maria.balla@ballaconsulting.com +31 618 445121 Schedule a Consultation
Budapest Parliament Building and Chain Bridge at dusk

Invest in Hungary Seamlessly

Maximize Yield.
Minimize Risk.
Optimize Tax.

Acquire Assets · Establish Business · 9% Corporate Tax

Schedule a Consultation

Why Look Beyond the Netherlands?

Turn-key infrastructure for your capital

Investor's Challenge

The Dutch market is challenging for investors — low yields and extreme tenant protection can make your asset illiquid for years. Hungary offers strong growth and liquidity, yet the barrier to entry remains high. Complex legislation, a demanding property market, and the language challenge can prevent investors from starting.

The Solution

We provide a turn-key infrastructure for your capital. From sourcing undervalued properties or industrial assets, negotiating the best price to managing renovations and full company setup, Balla Consulting handles the entire process.

We do the hard work, you own the asset.

Principles

Core Value Proposition — How We Work

Financial Discipline

Full Cost Transparency

  • Total Cost of Acquisition — No "Hidden" Fees: Unlike standard agents, we calculate the total acquisition cost — including transfer tax, legal fees and administrative obligations before you make an offer.
  • Independent Valuation Check: We verify pricing against local transaction data to prevent overpayment and "foreign pricing."

Local Advantage

Language Is Power

  • Native Negotiation: As native Hungarian speakers, we negotiate firmly on your behalf to secure the asset at the best possible entry price.
  • Direct Market Presence: Many foreign agencies rely on third-party local partners. We operate directly in Budapest as native Hungarian professionals, ensuring clear communication and reliable on-the-ground oversight.

Execution Control

Single Point of Contact

  • Direct Communication: You deal directly with the Chief Advisor, who coordinates lawyers, architects, contractors, suppliers and accountants.
  • Transparent Reporting: Regular photo and video updates provide full oversight.
  • Speed of Execution: We actively manage timelines to ensure a swift transition from acquisition to rental.

Responsibility

Your Strategy, Our Discipline

  • Personalized Investment Strategy: Your financial objectives determine the direction. We listen first, then build a structured plan — whether for real estate or company formation.
  • Active Oversight: Your capital is treated with the same discipline as our own. Every step is handled transparently and within the legal framework.

Meet the Team

Dedicated professionals. Local presence. International reach.

Maria Fascetti – Founder of Balla Consulting

Maria Fascetti

Chief Advisor & Founder

I am Maria Fascetti, a Hungarian native based in Amsterdam since 2018. I am the founder of Balla Consulting where we advise institutions, individuals and entrepreneurs who want to invest in Hungary to buy real estate, industrial assets or establish a Hungarian Kft (Ltd) or a cross-border structure.

Working between the Netherlands and Hungary gives me insight into both markets — from the strict rental legislation and tax pressure in the Netherlands to the higher yields, increasing property values and more flexible tenancy laws available in Hungary.

With my team I have assisted clients with acquiring properties, overseeing renovations and managing rental operations. This hands-on experience allows me to supervise due diligence, pricing negotiation and tenant placement with care.

Hungary's 9% corporate income tax — the lowest in the European Union — can provide structural advantages when properly aligned with your investment strategy.

We provide personalized guidance at every step to our clients to navigate the Hungarian market with clarity and confidence.

You retain ownership.
We ensure local oversight, transparency and high-quality delivery.

If you are considering investing in Hungary, I welcome a confidential conversation.

Maria Fascetti

[Lawyer Name]

Legal Counsel

[Contractor Name]

Construction Partner

[Accountant Name]

Financial & Tax Partner

Comprehensive Support

For real estate and business expansion

Real Estate Support in Hungary

Asset Sourcing

Identifying high-potential assets in Hungary

Purchase Support

Managing the bidding and legal process till ownership

Renovation Management

Overseeing renovation to maximize ROI

Business & Tax — NL & HU

Company Registration

Seamless business setup in both jurisdictions

Tax Optimization

Maximizing corporate tax efficiency and benefits

Challenges We Solve

Click to explore our solutions

Access to Hidden Yields

The Challenge

Public listings are often overpriced or remain hidden.

Solution

We bypass public portals to access off-market deals. You get access to assets with genuine value-add potential before the general market sees them.

Reaching Fluid Rental Market

The Challenge

In the Netherlands, strict tenant protection, indefinite contracts and government-capped rent points strip away your control and limit your profit.

Solution

We guide you into a market where ownership rights are respected. Hungarian rental prices are set by the market — fixed-term contracts are fully enforceable, ensuring your asset remains liquid and profitable.

Key to Potential Growth

The Challenge

In highly developed markets like the Netherlands, real estate values are largely stabilised. Limited price expansion reduces the potential for meaningful capital growth.

Solution

We focus on markets such as Hungary, where entry prices remain accessible and capital growth potential is stronger.

Legal Security

The Challenge

Navigating a foreign legal system can feel risky and unclear.

Solution

Balla Consulting protects your interests with a "Compliance First" standard. Verifying each document with a real estate attorney ensures your ownership and the safety of your investment.

