In short
- On a PLN 600,000 apartment the loan difference is PLN 60,000.
- With 10% down, banks add low-down-payment insurance or a higher margin.
- The Family Housing Loan lets you buy with no down payment (BGK guarantee).
- Sometimes buying now with 10% beats waiting if prices rise faster than your savings.
Example: PLN 600,000 apartment, 30 years, 5.08%
- 20% down (PLN 120,000): loan PLN 480,000, payment approx. PLN 2,600
- 10% down (PLN 60,000): loan PLN 540,000, payment approx. PLN 2,925 + cost of insurance or higher margin
The difference is about PLN 325 a month and over PLN 115,000 of interest over the term.
When to choose 10%
When your income is stable and saving another 10% would take years — all that time you pay rent while prices may rise.
When to wait for 20%
When you're close and your capacity is borderline. A bigger down payment lowers the instalment and unlocks the best offers.
No down payment: Family Housing Loan
A BGK guarantee of up to 20% of the price (max PLN 100,000) replaces the down payment. It's open to foreigners with legal stay and PLN income, but banks treat residence statuses differently.