Invest in student property in Łódź: a rapidly growing student city with low entry prices, rising rental demand, high occupancy rates and attractive, stable return potential.

Student real estate in Łódź (Poland): why this emerging student city is attractive for investors

Łódź: from industrial past to academic future

Łódź, Poland’s third-largest city, has been undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once known mainly for its textile and industrial heritage, it is now rebranding itself as a creative, tech-oriented and academic centre.

A strong university base, an active cultural scene and relatively low living costs make Łódź highly appealing to both Polish and international students. This rising demand for quality student accommodation creates clear opportunities for real estate investors.

A large and growing student population

Łódź hosts several important higher education institutions, including:

University of Łódź (Uniwersytet Łódzki)
Lodz University of Technology (Politechnika Łódzka)
Medical University of Łódź
Private colleges and business schools

Together, they attract tens of thousands of students. The share of international students is increasing year after year, driven by Erasmus exchanges and an expanding range of English-taught programmes. These students typically look for modern, comfortable and well-located housing rather than basic, outdated dormitories.

For investors, this means a stable, recurring demand for high-quality student studios and shared apartments in good locations.

Key reasons student housing in Łódź appeals to investors

Attractive purchase prices compared to Western Europe

Purchase prices in Łódź are significantly lower than in well-known student cities across Western Europe. This lower entry price:

reduces the capital needed to start investing
makes it easier to diversify across several units or buildings
offers potential for medium- to long-term capital appreciation

While entry prices remain relatively affordable, rents and occupancy rates have shown an upward trend. This combination can lead to a favourable balance between investment outlay and rental income.

Strong occupancy and structural demand

Every academic year, demand for student accommodation resets with new intakes. In Łódź, the supply of modern, well-managed student housing still lags behind actual needs:

Many older student residences are outdated and in need of renovation
Students and parents increasingly favour safety, comfort and location
International students often look for “plug-and-play” solutions (fully furnished, all-inclusive)

As a result, good-quality student rooms and studios in desirable locations tend to achieve very high occupancy rates, reducing the risk of vacancy.

Potential for attractive yields

Because of the mix of:

comparatively low acquisition costs
rising rental levels
steady and predictable demand

gross yields in Łódź can outperform those in many mature Western European markets. With professional management and a clear positioning in the mid- to upper student segment, student housing can become a strong, income-generating component of an international property portfolio.

What investors should pay attention to in Łódź

Location: proximity to campuses and transport

Location is especially crucial in the student housing segment. When evaluating opportunities, consider:

Walking or cycling distance to main university campuses
Access to tram, bus and train lines
Presence of shops, bars, restaurants and sports facilities
Safety and reputation of the neighbourhood

Central districts and areas close to university buildings are the most sought-after. Paying a bit more for a prime location is often compensated by higher demand and stronger rental levels.

Property type, quality and amenities

Today’s students expect more than a basic room. Features that add value include:

Private bathroom and kitchenette (for studios)
Reliable high-speed internet and good sound insulation
Shared facilities such as study areas, lounges or fitness rooms in larger projects
Strong security (controlled access, CCTV, fire safety systems)

Properties that meet these standards can position themselves at the higher end of the student market, with correspondingly higher achievable rents.

Professional management and local know-how

Investing in Łódź from abroad requires local expertise:

Understanding of Polish tenancy and housing regulations
Knowledge of what Polish and international students are looking for
Insight into realistic rent levels per neighbourhood and property type

That is why many foreign investors choose to work with:

local property management companies
agencies specialised in student lettings
or developers offering turnkey, fully managed student residences

This allows the investor to delegate day-to-day operations (marketing, tenant selection, maintenance, administration) and keep the investment relatively hands-off.

Outlook for the student housing market in Łódź

Economic growth and urban redevelopment

Łódź’s economic development is closely linked to its property market. The city has been investing heavily in:

renovation of historic industrial buildings and residential areas
improved transport and public infrastructure
creative, tech and business districts

A more attractive, modern city naturally draws in more students, young professionals and companies, strengthening the demand for urban housing, including student accommodation.

Demographics and the internationalisation of education

Despite broader demographic challenges in Europe, university cities often perform well because they:

concentrate higher education and research institutions
benefit from international exchange and mobility programmes
attract students who prefer affordable, well-connected cities

Łódź is actively expanding its range of international programmes and partnerships. This is likely to sustain growth in the number of foreign students, supporting long-term demand for modern, well-managed student housing.

Why Łódź deserves a place on investors’ shortlists

Student real estate in Łódź brings together several favourable elements:

a large and increasingly international student base
competitive acquisition prices compared to Western Europe
consistent demand for safe, comfortable and centrally located housing
the prospect of attractive yields with limited vacancy risk

For investors looking to diversify geographically and tap into the education-driven rental market, Łódź offers a compelling proposition. With careful location selection, a strong product in terms of quality and amenities, and reliable local management, student housing in this emerging Polish student city can become a resilient and profitable long-term investment.