Is this really the key to your own home?
The government has announced a new program, “First Keys,” aimed at helping people without their own homes to purchase real estate. But will this really be a breakthrough for buyers, or just a pre-election promise with no real backing? Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far.
What do we know about the “First Keys” program?
At this stage, we rely mainly on the statements from the Minister of Development and Technology and government announcements, as no official draft legislation has been presented yet. However, the program is divided into three pillars:
- Key to Housing – support for social and municipal housing.
- First Keys Investments – support for social investors.
- First Keys – support for private homeownership.
For those looking to buy a home for themselves, the last point is the most crucial. It covers the purchase of homes and apartments exclusively on the secondary market, which must:
- have been in use for at least 5 years, and the current owner must have possessed it for at least 3 years,
- meet statutory income criteria (details are still unknown but are expected to be based on the “Credit for Start” framework),
- include subsidies for mortgage payments, though specifics are yet to be revealed.
What is the “First Keys” program and who can benefit from it?
The “First Keys” program is intended for people who:
✔️ Do not own and have never owned a home or apartment.
✔️ Meet certain income criteria (still unknown, but likely based on the previously proposed “Credit for Start” program).
✔️ Want to purchase a home only on the secondary market – the property must be at least 5 years old and have been owned by the seller for a minimum of 3 years.
This means that…
• You won’t be able to buy a new apartment from a developer.
• If you were planning to build your own home, you’ll need to wait for further details.
• The program will not include people who already own property, even if they want to move to a larger place.
Price per square meter limits – help or restriction?
One of the key elements of the program is the price limit per 1 m²:
✅ 10,000 PLN/m² – in most areas.
✅ 11,000 PLN/m² – in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Poznań, and Wrocław.
✅ Municipalities will be able to set their own price limits.
What does this mean for buyers?
🔹 In smaller cities where prices are below 10,000 PLN/m², the program may genuinely help.
🔹 In major urban areas, where market prices exceed these limits, finding an eligible apartment may be difficult.
🔹 Allowing municipalities to set their own limits may lead to regional disparities in access to the program.
📌 For comparison – average market prices in early 2025:
🏙 Warsaw – approx. 16,500 PLN/m²
🏙 Kraków – approx. 14,000 PLN/m²
🏙 Gdańsk – approx. 13,500 PLN/m²
🏙 Poznań – approx. 12,000 PLN/m²
🏙 Łódź – approx. 9,500 PLN/m²
What about mortgage payment subsidies?
The Minister of Development, Krzysztof Paszyk, confirmed that the program will include subsidies for mortgage payments. However, no details have been provided yet, and they are likely to be modeled on the “Credit for Start” program, which… never actually came into effect.
📌 Can we trust these promises?
The government has promised subsidies before, which never materialized. This raises the question: is “First Keys” real assistance, or just a political maneuver?
Should you wait for “First Keys” or act now?
Given that no law has been finalized and key details remain unclear, the program may take months or longer to launch.
✔️ If you are considering purchasing on the secondary market and are counting on subsidies – it’s worth monitoring developments.
✔️ If you are looking for a new-build home – this program won’t help.
✔️ If you’re ready to buy now, waiting might mean paying more as property prices continue to rise.
Summary: Opportunity or Political Marketing?
✅ Program Benefits:
✔️ Possibility of receiving mortgage payment subsidies.
✔️ Support for individuals who have never owned a home.
✔️ Theoretically lower prices on the secondary market.
⚠️ Risks and Drawbacks:
❌ High price limits may exclude major cities.
❌ Lack of details and uncertainty about whether the program will actually be implemented.
❌ Focus solely on the secondary market.
If you are planning to buy a property soon, waiting for this program may not be the best strategy—especially since housing prices are still unstable. However, if you meet the criteria and have time to decide, it’s worth monitoring the situation, but… with a healthy dose of caution.