Real estate in Hungary: how much it costs and how to buy
Hungarian real estate attracts investors from all over the world. Citizens of China, Germany, Israel, Russia, and Turkey purchase most properties.
To buy real estate in Hungary, a foreigner has to get permission issued by the Land Registry; this can be done only with the help of a lawyer who accompanies the deal.
Property owners can obtain a Hungary residence permit for 10 years, which can be extended once for the same period.
Real estate in Hungary: how much it costs and how to buy
5 advantages and features of the real estate market in Hungary
1. Hungary’s real estate prices are some of the lowest in the EU. Purchasing prices for apartments in Budapest are 20% lower than in Ljubljana and Madrid and 30% lower than in Lisbon.
2. Up to 40% of foreigners buy real estate in Budapest as an investment, as per Statista research.
Foreign buyers are attracted by low prices, a stable market, and the opportunity to decrease property prices by several per cent due to the exchange rate adjustment.
After joining the EU, Hungary did not switch to the euro, and there are fluctuations of the national currency — a Hungarian forint — exchange rate against the euro and dollar.
3. Foreigners investing €500,000+ in real estate can obtain a Hungary residence permit. The investor must also have sufficient funds for travelling and living for the entire stay in Hungary. The Golden Visa program will launch in 2024.
4. In 2023, property rental prices increased by 12% year-on-year. The most popular apartments among tenants are an average of 55 m² in Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, and Miskolc.
The gross rental yield is 5%. In Budapest, it ranges between 3.5 to 8%.
5. The Hungarian real estate market is on the rise. Since 2015, real estate prices have increased by 2.5—3 times.
Prices for apartments and houses in Hungary
HUF 900,000, or about €2,360 per m², is the average property price in Hungary in 2024.
The most expensive developments are in Budapest: on average, new housing in the capital city costs €2,900 per m². In prestigious and tourist parts of the city — including districts I, II, V, and XII — prices for apartments may reach €5,500 per m².
In major Hungarian cities, average prices per square metre of new real estate are as follows:
€2,310 in Debrecen;
€2,300 in Siófok;
€1,760 in Székesfehérvár.
€1,100 per m² is the average resale property price in Hungary. In Budapest, the price is twice higher — €2,200 per m².
Veszprém and other areas near Lake Balaton are as popular with foreign real estate purchasers as Budapest. The average property price there is around €1,600 per m².
In Hungary, there is a growing demand for apartments up to 60 m² in modern residential complexes. Prices for such properties grow faster than others; in 2022, the increase in Budapest was 21%. Additionally, property maintenance in new buildings is cheaper than in historical ones due to the higher energy efficiency class of new properties.
Real estate prices in some cities of Hungary
Source: Numbeo
Taxes and fees for property purchase in Hungary
Property buyers in Hungary pay stamp duty for the title transfer, administrative fees, and charges for the services of experts who accompany the deal.
The stamp duty for the title transfer is paid when the deal is completed. The rate is 4% of the purchasing price for properties under 1 billion forints, or €2.6 million. The buyer pays 2% for the exceeding amount for more expensive properties.
The stamp duty is paid within 90 days after the purchase.
The primary real estate buyers pay the VAT of 5%. The tax is usually included in the property price.
Administrative fees are the following:
€170—200 — for obtaining permission for property purchase;
€60 — for putting a veto on activities with the property;
€30 — for an extract of the land registry;
€22 — for property ownership certificate.
Legal, realtor, and notary services are also paid for by the buyer. The expenses usually do not exceed 5% of the property price.
Expenses when purchasing real estate are about 10% of the property price. When purchasing apartments for €175,000, the buyer will spend about €192,500 on the deal, all taxes and fees included.
Individual cost calculation for residence by investment in Hungary
Property tax exemptions in Hungary
After purchasing real estate in Hungary, a buyer pays a transfer tax, or a stamp duty, at a general rate of 4%. However, in some cases, a new property owner can be allowed to pay a reduced tax:
If buying a new property within 3 years after selling the previous one, a person pays the tax only if the purchase price of a new house is higher, and the tax is imposed only on the difference in selling and purchasing prices.
Buyers under 35 purchasing their first property pay property tax at a 2% rate. The main condition is to buy property for less than HUF 15 million, or €39,500.
Newly built properties can be taxed at a reduced rate: the amount under HUF 15 million, or €39,500, is not taxed. The buyer only pays the tax to the amount over this value. Properties cheaper than HUF 15 million are not levied.
