Tomasz Zasacki | In Principle

A major new element has recently emerged in real estate transactions in Warsaw. As of March 2022, the City of Warsaw obtained a pre-emptive right to purchase all properties in the revitalisation area designated by Resolution LX/1967/2022 of the Warsaw City Council. This area includes almost all of the Praga Północ district and large parts of Praga Południe and Targówek.

Poland’s Forest Act significantly interferes with trading in forest land. This raises the question of which legal actions causing the transfer of ownership in forest land trigger a right of the State Treasury to acquire the land.

Restrictions resulting from the state of epidemic, as well as extensive changes in law coming into force overnight, require a fresh look at many issues, including such mundane issues as when administrative decisions become final.

The new Agricultural System Act of 5 August 2015 enters into force on 1 January 2016, superseding the act of 11 April 2003. Barring further amendments, from the New Year the Agricultural Property Agency will be vested with expanded pre-emptive rights and new rights to decide on whether agricultural establishments can be partitioned.

Is it cause for concern if, with the passage of time, construction documentation for buildings and other structures gets mislaid?

Most investors in Poland regard perpetual usufruct as equivalent, in practical terms, to freehold. There are many obvious similarities, but the special features of perpetual usufruct can make it an obstacle race for the unwary.

The limitations on acquisition of land by foreigners fell dramatically when Poland joined the EU, but acquisition of agricultural land still requires a permit and causes many practical problems.