Refugees, rates and record inflation: How Poland's housing market is under unprecedented pressure

When refugees began pouring out of Ukraine, neighbouring Poland was overwhelmingly supportive, opening its door and hearts to those fleeing war.

Volunteers from across the country mobilised to provide emergency shelter, helping to ease overcrowding at border camps.

But more than three months since Russia's invasion, strains are beginning to show.

The influx of refugees wanting temporary accommodation and a rise in interest rates have sparked fears of housing shortages.

The interest rate hike means it's harder for young Poles to secure mortgage credit and get on the housing ladder.

That has put more pressure on the rental market, already under pressure from the Ukrainian refugees arriving since 24 February.

'Landlords sometimes hang up upon hearing a foreign accent'

Social activist Jarmiła Rybicka said the situation for Ukrainians was “really tragic.” 

“The flats on the market that do not disappear immediately almost always refuse to accept Ukrainians," she told Euronews.

"I myself often call to ask about offers on their behalf, because an accent makes some landlords hang up the phone.

"People from outside Europe who studied or worked in Ukraine have an even harder time."

Warsaw estate agent Michał Możarowski said many Ukrainians he has worked with -- unsure about when the war will end -- do not want to commit to staying in Poland long-term.

“Landlords prefer a year-long lease, and no one knows how long the war will continue. This means Ukrainians are not the preferred tenants.”

READ MORE: EURO NEWS