Balla Consulting Guide
Practical Insights for Expats, Investors & Remote Workers
← Back to HomeHungary is one of Europe's most attractive destinations for foreigners who are looking to have affordable living, investment potential, and access to the EU market.
Why Hungary stands out for investors and expats
Hungary is located in the centre of Europe and has excellent connectivity to Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and the East part of Europe. The country provides full EU membership benefits for those who move within the EU.
Budapest Airport is a strategic hub for business and holidays. It is well-connected to the Netherlands with six daily flights provided by KLM and WizzAir.
Hungary offers a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe. Depending on the location, rental prices are often 40% to 60% more affordable.
Furthermore, public transportation and essential services remain considerably cheaper than in most Western European countries.
From the capital to emerging regional hubs
Capital City
Budapest is the economic center of Hungary, offering the widest range of facilities.
East of Hungary
South of Hungary
West of Hungary
Simple tax structure, affordable living
Hungary has a simple tax system:
Rent
Utilities
A safe, straightforward, and investor-friendly process
Identify and evaluate the right property based on your budget and personal goals.
A licensed Hungarian lawyer/notary is legally required to prepare the contracts and handle the process.
The lawyer will control the ownership and the debt status via the Land Registry.
Submit an offer and agree on the price and terms with the seller. The lawyer prepares and countersigns the official purchase agreement.
A 10% deposit is typically required to secure the property. Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, the lawyer submits the documents to the Land Registry to register the partial ownership.
The final payment is completed via bank transfer according to the timeline in the contract.
The Lawyer submits the agreement at the Land Registry for full ownership. Ownership is officially transferred once the full price is paid and the Land Registry completes the registration.
In Hungary, a licensed lawyer/notary must be involved in every real estate transaction. They are responsible for:
The Hungarian legal system provides European Union standardized and risk-free purchase transactions.
Accessible for both EU and non-EU citizens
Can purchase property under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens. No special permits are required.
Non-EU citizens must obtain a purchase permit from the local government office. The process is standard and typically takes 30–60 days. Applications are approved if the paperwork is submitted correctly and professional advice followed appropriately.
Relatively low compared to Western European markets
4%
Of the purchase price (paid after the sale is finalized)
~1%
Of the property value (+ VAT)
10–20%
Extra budget depending on the condition of the property. We recommend organising a technical inspection for a renovation estimate prior to agreeing on the price.
Essential reviews before finalizing the price
Confirms the seller is the true owner and identifies any mortgages, liens, or restrictions. This can be done individually or by a legal representative.
Ensures the property is free of unpaid utility bills or other financial claims.
We recommend a technical inspection of the condition of the property in order to calculate the total purchase cost. The lawyer coordinates the legal checks, but technical inspection is often handled by a third-party architect or renovation professionals.
Typically 1 to 3 months from start to finish
The purchase process in Hungary typically takes between 1 and 3 months, depending on the complexity involved, such as permit requirements for non-EU buyers or bank financing.
The Hungarian real estate process is transparent, legally secure, and accessible to foreign investors. With the right professional advice, it offers easy entry into one of Europe's most attractive property markets.
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