How much does it cost to finish a development flat - what influences the price?

Size is only a starting point

When planning the finishing of a development flat, the square footage is crucial to the budget. The larger the area, the higher the costs - not only because you have to paint more walls or lay more panels, but also because of the additional rooms that require separate work and furnishings.

A ca. 40 m² studio in the basic standard is usually an expense of around 50-70 thousand zlotys, while for a 60 m² flat, the same quality of materials and work means a cost of around 90-130 thousand zlotys. In the case of an 80 m² flat, finishing it in the medium standard involves a budget of 150-200 thousand zlotys, and in the premium variant, the sum may even exceed 250 thousand zlotys.

The cost estimate for completing a flat therefore clearly shows that the square footage alone in a shell state shapes the final price enormously, and each additional room or second bathroom can raise the total bill considerably.

Range of finishes - turnkey or „move-in”?

How extensive a range of works you choose largely determines the expense. A turnkey finish usually means a basic standard of finishing - floors, doors, bathroom, lighting and wall painting. In such an option, there is the installation of floor panels in the rooms, ceramic tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, and fittings in standard solutions. Such a package allows you to take delivery of a flat ready for use, but without full furnishings.

On the other hand, the „to live in” option additionally includes made-to-measure furniture, household appliances and electronics, textiles or decorations. It is these elements that make the average cost of finishing a flat rise significantly, and the difference between the basic turnkey package and the fully furnished one can reach several thousand zlotys.

Standard of materials and finishing - durability and aesthetics

The cost of finishing a flat largely depends on the standard chosen, i.e. the quality of the building materials and how they are used. Tiles, skirting boards, bathroom finishing or electrical installation can be realised in the economy, medium or premium variant. The differences in price result not only from the size of the premises or the layout of the individual rooms, but also from the materials themselves - marble or wooden floors are significantly more expensive than porcelain stoneware or laminate.

The larger the flat and the more elaborate the layout, the more work and materials are required and the final budget increases proportionally. Deciding on the chosen standard of finish is in practice a decision about how long the flat will retain its aesthetics, how often it will need to be refreshed and what expenses will arise in the years to come.

Enclosures and furniture - system vs. customised

The kitchen, bathroom, wardrobe or hallway are spaces whose functionality depends to a large extent on well-planned built-ins. Tailor-made solutions are becoming increasingly popular in primary market flats - made-to-measure furniture allows every centimetre to be used, which translates into tidiness and convenience in everyday life. However, this is a bigger investment than ready-made sets, as it requires careful design, precise workmanship and the use of appropriate building materials.

Made-to-measure furniture raises the initial cost, but with the rising prices of building materials and services, it is increasingly seen as an investment in long-term comfort. For this reason, in premium packages, the turnkey finishing of a flat is sometimes extended with individually designed built-ins. This increases the cost of finishing a development flat, but at the same time increases its value.

Installations - when it's worth investing in them

Additional sockets, moving connections or changing electrical points can have a significant impact on the budget. It is best to plan such work before plastering, as later adjustments are more expensive and disruptive. In this way, it is easier to optimise the costs of finishing the flat and avoid surprises at the stage of final works. It is also worth remembering that a well-planned installation increases the convenience of the daily use of the space.

Lifestyle and finishing

How you spend your time at home will largely determine what you spend your budget on when finishing your home in its shell. A person who works remotely will opt for a comfortable desk, extra sockets and a well-lit workspace. The family will focus on functional built-ins and storage space that makes everyday organisation easier. Those who like to cook willingly and often will invest in a robust kitchen and appliances that make meal preparation easier.

Lifestyle therefore determines the direction of finishing work and influences which elements become a priority in the budget. Significantly, in smaller towns and cities, labour prices are generally lower, the flats themselves also tend to be cheaper, and this means that the location of the property makes a big difference.

Finishing a flat minimalist - when does it work?

Do you want to get the lowest possible price for finishing your flat? This is, of course, possible, as long as you decide to buy furniture from popular chain stores and do some of the finishing work yourself, such as fitting skirting boards, finishing the walls or laying ceramic tiles.

Minimalist flat finishing works well when time, simplicity and a reasonable budget count. This is the solution of choice for those planning a quick rental or who want to move in as quickly as possible and reduce expenses. In practice, this means focusing on the basics: durable floors, neutral wall colours, a simple bathroom and a linear kitchen that is functional and affordable.

The total cost of finishing in such a variant depends mainly on the price of materials and the labour cost of finishing the flat, but with simple solutions you can close within the range of PLN 1200-1500 per m².

Finishing „for years” - when is it worth it and what is worth it?

If you are planning a flat for yourself and want to stay in it for the long term, it is worth betting on solutions that guarantee comfort and durability for many years to come. Refined kitchens, built-ins that are tailored to the interior layout, thoughtful lighting and good acoustics make everyday life much easier.

You don't have to go for a premium finish straight away - mid-range products often provide the quality you need while keeping your budget in check. With this approach, the total cost of finishing a flat usually falls within the range of PLN 1800-2500 per square metre. Premium standard flats can cost as much as 30-50% more, although the upper limit is virtually non-existent.

Finishing with DD PROJECT - full coordination and realistic cost

At DD Design, we don't just reduce the conversation to square footage or style. What is more important is how you want to live, your plans and your budget. First of all, we talk to you and ask whether you want mid-priced materials or perhaps a premium standard. On this basis, we create a design, select finishing materials and determine the scope of work. This way, you know how much it costs per square metre of finishing the flat and how the expenses are distributed in the case of a flat designed for one person, a couple or a family.

We offer:

• comprehensive project management from concept to installation of furniture and lighting,
• consistent costing with a tolerance of +/-10%,
• own teams, supervision and delivery logistics,
• realistic completion date,
• full support with purchases and decisions,
• choice of variant: Turnkey, Turnkey + furniture, PRO: From design to residence.

We realise that buying a property is only the beginning. The final budget is influenced by the price of the flat, the services of professionals and the choice of finishing materials. That is why at DD Projekt, we manage the entire process from A to Z to avoid surprises and excessive costs.

You don't have to guess how much the total finish will be. At DD Projekt, we'll work out a specific plan with you, tailor it to your needs and implement it - from the first conversation to a move-in ready flat.