As of January 3, 2022, Polish law allows for the construction of houses up to 70 m² without the need for a building permit. This new regulation significantly reduces the bureaucratic hurdles and offers a streamlined process for those dreaming of building their own home. This article will explain the conditions that need to be met for constructing such a house, provide a breakdown of associated costs, and outline the necessary legal steps.
Who Can Build a House Without a Permit?
According to the 2022 regulations, any individual can build a house up to 70 m² without a building permit. The house can serve as either a residential or recreational property, and there are no requirements for appointing a construction supervisor or maintaining a construction log. However, the house must be intended for personal use, meaning it should meet the needs of the builder and their family rather than be used for commercial purposes.
Requirements for Building a House Without a Permit
There are specific requirements that must be met for a house to qualify for construction without a permit:
- Purpose of the building: The house must be either for residential or recreational use. Residential homes can have up to two floors, and recreational homes must be single-story with a maximum span of 6 meters for construction elements and 2 meters for overhangs.
- Plot size: The law allows the construction of one such house for every 500 m² of land. Therefore, if you have a 1000 m² plot, you can build two separate recreational homes without a permit.
- Design limits: The house must fit entirely on the plot of land it is being built on and cannot exceed two stories, though a house with an attic is allowed.
Costs of Building a 70 m² House Without a Permit
The cost of building a 70 m² house can vary significantly based on the materials used, the construction method, and the desired finish. Here is a rough breakdown of costs for different types of houses:
- Log house (shell stage): Approx. 80,000 PLN.
- Wooden house (shell stage): Approx. 130,000 PLN.
- Modular house (developer finish): Approx. 350,000–400,000 PLN.
- Timber-frame house (fully finished and furnished): Approx. 250,000–350,000 PLN.
These prices are subject to variation depending on the region, chosen materials, and design complexity. Additionally, there are free house designs available through the General Office of Construction Supervision, which can help reduce initial costs.
Legal Procedures for Building a House Without a Permit
Although no building permit is required, there are still some administrative steps to follow:
- Submit a notification: You need to submit a notification to the local architectural and construction authority, including a building design. This serves as a formal announcement of your intent to build.
- Documents to provide: Along with the notification, you must include:
- A statement of responsibility for managing the construction (if no supervisor is appointed).
- A declaration of completeness of the attached documents.
- A statement that the house is for personal residential use, filed under penalty of law.
- Commence construction: Once your notification is submitted, you must inform the local building inspectorate of the planned start date of the construction. No additional permits or documentation are needed beyond this point.
Building a House Larger Than 70 m² Without a Permit (2023 Updates)
Recent legislative changes have further simplified the process for building houses larger than 70 m² without a permit. As of August 2023, new regulations will allow for the construction of larger properties under the following conditions:
- The building must be freestanding and have no more than two floors.
- It must be built to meet the owner’s personal housing needs, and its impact must be fully contained within the plot it occupies.
While a building permit is no longer required, a construction supervisor must be appointed, and a construction log must be maintained for larger homes.
Can These Homes Be Sold or Rented?
Yes, homes built without a permit can be sold or rented in the future. The primary restriction is that the new regulations are not intended for developers building homes for commercial purposes. The goal is to simplify home construction for individuals looking to meet their own housing needs, but these homes remain regular properties once built, with no restrictions on future transactions.
If you need assistance with purchasing a plot for construction, contact the Move to Poland agency. We offer the help of a real estate agent in Poland as well as legal services.
Conclusion
Building a house up to 70 m² in Poland without a permit is an excellent opportunity for those looking to simplify the construction process and save on administrative costs. With the right design and materials, the total cost of construction can be significantly reduced. However, it’s essential to follow the proper procedures and ensure that your house meets all the legal requirements to avoid potential issues in the future. Additionally, with the changes in 2023, larger houses may also benefit from a streamlined process, making this an even more attractive option for prospective homeowners.
