Developer Loopholes Closed as President Nawrocki Signs Three Bills and Refers Fourth to Constitutional Tribunal

On Thursday, August 7, 2026, President Karol Nawrocki signed three acts cracking down on developer practices, supporting the maritime economy, and reforming financial oversight, while sending a fourth bill to the Constitutional Tribunal.

1. Real Estate Revolution: Stronger Protection for Buyers and the Developers’ Guarantee Fund

President Karol Nawrocki signed the act of July 17, 2026, amending the law on the protection of the rights of a buyer of a residential apartment or single-family house and the Developers’ Guarantee Fund (sejm print no. 2468). This amendment responds to long-standing demands from consumers seeking more effective mechanisms to secure their savings invested in primary market real estate. Strengthening the position of buyers aims to curb risky practices by some developers and guarantee the stability of entrusted funds.

The new regulations seal the operation of the Developers’ Guarantee Fund and expand the scope of information a developer must share with a client before concluding an agreement. In practice, this means a lower risk of losing advance payments in the event of an investor’s financial problems and more transparent settlement rules at every stage of construction. This is a crucial change for thousands of Poles buying their own homes, increasing the safety of transactions in the housing market.

2. Major Support for the Polish Fleet: Return of Ships Under the Polish Flag

Another legal act signed by the head of state is the act of July 17, 2026, amending certain acts in order to support shipping companies and create conditions for their operation under the Polish flag (sejm print no. 2549). This document introduces a comprehensive package of tax and administrative facilities directed at domestic shipowners and logistics operators operating in the maritime sector.

The main goal of introducing the new regulations is to stop the outflow of ships under foreign flags and create competitive conditions for registering vessels in our country. These changes are of strategic importance for the national economy, strengthening the position of Polish ports and building the long-term potential of the merchant fleet. These facilities are expected to contribute to increased investment in the maritime sector and stimulate the labor market associated with the maritime economy.

3. Financial Order: New Rules for Fees Payable to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority

The act signed by the president on July 17, 2026, amending certain acts in connection with fees paid to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (sejm print no. 2620) is a significant correction in the architecture of oversight over the financial sector. The amendment adjusts existing fee-collection mechanisms to dynamically changing market realities, ensuring stable and predictable financing for institutions safeguarding the security of economic transactions.

These changes directly affect supervised entities, including banks, investment firms, and insurance companies, organizing the structure of contributions and procedural fees. Improving the financial capacity of the PFSA is crucial for effectively detecting irregularities in the market and protecting the savings of Polish citizens from unfair financial practices.

4. Controversies Surrounding Pledges and Road Traffic: President Refers Bill to the Constitutional Tribunal

One of the most important decisions announced on August 7, 2026, concerned the act of July 17, 2026, on the registered pledge and pledge register and the Road Traffic Law (sejm print no. 2498). President Karol Nawrocki decided to sign the act, but simultaneously referred it to the Constitutional Tribunal under subsequent control mode. This decision was dictated by serious legal reservations regarding the constitutionality of certain introduced solutions.

The doubts of the Presidential Palace were raised by provisions that could violate the principles of legal certainty and the security of economic transactions regarding the functioning of pledge registers and related administrative procedures. Referring the bill to the Tribunal means that although the provisions enter into force, their final judicial line and validity will depend on the verdict of constitutional judges, which sparked a wide discussion in legal circles.