Best places to invest in real estate in Hungary
Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. It is known for its historical buildings, great Danube views, cultural sights, and high life standards. At the same time, the cost of living in Budapest is lower than in many other large EU cities.
Buying property in Budapest allows one to experience the charm of living in a historical house with elegant architecture, high ceilings, and unique decorations.
Budapest is the most popular city among real estate investors: in 2022, more than half of properties purchased by foreigners were located in Budapest. As a result, property prices are the highest compared to the rest of Hungary.
Examples of real estate for purchase in Budapest
Debrecen is the second-largest city in Hungary. The city has a convenient location and an airport, making it easy to travel to any part of Europe. There are several universities and research centres in the city, so it can be a choice for those who seek a place with good educational opportunities.
Unlike Budapest with its vibrant lifestyle, Debrecen offers a tranquil environment to its inhabitants. This is combined with a rich culture, a high quality of life, and lower property prices.
Towns around Lake Balaton, such as Siofok or Veszprém, are also in high demand among real estate buyers. In 2023, nearly 10% of properties purchased by foreigners were located in this area.
There are more than 70 development projects on Lake Balaton shore, and investors can purchase primary apartments with beautiful scenery.
The cost of living in this area is lower than in Budapest, Debrecen, and other big Hungarian cities. Being the main Hungarian resort area, Lake Balaton offers various recreational activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
Who can buy property in Hungary, and what are their rights and obligations
Hungarian legislation allows foreigners to purchase any properties in the country, except for farming lands and heritage assets.
Foreigners must obtain permission for real estate purchase at the Land Registry of the district where the property is located. The permission is obtained by the lawyer who accompanies the deal. The procedure takes up to 4 weeks.
The following categories do not need permission for purchase:
citizens of Hungary;
citizens of EU countries, as well as Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland;
citizens of any country if inheriting property.
Foreigners must fully compensate for property purchase, ownership, and maintenance expenses. Buyers pay the title transfer stamp duty, owners pay utility charges and the annual real estate tax, and sellers have to pay the capital gains tax.
Real estate in Hungary allows obtaining a residence permit. The status is granted to the investor and their family for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period. To qualify, the foreigner has to purchase residential property for at least €500,000.
Procedure of real estate purchase for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary
A foreigner must turn to lawyers to purchase real estate in Hungary. Only a lawyer has the right to register a purchase and sale contract, get permission for purchase, and receive a property ownership certificate.
Applicants for a Hungary residence permit are accompanied by legal companies that assist in obtaining resident status. Apart from lawyers, the Immigrant Invest team includes real estate experts.
Selecting several properties to choose from
The investor specifies their property requirements regarding price, area, location, and infrastructure. For example, an international school for children or a park should be nearby.
Immigrant Invest real estate experts select several residential properties that meet the specified parameters and the requirements to qualify for a residence permit.
The investor specifies their property requirements regarding price, area, location, and infrastructure. For example, an international school for children or a park should be nearby.
Immigrant Invest real estate experts select several residential properties that meet the specified parameters and the requirements to qualify for a residence permit.
Choosing the appropriate property
Experts make real estate viewing appointments in person if the investor is in Hungary or is ready to come to the country or remotely with a detailed photo and video report.
Experts make real estate viewing appointments in person if the investor is in Hungary or is ready to come to the country or remotely with a detailed photo and video report.
Signing a preliminary agreement and making a downpayment
Lawyers do due diligence on the title of the chosen property, the owner, or the developer. Afterwards, they compile a preliminary agreement indicating the technical characteristics of the property, the address, the deal amount, the responsibilities of the parties, and the procedure of the title transfer.
The buyer makes a downpayment of 10% of the property price. The downpayment is not refunded if the buyer renounces the deal.
Lawyers do due diligence on the title of the chosen property, the owner, or the developer. Afterwards, they compile a preliminary agreement indicating the technical characteristics of the property, the address, the deal amount, the responsibilities of the parties, and the procedure of the title transfer.
The buyer makes a downpayment of 10% of the property price. The downpayment is not refunded if the buyer renounces the deal.
Obtaining permission to purchase
Based on the preliminary agreement, lawyers obtain permission for property purchase. Documents are processed for 2—4 weeks. For this period, the Land Registry of Hungary vetoes any activities with the chosen property for the owner.
Based on the preliminary agreement, lawyers obtain permission for property purchase. Documents are processed for 2—4 weeks. For this period, the Land Registry of Hungary vetoes any activities with the chosen property for the owner.
