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Real Estate in Hungary | Expat Exchange
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Liberty Bridge in Budapest

Real Estate in Hungary

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Sep 25, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Hungary should begin by researching the local real estate market and familiarizing themselves with the different types of properties available. They should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for in a home. When searching for a home to buy in Hungary, expats should look for properties that are in good condition and have all the necessary amenities. These typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedrooms, and a garden or outdoor space. Expats should also consider the location of the property and the surrounding area. Foreigners are allowed to purchase properties in Hungary, however, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or properties located in certain protected areas. Additionally, foreigners must obtain a permit from the local government before they can purchase a property.

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How do I find a place to live in Hungary?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We looked online and found it on a Ingatlan (Realtor) Hungarian/English site. Wasn't very hard to look through the pictures. You can also use sites like xpatloop.com to help locate the Realtors. Housing in Budapest is expensive right now for anything above 900 sq ft. and hard to find," explained one expat living in Budapest, Hungary.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Hungary?

"We live in an apartment and is quite common for expats. But, expect them to be small at the lower prices. Better deals can be found outside the city like a house for example but the drive into the city can be terrible at times," said one expat in Budapest.

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What is the average cost of housing in Hungary?

If you are thinking about moving to Hungary, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Hungary varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Generally, renting an apartment in Hungary can cost anywhere from around €200 to €1,000 per month, while buying a property can range from €50,000 to €500,000," explained one person living in Hungary.

"I would say outside the city lower but inside the city normal for most US cities and lower for cities like NYC and DC. The average cost for a 1200 square ft. apartment is around the same price usds. If you get a good deal that would include utilities. We pay 720. usds on the average for a 1 bedroom apartment including utilities. We were lucky," said one expat in Budapest.

Should I buy or rent a home in Hungary?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Hungary, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Yes my husband and I very quickly purchased a unrenovated apartment. I am a real estate consultant, so I believe in renovation adding value . I did not want to pay for someone else's poor renovation. The process is not difficult. You may contact me for help," said one person in Budapest.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Hungary?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Hungary, they said:

"1. It is important to research the local market and understand the current trends in the area before making a purchase. 2. It is important to understand the legal requirements for purchasing property in Hungary, including any taxes or fees that may be applicable. 3. It is important to have a clear understanding of the terms of the contract before signing it. 4. It is important to have a clear understanding of the rights and obligations of both the buyer and the seller. 5. It is important to have a clear understanding of the local laws and regulations regarding property ownership. 6. It is important to have a clear understanding of the local customs and culture when purchasing property in Hungary. 7. It is important to have a clear understanding of the financing options available for purchasing property in Hungary. 8. It is important to have a clear understanding of the insurance requirements for purchasing property in Hungary. 9. It is important to have a clear understanding of the maintenance and upkeep requirements for the property. 10. It is important to have a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with purchasing property in Hungary," said one foreigner living in Hungary.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Hungary?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Hungary, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Hungary. Non-EU citizens must obtain a residence permit in order to purchase property in Hungary, while EU citizens are allowed to purchase property without a residence permit. However, non-EU citizens are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or forest land. Additionally, foreign companies are allowed to own property in Hungary, but they must register with the Hungarian authorities," wrote one expat who made the move to Hungary.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Hungary what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Hungary, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Other common appliances may include a dishwasher, microwave, and air conditioning unit. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide furniture and other amenities," explained one person living in Hungary.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Hungary:

We asked foreigners in Hungary what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Hungary by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the Hungarian market, such as ingatlan.com or ingatlanok.hu. They can also contact local real estate agents who can provide more information about the local market and help them find the right home for their needs. Additionally, expats can search for homes in Hungary by attending open houses or visiting local neighborhoods to get a better feel for the area," wrote one expat who made the move to Hungary.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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