Does buying a property from an investment fund sound like a complex operation? Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a rapidly growing trend that offers buyers turnkey, prime-located, and legally sound properties with a proven rental track record. But why are the big players choosing to sell, and is there a catch? We separate fact from fiction and dispel the most common buyer doubts.
Why buying from a PRS investor is a smart move?
Opting for a property from an institutional portfolio primarily means saving time and minimizing risk. PRS investors allocate capital exclusively in meticulously vetted projects. This means someone else has already done the complex analytical work for you - evaluating the developer, assessing the location's potential, and optimizing the floor plans. Here are 8 key reasons to consider buying a PRS unit:
1. Location, location, location... the 3 L's of real estate
Funds invest in projects that speak for themselves, driven first and foremost by prime locations. A great location isn’t just about lifestyle convenience; it’s the bedrock of stable rental demand and long-term asset value.
2. Vetted landlords and developers
Acquisitions are backed by rigorous due diligence, ensuring the projects entering a fund’s portfolio come from reputable, verified developers - spanning both the premium and mid-market segments. Simply put: someone has already made sure the product delivers.
"Van der Vorm selects its local partners through joint ventures with well-established developers in the Polish market, with a strong focus on prime locations and a keen eye for detail in the fit-out of each project. From our perspective, this approach allows us to combine local expertise with a long-term investment vision, ensuring that each development not only meets high quality standards at the point of delivery, but continues to perform well over time. We place great emphasis on livability and quality in execution, delivering homes that buyers can truly trust and feel comfortable in" - Margarethe van der Vorm, Acting CEO and Director International Investments
"Our offering includes both recognizable premium developments - such as Tower D at 49 Grzybowska Street, delivered by Marvipol - as well as apartments from a more accessible segment, yet always located in carefully selected, well-connected parts of the city. All these projects come from the portfolios of reputable developers, such as Spravia and Dantex, and have been previously subjected to a detailed analysis in terms of quality, location, and investment potential" - Joanna Olszewska, Head of Privatisation and Letting
3. Turnkey and ready to yield
These apartments are fully finished and ready for immediate occupation or rental. This means no additional capital expenditure, no delays, no renovations, and no disruptive construction noise for the next six months to scare off potential tenants.
4. Highly functional layouts
Floor plans are meticulously designed with the tenant in mind - they are comfortable, practical, and space-optimized to maximize rental yields.
5. Longevity over passing trends
The core philosophy here relies on durable materials and a superior standard of finish. Thanks to economies of scale, funds can afford high-quality fit-outs without passing the premium onto the buyer. There are also developments that maintain their individuality through varied color schemes across units - Szwedzka 4 is an excellent example. We are also seeing a trend of replacing freestanding furniture to make units stand out; for instance, Grzybowska 49 features bespoke show apartments.
Properties in focus
6. Proven rental track record
Access to the unit's rental history provides concrete data on achievable yields. In the case of Van Der Vorm Living and their Szwedzka 4 project, some apartments are sold with active, long-term, professionally managed tenancy agreements in place. Furthermore, every tenant has undergone rigorous financial verification (via Simpl.rent) and the units are covered by rent guarantee insurance.
7. Professional property management
These properties are often overseen by specialized management companies, resulting in streamlined operational processes, thoroughly vetted tenants, and fewer unpleasant surprises.
8. Transaction security
The sales process is highly transparent, supported by top-tier law firms and public notaries. As a professional entity, the fund operates under strict, legally binding procedures. Additionally, since the investor often acts as a "non-developer corporate seller" under the new Polish Developer's Act (effective July 1, 2022), they must comply with stringent consumer protection requirements. This includes preparing an information prospectus, executing the preliminary contract as a notarial deed, and providing up-to-date corporate registry extracts (KRS/CEIDG). Crucially, the final property handover takes place before the transfer of ownership agreement is signed.
Why do investors sell their properties?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Sales are typically driven by portfolio optimization, profit realization, or a shift in investment strategy.
Institutional funds manage massive real estate portfolios and continuously optimize them. Divesting a portion of their residential assets can stem from:
- Profit-taking
- Shifts in their investment strategy
- Asset rotation
- The need to free up capital for new developments
It's standard investment practice.
Are PRS investors pulling out of Poland?
The market is evolving, and so are investor strategies, meaning there is no simple "yes" or "no." While some funds are divesting specific assets, others continue to deploy capital actively. In practice, this signals market maturation and evolution, rather than an institutional exodus.
Do PRS investors operate short-term lets?
The vast majority of PRS projects focus strictly on the long-term rental market. It’s a far more stable, predictable business model that is immune to seasonal fluctuations. Short-term letting requires a completely different operational strategy and generally falls outside the scope of large PRS funds.
Hamilton May’s role in the PRS segment
Hamilton May has been active in the real estate market since 2004 and has played a hands-on role in the development of Poland's PRS sector from day one. From managing individual units to servicing entire residential blocks and advising on the acquisition of build-to-rent (BTR) assets, our expertise has been built step by step.
"Over the past decade, Hamilton May has developed specialized services for build-to-rent investors. As a strategic partner, we now provide comprehensive 360-degree solutions, including acquisition, fit-out, commercialization, management and letting, marketing, and disposal. This integrated approach gives us a unique and strong position in the PRS sector in Poland" - Robert Watkins, CEO
"Today, brokering the sale of units from investor portfolios is a natural extension of our services. It’s also a way to better align investment strategies with a dynamic market. Setting up dedicated sales offices for investors and developers is a trend poised for rapid growth. We are proud to have been part of this process since its inception and remain committed to its ongoing expansion. From the very beginning, Hamilton May has selectively partnered with reliable, proven firms, rooted in the belief that long-term relationships are the key to success" - Ilona Stanik, Head of Capital Markets