Paying for the property
The main purchase and sale agreement is made when permission for purchase is obtained. The buyer transfers the remaining amount to the seller.
The main purchase and sale agreement is made when permission for purchase is obtained. The buyer transfers the remaining amount to the seller.
Receiving a property ownership certificate
To finalise the deal, one should obtain a property ownership certificate. The lawyer picks documents at the Land Registry. The property ownership certificate gives the right to obtain a residence permit in Hungary.
To finalise the deal, one should obtain a property ownership certificate. The lawyer picks documents at the Land Registry. The property ownership certificate gives the right to obtain a residence permit in Hungary.
Paying taxes
Real estate purchasers must pay a stamp duty of 4% of the property price within 90 days after purchasing a property.
Real estate purchasers must pay a stamp duty of 4% of the property price within 90 days after purchasing a property.
Pitfalls of buying property in Hungary
When investing in Hungarian real estate, foreigners should be aware of some pitfalls they might encounter.
Complex procedure of property purchase. When buying a property in Hungary, a foreigner cannot turn to public agencies in person. The purchase and sale deal must be accompanied by a lawyer who submits and receives all the documents on behalf of the buyer.
Most foreigners must also get special permission to purchase a house, which adds to the time and expenses.
Transfer of ownership specifics. In Hungary, property becomes the buyer’s possession not when a purchase agreement is signed but after a corresponding record is made in the land registry. This can take several weeks to several months, and until the process is complete, the buyer is not legally an owner of the property.
To the investor, this means that they might not make some significant decisions regarding the property, such as renovation, renting out, or moving, until the land registry record is made.
Protection of historical heritage buildings. The country protects its historical heritage, including houses. For some buildings, there are restrictions relating to property ownership and renovation. Thus, if a buyer wants to renovate their house, they might be obliged to get a special permit and comply with preservation guidelines.
Property energy performance certificates. The owner must have an up-to-date energy performance certificate in Hungary when selling real estate. The certificate includes information about the energy efficiency class of the building that can influence the value of the property and the expenses of a new owner.
If the seller provides an outdated certificate or does not provide it at all, the deal can be legally challenged or invalidated.
Expenses for property ownership and maintenance
The annual property tax rate depends on the municipality where the property is located. The maximum rate is about 3% of the property’s cadastral value, or about €1 per m² a year.
Monthly utility costs depend on the property area, the energy efficiency class of the building, and the water and electricity consumption. On average, owners of 85 m² apartments pay €100—230.
Property insurance in Hungary is optional. Only properties purchased with a mortgage are subject to obligatory insurance.
Taxes for selling real estate in Hungary
When selling real estate in Hungary, the owner has to pay a capital gains tax. The tax rate is 15% of the difference between the selling price and the property purchase expenses.
The longer the owner holds the property, the lower the tax rate upon selling. The capital gains tax is not paid if the property possession time is over 5 years.
Obtaining a Hungary residence permit by investment
In 2024, Hungary launches the Golden Visa program, allowing foreigners to obtain a residence permit in return for investments in the country’s economy.
Available investment options include:
purchasing residential property — €500,000+;
investing in local real estate funds — €250,000+;
donating to an institution of higher learning — €1,000,000+.
The investor first gets a Guest Investor Visa for 2 years, allowing them to enter Hungary. Within 93 days of entering Hungary with this visa, they must fulfil the investment condition — purchase property or real estate fund units or donate. After that, the investor applies for a residence permit.
A spouse, children under 18, and parents can be included in the application with the investor.
Investors holding residence permits get the right to move to Hungary, travel visa-free to the Schengen Area countries, and do business in the EU.
Summary on real estate purchase in Hungary
Up to 40% of buyers of Budapest’s real estate consider it an investment asset. The real estate market is growing, while Hungary’s property prices remain some of the lowest in the EU.
Lawyers must accompany a property purchase and sale deal. Only they have the right to make a purchase and sale agreement, obtain permission for purchase, and get the property ownership certificate.
Taxes and fees for property purchases make up to 10% of the property price.
The most attractive real estate in terms of investment are apartments of up to 60 m² in modern residential complexes.
Foreign real estate investors can obtain a residence permit in Hungary. A foreigner must buy real estate for at least €500,000 to qualify.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.
Practical Guide
Will you obtain residence by investment in Hungary?
- Master the residency process
- Get expert tips and documents
- Estimate costs accurately