# Poland Debates Potential Shift to Property Value-Based Taxation New Left party pushes for tax reform to replace current square-meter calculations. - **Source:** [Polsat News](https://www.polsatnews.pl) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bfbdac08-230c-4bfe-aad2-e1ed35440246 ## Legislative Proposal Status Anna Maria Żukowska, chair of the New Left parliamentary club, confirmed that a proposal regarding property taxation is currently pending in committee. She expressed optimism that the legislation will be voted upon before the end of the current parliamentary term, despite the project currently awaiting potential integration with broader government initiatives. ## Defining the Tax Reform The proposed measure is colloquially referred to as a cadastral tax, though Żukowska clarifies it is technically a shift from square-meter-based taxation to a value-based system. Poland currently lacks a comprehensive national registry of property values, which distinguishes the proposed mechanism from established systems found in countries like Germany. ## Overcoming Political Hesitation Żukowska attributes the long-standing reluctance to address this tax to an irrational fear surrounding the term 'cadastral tax.' She noted that political discourse has historically avoided the topic due to concerns about public perception, despite the fact that the proposed changes would remain neutral for the vast majority of Polish citizens. ## Economic Investment Strategy The proposal aims to discourage the practice of treating real estate as 'concrete gold' for long-term capital storage. By reducing the attractiveness of real estate as a primary investment vehicle, the New Left hopes to redirect private capital toward more dynamic sectors of the economy, such as stock markets and local startups. ## Market Impact Expectations The legislator suggested that shifting investment patterns could contribute to stabilizing or lowering housing prices. As fewer individuals purchase properties solely for speculative holding, the market may see a shift in demand. This transition is intended to foster broader economic growth rather than relying heavily on the construction sector alone. ## Public Communication Challenges Addressing the public's concerns remains a central hurdle for the proponents of this tax reform. Żukowska emphasized that the government must clearly explain the mechanics of the change to mitigate fears. She acknowledged that if the proposal were not politically sensitive, it would have already been introduced as a standard government project. ## Context of Housing Prices The debate occurs against a backdrop of rising housing costs across all Polish provinces. These price pressures have made the accessibility of residential property a significant social issue. Policymakers are now evaluating whether tax adjustments can serve as a tool to influence market behavior and improve overall housing affordability for citizens. ## Future Policy Outlook While the project is currently stalled in committee, the commitment to bring it to a vote remains firm. The outcome will depend on whether the government decides to incorporate these changes into a wider legislative package. Observers should monitor upcoming committee sessions for signs of alignment between the New Left and government. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.polsatnews.pl/graffiti/2026-11-12/wprowadza-nowy-podatek-zukowska-przez-lata-slyszalam-boze-nie-mozna-tego-ruszac/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._