1. Can Foreigners Buy Property in Hungary?
Yes, foreign citizens can legally buy property in Hungary — but the rules depend on your citizenship.
EU/EEA citizens:
Free to buy residential property without needing a special permit.
You only need to report the purchase.
Non-EU/EEA citizens (e.g., US, UK, Israel, China, Ukraine):
You must apply for a permit from the local County Government Office (“Kormányhivatal”).
This is a routine process, usually approved within 1–1.5 months.
Purchasing real estate in Hungary is a relatively straightforward process, especially with the right support. You can begin by selecting a property through a local real estate agent or by browsing listings online. If you find something that interests you, it’s common to make a preliminary (non-binding) offer to signal your intention and open negotiations.
Once you’re ready to proceed, you’ll need to hire a licensed Hungarian lawyer — this is a legal requirement. Your attorney will draft the official sales contract, carry out all necessary title and legal checks, and handle the official filings. The sales contract usually includes a 10% deposit to secure the agreement. If you’re a non-EU citizen, your lawyer will also submit a property purchase permit application to the County Government Office on your behalf.
After signing the contract and receiving any required approvals, your lawyer will register the change of ownership at the Land Registry Office. You’ll typically receive the official ownership certificate within 30 to 60 days. Once everything is finalized, you can take possession of the property. For EU citizens, the entire process generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks; for non-EU buyers, it may take 6 to 8 weeks due to the additional permit procedure.
When purchasing real estate in Hungary, buyers should be aware of several one-time and ongoing costs. A one-time transfer tax (also known as stamp duty) of 4% of the purchase price applies to most transactions. Hiring a Hungarian lawyer is mandatory, and legal fees typically range between 0.5% and 1% of the property price, plus VAT. Real estate agent commissions are usually covered by the seller.
For those planning to rent out the property, optional property management or Airbnb services are available, generally charging between 10% and 20% of rental income. If you earn rental income, a 15% personal income tax applies, though relevant expenses can be deducted to reduce the taxable amount.
Yes, it’s possible for foreigners to obtain a mortgage in Hungary, but the process is generally more complex and comes with stricter requirements. Banks are more likely to approve financing if the buyer has local ties—such as a Hungarian residence permit, employment, business activity, or family connections. Additionally, the required down payment is usually higher than for locals, typically between 30% and 50% of the purchase price.
Mortgages are most commonly offered in Hungarian forints (HUF), not in foreign currencies. As of 2024, interest rates for a fixed 10-year period are around 6%, though conditions can vary by bank and individual profile. Working with a local mortgage advisor or attorney can help navigate the process more efficiently.