Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreign nationals including Canadians and Americans can purchase residential property in Hungary. Non-EU buyers need to obtain a property purchase permit from the local government office where the property is located. The process takes around 30 to 60 days and costs approximately 130 to 160 euros. Your lawyer handles the application on your behalf. There are no restrictions on the number of properties you can own.

No. Many of our clients complete the entire purchase remotely. With the right legal representation and a trusted local contact, you can review properties via video walkthrough, sign documents digitally or through a power of attorney, and transfer funds internationally. We coordinate the process so you do not need to travel unless you want to.

As of 2025, the average price per square metre in Budapest sits around 3,100 euros for resale properties and 3,300 to 3,600 euros for new builds. A well-located one-bedroom apartment in a desirable district typically costs between 120,000 and 220,000 euros. Prices vary significantly by district, condition and floor. Budapest remains substantially cheaper than Prague, Vienna or Lisbon at comparable quality levels.

Long-term rental yields in Budapest currently average between 4.5 and 5.5 percent gross depending on district and property size. Net yields after costs typically land between 3.5 and 4.5 percent. Short-term rental regulations are tightening across the city, with new registrations frozen until the end of 2026. We recommend a long-term rental strategy for most investors entering the market today.

Budget for approximately 10 percent of the purchase price in additional costs. This includes a 4 percent property transfer tax, legal fees of 1 to 1.5 percent, and administrative and notary fees. VAT on new builds is 5 percent and is usually included in the listed price. There is no stamp duty beyond the transfer tax.

Hungary is a European Union member state with a transparent legal framework and established property law. Property prices have grown 218 percent since 2010, the highest in the EU. That said, all investments carry risk. The Hungarian forint can be volatile against the dollar and Canadian dollar. Political risk is a consideration given Hungary's current government. And like any market, Budapest has cycles. We give every client an honest assessment of risks alongside the opportunities.

From finding a property to holding the keys typically takes two to four months. For non-EU buyers the property purchase permit adds around 30 to 60 days to the process. The steps are: agree on price with the seller, sign a preliminary contract and pay a 10 percent deposit, apply for the purchase permit if required, conduct due diligence, sign the final contract and transfer the balance, register ownership with the Land Registry.

Yes, it is a legal requirement. All property sale agreements in Hungary must be drafted or countersigned by a licensed Hungarian lawyer. This is not optional. We connect every client with a trusted bilingual lawyer who works with foreign buyers regularly and explains every step in plain English.

It is possible but complicated for non-residents. Hungarian banks have strict requirements for foreign borrowers and the process can be slow and uncertain. Most of our clients purchase with cash or financing arranged in their home country. We can connect you with specialists if you want to explore local mortgage options.

We connect you with vetted property management companies in Budapest who handle tenant sourcing, rent collection, maintenance and reporting. Management fees for long-term rentals typically run 8 to 12 percent of monthly rent. You receive regular updates and statements without needing to be on the ground.