Between the Sea and the City – highlights from ULI Poland event in Sopot

October 3, 2025

Another ULI Poland gathering in the Tricity region is behind us. This time, the city of Sopot hosted the event, which focused on the unique challenges and opportunities of urban development in coastal resort towns. The discussion explored the evolving identity of seaside destinations, where tourism pressure, housing demand, and climate resilience intersect with the need for long-term, community-oriented urban strategies.

[POLSKA WERSJA DO ŚCIĄGNIĘCIA]

Sopot’s Vision for Affordable Housing

The meeting opened with a presentation by Magdalena Cieślik, Deputy Mayor of Sopot, who spoke about the city’s housing policy and its affordable housing programme. Since 2004, Sopot has built 190 municipal flats and renovated 20 units. Deputy Mayor Cieślik emphasized that the city’s goal is to ensure real accessibility for all residents, maintaining social cohesion and intergenerational balance. Sopot aims to be a city for living—not just visiting.

She highlighted how the programme evolves in response to community needs, such as adapting housing offers for growing families by constructing larger units. Despite Sopot’s limited land area (just 8 km²), the city manages its space effectively to deliver housing that meets essential local needs.

Lessons from Greece & Cypress: Building for Communities

Tassos Kotzanastassis, Founder of 8G Group and ULI Global Governing Trustee, joined us online to share insights from Greek coastal towns and strategies for attracting long-term residents. Using Santorini as an example, he discussed challenges such as short tourist stays, frequent power outages, and rising property prices. He also addressed demographic trends, including Europe’s aging population, the rise of wellness tourism, and the growing number of digital nomads—groups that could be encouraged to stay longer if the right conditions are created. He concluded by stressing that while tourism is important, developers should prioritize housing for local residents rather than relying on foreign buyers seeking second homes or citizenship.

Tricity Housing Market: Trends and Opportunities

Anna Kicińska, Partner and Head of Real Estate Advisory at EY, presented an overview of the residential market and investment opportunities in the Tricity. As Polish citizens grow wealthier, real estate has become a key investment avenue—whether through properties for sale, rental units (owned by individuals or funds), or second homes. Over 1 million people in Poland own at least two apartments, while fewer than 100,000 rent out between three and fifteen units.

Following her presentation, Anna Kicińska moderated a panel discussion featuring Jarosław Bator (CEO, NDI Development), Magdalena Reńska (Managing Director, Euro Styl), Przemysław Ryś (CEO, Torus), and Bogusław Wieczorek (Public Affairs Director, Olivia Business Center). The panel explored housing trends, investment patterns, and market dynamics, with particular attention to the impact of remote work and short-term rentals. The conversation covered various aspects of investing in the Tricity, including rental profitability, market trends, and the city’s appeal to potential buyers.

Sopot as a Modern Wellness Destination

Katarzyna Kucz-Chmielecka, Head of Sales and Marketing at Uzdrowisko Sopot Sp. z o.o., presented the history of Sopot and how the city, drawing on its spa heritage, is aligning with modern expectations and trends. She focused on a new project—UZDROWISKO SOPOT—to be developed on Bitwy pod Płowcami Street. The investment will serve both visiting patients and local residents. The project promises to strengthen Sopot’s identity as a spa town, evolving into a wellness and SPA hub that caters to both the community and visitors.

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with remarks from Marcin Juszczyk, Chair of ULI Poland, who shared upcoming plans and initiatives for ULI in Poland, across Europe, and globally.

Thank you to our local Partners who hosted us in Sopot – Sofitel Grand Sopot and NDI Development!