not a matter of national preference for cramped living conditions.

Several commentators rightly pointed out that the percentage of people living in owned homes in Poland is higher than the European average. In Poland, over 80% of people live in their own flat or house, compared to less than 70% across the EU.

Interestingly, Germany has the lowest percentage of homeowners, with just 52%. Do our western neighbours prefer to rent for life? Not necessarily. Many Germans live in long-term, city- or municipality-owned rental properties, including 100-square-metre flats. As a result, they don’t need to leave 50% of their property's value in the bank to secure ownership.