2026-06-03-莱坊-Poznań_city_attractiveness_and_office_market_Q1_2026_8页_844kb

Summary of The Strength of Cities: Poznań 2026

Core Content

Poznań is emerging as a key investment destination in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in 2026, demonstrating strong economic growth, a competitive office market, and a high quality of life for residents. The city is recognized in multiple prestigious rankings, including "City of the Year" in CEE Investment Awards 2025, "Investor-Friendly City" in Prime Property Prize 2025, and "Smart City" in the European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025. It is also the only Polish city listed in the "Forbes" ranking of the 20 best cities for Americans to live, invest and work in Europe.

Main Points

Economic and Investment Attractiveness

• GDP Growth: Poznań recorded a GDP growth of 12% in 2026.
• GDP per Capita: PLN 175,700 (as of 2026).
• Average Salary (Gross): PLN 10,346.99 in the business sector.
• Unemployment Rate: 1.5% (as of 2026).
• Investment Incentives: Poznań offers a range of incentives to attract investors, including a dedicated Project Manager, employer branding initiatives, promotion at international real estate events, and support for real estate investors in negotiations with local authorities and city companies.

Office Market Overview

• Total Office Stock: 673,000 sq m at the end of Q1 2026.
• Supply Under Construction: 78,000 sq m, with 12,000 sq m expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
• Vacancy Rate: 13.8% at the end of Q1 2026, slightly down from 13.9% in 2025.
• Take-Up: 5,700 sq m in Q1 2026, representing a 72% quarter-on-quarter decline and a 60% year-on-year decline.
• Take-Up Structure:
  • New Leases: 74%
  • Expansions: 21%
  • Renegotiations: 3.7%
  • Owner Occupier: 1%
• Sector Breakdown:
  • Manufacturing: 24%
  • Banking and Financial: 12%
  • Public Sector: 12%

Rents and Service Charges

• Headline Rents: EUR 11.50–16.00 per sq m per month, with higher rates in prestigious buildings.
• Service Charges: PLN 17.00–29.00 per sq m per month, depending on building standard and services.

Quality of Life

• Green Areas: 128.3 sq km.
• Bike Paths: 351 km.
• Cultural Life: Poznań hosts numerous festivals, 40 art galleries, 30 museums, 13 cinemas, and a philharmonic.
• Culinary Capital: Over 500 restaurants and bars offering global cuisine.
• Leisure Opportunities: Aqua park, ice rinks, artificial ski slope, climbing walls, bowling alleys, lakes, swimming pools, city beaches, 10 sports stadiums, over 500 playgrounds, zoo, and palm house.
• Public Transport: Modernised and green initiatives, including electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Quality of Life Rankings: Poznań is ranked highly in the ABSL ranking for general quality of life and is considered a smart city with over 300,000 inhabitants.

Education and Workforce

• Number of Students: 100,500.
• Number of Graduates: 24,000 annually.
• Number of Universities: 24.
• Talent Pool: Poznań is attracting top employers and is a hub for the IT and business services sectors, with companies like ROCKWOOL Global Services Center, SOFTSWISS, and Miele expanding operations.
• Employer Branding: Initiatives include press conferences, media distribution, and online presence through www.poznan.pl.
• Pozitive Technologies Conference: Aims to attract top employers and build a strong IT community.

Infrastructure and Transportation

• Airport: Located 7 km from the city centre, with 4,144,829 passengers in 2025.
• Business Services Sector (BSS):
  • Number of Centres: 168.
  • Number of Employed: 31,500.

Investment Trends

• Scale of Projects: Investments are increasing in size, with projects involving several hundred employees becoming common, and some targeting headcounts in the thousands.
• Key Sectors:
  • Business Services and Technology: Poland is the leading destination for German investment in CEE, with a 56% share among respondents.
  • Manufacturing and Logistics: Nearshoring is gaining traction, with companies reconfiguring supply chains due to geopolitical risks and operational disruptions.
  • Defence and Dual-Use Technologies: A structural shift is occurring, with companies in automation, electronics, and advanced materials exploring entry into defence supply chains.

Key Information

• Poznań is experiencing a revival in investment activity, with a growing focus on larger, longer-term commitments.
• The city's office market remains tight, with vacancy rates lower than most other Polish cities.
• The quality of life in Poznań is supported by green initiatives, modern transport, and a rich cultural and educational environment.
• The city is actively promoting itself as a smart and investor-friendly location, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
• The rise of nearshoring and the strategic importance of dual-use technologies are driving significant growth in manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Conclusion

Poznań is becoming a pivotal city for investment in CEE, driven by its strong economic performance, attractive office market, and high quality of life. The city's strategic initiatives and growing focus on technology, sustainability, and workforce development position it as a key player in the region's economic landscape.