Wroclaw

Country

Population

674,132

Renting

3 Things...

1. Wroclaw is home to the famous Wroclaw Dwarfs, a series of over 400 small bronze statues scattered throughout the city. Initially created as a symbol of the Orange Alternative movement against communism, these whimsical figures have become a beloved tourist attraction. 2. The city is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and modern styles. Notably, the Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Max Berg and opened in 1913. 3. Wroclaw has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music festivals. One of the most famous events is the Wroclaw Contemporary Museum, which showcases contemporary art and hosts various exhibitions and cultural activities throughout the year.

Events

PLEA 2024 Conference

URBACT City Festival 2025

Unlisted Orgs

Population (AI)

640,000

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Last edited

Sep 30, 2024 6:49 PM

Category

Local programs

Housing Market

The housing market in Wroclaw, Poland, is characterized by a significant shortage of affordable housing, leading to a housing crisis. The city faces high demand and limited supply, exacerbated by the influx of refugees from Ukraine, which has driven up rental prices. In Wroclaw, 31% of the population rents their homes, while 69% own them, reflecting the broader European trend where owning is more common than renting. The crisis is marked by rising transaction prices for newly built properties and double-digit annual increases in rent prices. The government's efforts to address the crisis have been insufficient, with a state-led homebuilding program launched in 2016 failing to meet its targets, resulting in only 15% of the promised 100,000 new homes being built. To support affordable housing, there is a growing call for a public housing program and more effective measures to combat "pathological development" practices that prioritize small, poorly designed apartments over sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

Further Actors?

Cooperatives

Housing cooperatives in Wroclaw, Poland, play a significant role in providing affordable housing and promoting community-driven, sustainable living. The Wroclaw Housing Cooperative, established in 1946, was divided into five smaller cooperatives after 1989, including the Housing Cooperative Wrocław South (HCWS). HCWS manages 102 buildings and nearly 11,000 apartments, housing approximately 30,000 residents. In recent years, no new housing cooperatives have emerged in the city. However, existing cooperatives like HCWS have undertaken innovative projects. For example, HCWS developed the Wroclaw Solar Power Plant (WSPP), the largest rooftop photovoltaic system in Poland, which generates almost 0.75 MW of electricity and saves 614 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The city supports cooperative housing through initiatives like the WSPP, which was developed using a co-creation strategy involving residents. This approach aligns with the values of inclusivity and environmental awareness promoted by the New European Bauhaus.