Wroclaw

1. Wrocław is home to over 300 gnomes scattered throughout the city, which are quirky sculptures that have become a beloved symbol of the city. They represent a peaceful protest against the communist regime in the 1980s and have since turned into a fun scavenger hunt for both locals and tourists. 2. The city has a rich history of cultural diversity, having been influenced by various nations and cultures, including Polish, German, Czech, and Jewish. This blend is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and annual cultural events. 3. Wrocław is known for its beautiful and extensive botanical gardens, including the Wrocław Botanical Garden, which is one of the oldest in Poland, established in 1811. The garden features a wide variety of plant species, picturesque landscapes, and a serene atmosphere, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Wrocław, Poland's fourth-largest city, has a dynamic housing market with 893,506 residents as of December 2022. The city has approximately 330,000 housing units, with a significant portion being apartments. The rental market in Wrocław is growing, although the percentage of renters remains relatively low compared to other European cities. About 4.2% of residents rent their homes at market rates, while the majority are homeowners. The average daily rate for short-term rentals is €66, with a typical annual revenue of €13,000 for Airbnb hosts. For long-term rentals, the median price per square meter is around €12-13 per month. The median price to buy an apartment is approximately €2,500-3,000 per square meter, varying by location and property type. Public and social housing play a minor role in Wrocław's housing market. Cooperative housing, once significant, now accounts for about 17% of the housing stock. However, less than 3% of new dwellings are built by cooperatives, indicating a decline in this sector. The city is experiencing growth in its housing market, with over 30,000 square meters of new office space delivered in the first half of 2023, and more than 150,000 square meters under construction for 2023-2024.

The city administration of Wrocław is actively addressing housing challenges through various initiatives. The city has been cooperating with the National Real Estate Reserve to develop more affordable housing options and support communal housing development. This partnership aims to implement joint residential investments in Wrocław. Wrocław has also been part of the H2020 GrowGreen project, which focused on renovating courtyards and creating green spaces to improve living conditions. The project included seven renovated courtyards and a green street, incorporating nature-based solutions to address flooding and heat stress issues. The city has seen a significant increase in available housing units, with the number doubling to 8,700 by September 2024. This expansion in housing supply could potentially lead to more affordable options for residents. While specific targets for affordable housing are not mentioned, the city's efforts suggest a commitment to increasing housing accessibility. Wrocław is also developing a strategy for nature-based solutions as part of its climate change adaptation plan, which could contribute to more sustainable housing development. The city administration engages citizens in designing nature-based solutions and housing projects, ensuring that developments meet residents' needs. Additionally, Wrocław has been involved in neighborhood rehabilitation programs, such as the Nadodrze project, which aims to revitalize urban areas and improve housing conditions.

Housing cooperatives play a significant role in Wroclaw, Poland. One of the largest is the Housing Cooperative Wrocław South, which manages 102 buildings and nearly 11,000 apartments, housing approximately 30,000 residents. This cooperative operates under the Polish Housing Cooperatives Act and has a history dating back to 1946. The city of Wroclaw has actively promoted cooperative housing through initiatives like the Nowe Żerniki project. This model housing estate, developed in collaboration with local architects, aims to address housing problems and improve spatial quality. The city provided support by offering land, infrastructure, and assistance with financing to make the project more credible to banks. A notable example within Nowe Żerniki is the Multigenerational Social House, which combines housing for the elderly, young families, and includes a nursery school. This project showcases the city's efforts to create integrated, sustainable communities. Wroclaw has also supported self-build housing cooperatives by providing land through public tenders and offering contract templates. The city emphasizes affordable housing and encourages long-term residency by implementing policies such as five-year prohibitions on selling cooperative apartments for profit. Additionally, Wroclaw promotes sustainability in housing, as evidenced by the Wroclaw Solar Power Plant project run by the Housing Cooperative Wrocław South, which is the largest rooftop photovoltaic system in Poland.