Property in Hungary: buying and support
Budapest and Balaton: for non-EU citizens a purchase requires government permission — a stage of the transaction, not a paper formality.
Why Hungary
Budapest and Balaton — two different scenarios
Budapest is a capital-city market with steady rental demand; Balaton is a resort destination with pronounced seasonality. Two different investment scenarios within one country.
EU and Schengen member
EU and Schengen membership gives a clear legal framework and protects the owner's rights.
Honestly, about the permit: a real step, not a formality
Non-EU citizens need a government permit to buy property in Hungary — a real step built into the deal's timeline, not a paperwork formality.
Honestly, about the deal: a lawyer handles it, not a notary
In Hungary the purchase contract is drafted and certified by a lawyer — unlike Spain, Italy and France, where a notary plays that role.
Honestly, about investor residency: it is not about buying an apartment
A separate guest-investor residency programme exists, but its conditions change regularly and are not reducible to buying a home — in practice it means investing from €250,000 in a fund with at least 40% of its assets in Hungarian residential property, not purchasing a specific apartment.
Smaller budget — we'll source it
Tell us the amount and the goal, and we'll come back with options from developers and partners that are not in the catalogue.
Send a requestHow the purchase works
- 1
We map your goal
Budapest or Balaton, budget and goal — rental income or seasonal holiday use.
- 2
We check the property in the land registry
Owner, encumbrances and the property's status.
- 3
For non-EU citizens — we apply for the permit
This is a separate step that we plan into the deal's timeline in advance.
- 4
Preliminary contract with a deposit
We fix the deal's terms and pay a deposit.
- 5
The lawyer drafts the contract
The purchase contract is drafted and certified by the lawyer handling the deal.
- 6
Title registration
We register the title in the land registry.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy property in Hungary?+
EU citizens buy on general terms. Non-EU citizens require government permission to acquire property — a separate stage of the transaction that must be built into the timetable.
Who handles the transaction in Hungary?+
A lawyer draws up and countersigns the sale contract — unlike Spain, Italy or France, where a notary performs that role. The lawyer also files for registration of title in the land register.
Does buying property grant residency in Hungary?+
The purchase itself does not. A separate guest investor residence programme exists, but its conditions are not limited to buying a home and have changed repeatedly. Confirm current requirements at the time of application rather than from last year's guides.
What are the purchase costs?+
The main charge is the property transfer duty. Also payable: the lawyer's fee, land registry charges, agency commission and the state fee for processing acquisition permission where the buyer is from outside the EU.
Budapest or Balaton?+
Budapest is a capital market with steadier rental demand through the year. Balaton is a resort destination with pronounced seasonality. The choice depends on whether you want a stable rental flow or a house for seasonal use.
Will a bank lend to a non-resident?+
Hungarian banks lend to non-residents only to a limited extent. Terms depend on the applicant's nationality, proven income and ties to the country. A mortgage should not be assumed as the main source of financing.
Is there an annual property tax?+
Local property taxes in Hungary are set by municipalities and do not exist everywhere. Whether one applies, and at what rate, depends on the specific locality — check it for the property's address before buying.
Do you have property in Hungary?+
Not in the public catalogue at present. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and support the transaction, including obtaining permission for non-EU buyers.
Overview
Hungary applies stricter rules to non-EU buyers than most of its neighbours: government permission to acquire property is required.
Why buy here
Budapest as a capital market with steady rental demand, and Balaton as a resort destination — two different scenarios in one country. EU and Schengen membership provides a clear legal framework and protection of ownership rights.
Taxes, costs and yield
Benchmarks for taxes, purchase and holding costs and rental yield. Exact figures depend on the property and your situation.
On purchase, a property transfer duty. Annual local property taxes are set by municipalities and do not exist everywhere.
The main charge on purchase is the property transfer duty. Also payable: the fee of the lawyer handling the transaction, land registry charges, agency commission and the state fee for processing the acquisition permission for non-EU buyers.
1. Check the property in the land register. 2. For non-EU citizens, apply for acquisition permission. This is a separate stage to be built into the timetable. 3. Preliminary contract with a deposit. 4. Sale contract, which in Hungary is drawn up and countersigned by a lawyer. 5. Registration of title in the land register.
Hungarian banks lend to non-residents only to a limited extent; terms depend on nationality and proven income.
Buying property does not, in itself, grant residency in Hungary. A separate guest investor residence programme exists with its own conditions, which are not limited to buying a home and are revised regularly — confirm them at the time of application.
Budapest and Balaton follow different logic: capital-city letting is steadier through the year, while the resort market is seasonal. We do not currently list property in this country in our public catalogue. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and support the transaction.
What to bear in mind: — permission for non-EU citizens is obtained before the deal and affects the timetable; — Hungary's investor programmes have changed repeatedly, so last year's descriptions are not a safe guide; — a Hungarian transaction is handled by a lawyer rather than a notary — a difference from Spain, Italy and France. Checked in September 2026. Thresholds, rates and programme terms change — confirm the current requirements with a lawyer in the country before you buy.
Request a selection in Hungary
Figures are indicative, change over time and depend on the specific property and your circumstances. Obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before any purchase.
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