Abstract
Housing markets as well as the overall economy develop unevenly. Business cycles are the result of the diverse dynamics of their development. The housing market, as one of the components of economic systems, is influenced by business cycles, at the same time affecting them as well. It should be noted, however, that the special nature of this market may determine a different course of housing market cycles in comparison with changes in business cycles. The aim of the paper is to identify similarities and differences in the shaping of the housing market cycle and the business cycle. The analysis will be conducted on the basis of experience from the Polish market and selected Western markets.