You're buying a new flat and hear 'developer shell' — find out what it really means before signing.
What's included
Developer shell is a term that sounds precise but varies significantly between developers. The common baseline usually includes: internal plaster, concrete screed, windows and exterior doors, electrical installation with sockets and stub-outs (no fittings), and plumbing stub-outs (no fixtures).
Importantly, the quality of plaster and screed varies enormously. Some developers hand over apartments with screeds that need additional grinding or even a full levelling layer on top. Finished sanitary fittings are never included — only connection points.
The handover — what to watch for
Before the handover inspection, it's worth hiring a building surveyor to check compliance with Polish construction standards. The most common defects are uneven walls and ceilings (deviations above 3 mm per 2 m), poorly levelled screeds, incomplete or incorrectly positioned electrical points, and draughty windows.
A defect list drawn up before signing the handover protocol is your only lever for enforcing repairs from the developer. Once you sign without reservations, every fix becomes your expense.
How much does finishing cost
Finishing a developer-shell apartment in Łódź costs on average 600–1 000 PLN per m², depending on material standard and scope. This typically covers: skim coat and painting, floors, bathroom and kitchen (without furniture and appliances), internal doors, and finishing joinery.
It's worth planning this budget before the handover so you're not caught off guard. Experience shows that buyers consistently underestimate this cost by 20–30%.
