Poland is strengthening its position as one of the most compelling destinations for institutional real estate capital in Europe – this was the clear message echoed at MIPIM 2026 in Cannes. According to experts from Capital Markets at AXI IMMO, an established Polish advisory firm on the commercial real estate market, investor confidence in the Polish market is not only returning but accelerating.
Strong optimism among international investors
Grzegorz Chmielak, Head of Valuation & Advisory and Capital Markets, AXI IMMO, related: “During MIPIM in Cannes, Poland was perceived as a market actively attracting investors – we are seeing a new wave of optimism. There is a strong conviction that it is worth investing in Poland. Moreover, the geopolitical situation has for some time now been seen as the new ‘normal’ in which all market participants must operate. Alongside active investors from the CEE region, including the Baltic States, and investors from France, core capital is slowly reawakening, signalling readiness for acquisitions in the second half of 2026.”
Warehouse sector remains the star performer
Joanna Lewandowska, Associate Director, Capital Markets, AXI IMMO, pointed out: “If we look at the warehouse market in Poland, investor demand is strongly focused on long-term leases, especially where a single tenant secures the property under a long commitment. Demand for long single-tenant leases remains exceptionally strong. The warehouse sector continues to be the most competitive part of the Polish market. Long-term, single-tenant assets are unquestionably the most sought-after, prime products today. In this subsector, such assets clearly offer the most attractive returns, making them the most desirable option for investors at this moment”.
New tenant demand may arise from sectors requiring additional space due to shifting geopolitical conditions.
Inflation, financing costs and global uncertainty
Joanna Lewandowska commented: “While inflationary pressures remain a concern – particularly in relation to fuel, fertilisers – the broader European market may experience the indirect effects primarily. There is a new wave of uncertainty, but Europe may feel a secondary impact. Still, an inflationary shock remains a real risk”.
Banks hold liquidity – and a willingness to finance
Representatives of the financial sector clearly emphasised their readiness to finance various asset types. Banks currently hold excess liquidity and consistently want to finance high-quality properties.
A wider market recalibration observed at MIPIM 2026
Conversations across the Le Palais des Festivals were more focused and selective than in previous cycles – a clear sign that capital is returning, but with higher expectations and sharper filters. Another clear trend was the rise of private credit. With traditional lenders still cautious, debt funds and structured-capital providers are increasingly filling financing gaps, particularly in Germany but also gradually across Europe and in Poland.
The cities, regions and companies that came to Cannes showcased the depth and potential of the Polish market brilliantly. It was one of the strongest representations Poland has ever had at MIPIM.
Grzegorz Chmielak concluded: “Poland is well positioned for the next cycle. And the conversations we had in Cannes only reinforce that view”.
