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The largest and most popular fair in the region took place on 3 and 4 October in MTS Hall at Struga Street.   As every year, it attracted a large number of both suppliers and guests.  Developers, construction companies, real estate agencies, advisors and banks presented their offer. During the two-day event, the interested in purchase, sale, exchange and investment on the housing market could study current prices, trends and projections for the coming year. A conference „Economic conditions of real estate market development” accompanied the fair.

Easier access to loans

Good news for buyers: banks start to recuperate after the crisis. No so long ago most loan applications were rejected. Loans that funded the entire value of real estate practically vanished from the market. Today, symptom of a positive change can be observed. The number of promotions and whole mortgage loans has been growing.

„Most banks are today more interested in granting a loan than six months ago”, says Marek Mejerowicz, a financial advisor. „The trend has changed, though.  Some time ago, clients were the ones to select the bank whose loan they were interested in. Now, banks are the ones to select those qualifying for a loan from among their clients.

Despite improvement on the finance market, banks remain prudent. In many cases, presenting a job contract is not enough to be accepted as a debtor. Financial institutions frequently check our employers. If they fail to timely pay tax or social security liabilities, or face other problems, we may be denied a loan.

Cheaper than a developer

„Only two years ago, the very successful real estate market was governed by the seller”, says Przemysław Wojnarowski, Vice Chairman of Institute of Economic Analyses, Diagnoses and Forecasts. “Now, the story has changed. The offer is large, with competitive prices. From client’s viewpoint, it is a very positive symptom. Purchasing a new apartment is more cost effective than a second-hand one.
Market consolidation has been growing.  Market sharks take over, complete and sell investments commenced by small businesses, which were looking for easy profit in Pomerania, but have failed to survive the slowdown. Therefore, prices fall.  A year ago, some people had to pay as much as PLN 7,000 per square meter of a core and shell apartment. Now, the lowest prices amount to PLN 2.5 thousand. Paying PLN 6.5 thousand per square meter, one can get a turnkey offer, with tailor made tiles or walls.

A house with a gift

In order to attract buyers, developers do their best to attach an attractive and unusual gift to their offer. When buying an apartment at the seashore, one can get a Harley motorcycle or a good car. To make clients believe that Osiedle Pionierów is an attractive place to live in, a developer is organizing events and sightseeing balloon tours.

Buying a plot we can get another free of charge; a developer may provide an apartment with free fixtures in order to make us buy it.

Commercial means empty and cheap.

The commercial market is still asleep, not meaning, though, that people do not rent places. Traditionally, commercial premises are most sought for. Banks and financial institutions are the second most numerous clients. Office seekers go third.
„Good locations at the most frequented roads and for a reasonable price are the most looked for”, says Wojnarowski. „Since economy has sunk, entrepreneurs are cutting costs – mainly those of premises and employees.  Therefore, prices of commercial property have decreased.

Not so long ago, in Szczecin downtown one had to pay at least PLN 150 per square meter of office space. Now, the prices range from PLN 60 to PLN 120. Those interested in renting space e.g. at Aleja Wojska Polskiego will pay PLN 80.
The fair has been organized by M-Expo with Institute of Economic Analyses, Diagnoses and Forecasts.

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