End-to-End Renovation

The Challenge

Managing a renovation from another country can introduce unnecessary risks.

Solution

We act as your project manager on spot, reviewing contractors, enforcing timelines, controlling budgets. We turn run-down properties into income-generating assets.

Tax Advantage

The Challenge

High corporate tax rates in Western Europe can significantly reduce profit margins for cross-border businesses.

Solution

We register your operations to leverage Hungary's 9% Corporate Tax rate — the lowest in the EU. We handle the company formation and compliance so you can focus on growth.

Transparency Is Our Policy

Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs

The Acquisition Suite

For the investor who wants a secure purchase but plans to manage the property independently.

Engagement Retainer

€950

Deducted from final fee. Covers initial research and on-site due diligence.

Success Fee

2.0% of purchase price

Upon successful completion of the acquisition.

Minimum Total Fee

€3,000

Excludes VAT and statutory notary/state fees.

Includes:

  • Asset Sourcing
  • Due Diligence & Legal Coordination
  • Price Negotiation & Contract Review
  • Key Handover & Meter Check
Request Proposal

The Value-Add Suite

For the investor who wants a turn-key asset delivered ready for rental.

Acquisition Fee

Same as Acquisition Suite

€950 retainer + 2.0% success fee (min. €3,000)

Renovation Oversight Fee

15% of renovation budget

5% at start · 5% at midterm · 5% at completion

Property Management

10% gross monthly rent

Maintenance, repairs and third-party costs charged separately.

Request Proposal

Hungary Market Entry (Kft)

For Dutch entrepreneurs establishing a low-tax entity.

Fixed Price

€1,850

Excludes VAT and statutory notary/state fees.

Includes:

  • Kft (B.V) Registration & Deed of Foundation
  • VAT & Chamber of Commerce Registration
  • Bank Account Introduction
  • Registered Address Setup Assistance
Request Proposal

Custom Package

Need something specific? Let's discuss your requirements.

We offer tailored solutions for complex cross-border investments and multi-property portfolios.

Contact Us

The "District V" Turnaround

A real client story from Budapest's most prestigious neighborhood

District V

Location

3%

Discount Secured

6 Months

Renovation Time

6% ROI

Passive Income

The Objective

Our client, a private investor, sought a high-yield residential asset in Budapest's most prestigious neighborhood: District V. The goal was to acquire a classic apartment with "good bones" but outdated interiors, execute a value-add renovation, and secure a long-term tenant.

The Challenge

District V is highly competitive. Publicly listed properties are often overpriced or have bad structures. Furthermore, the client needed a specific layout (two separate bedrooms, bathroom/toilet separation and bright interior) to maximize rental potential. Most available apartments required significant changes that would destroy the ROI.

1. Acquisition & Negotiation

After a long search we identified a niche opportunity: a structurally perfect but aesthetically tired apartment in a prime location. While the asking price was already slightly below market value, we negotiated aggressively. Our target was a 5% discount; we secured a 3% reduction, locking in immediate equity upon purchase.

2. Legal Safety & Complexity

Due diligence revealed a significant risk: the seller had a substantial mortgage on the property. We coordinated a rigorous legal process. Our partner lawyer negotiated directly with the seller's bank to establish an escrow mechanism, guaranteeing our client a clean ownership deed before the final sum was paid.

3. Financial Optimization

The purchase price was in Hungarian Forint (HUF), but the client's capital was in Euro (EUR). A standard bank transfer would have resulted in a ~2% loss on the exchange rate. We utilized a specialized Forex platform to execute the currency swap at near-market rates, saving the client thousands of euros in transaction fees.

4. Renovation Management

We tendered the project to three vetted contractors and selected the mid-priced option with verified references. We personally sourced high-quality finishes and implemented daily on-site supervision. Every stage of the work was inspected and photographed.

The Result

Fully renovated, luxury 2-bedroom apartment in District V. The property was listed on rental portals immediately upon completion. We secured a tenant within 4 weeks at the top end of the market rental rate. A turn-key, high-yield asset generating passive income of 6% excluding the capital gain of the property. Due to subsidized mortgage rates initiated by the Hungarian government in 2025, the estimated property price increase was a minimum of 12%.

Public Listings Are for Tourists

Join the Balla Consulting Private List for off-market opportunities. No spam, just deal flow.

Request Access to Off-Market Deals

From the Blog

Insights on cross-border investing

Why Dutch Real Estate Investors Are Looking Beyond the Netherlands

Rental Flexibility and Long-Term Growth

In recent months, we noticed a shift in conversations with Dutch investors. It is not driven by urgency or dissatisfaction, it is more thoughtful than that. The Netherlands remains a stable and well-regulated property market, but stability alone is no longer enough. Investors are asking whether their capital still has sufficient flexibility and growth potential.

The question is no longer "Is it safe?" — More "Is it still efficient and worthy for the long term?"

Read Full Article →

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before investing

Real Estate Investment & Acquisition

Why should I invest in Budapest compared to the Netherlands? +
In the Netherlands, landlords face a "triple threat": lower yields, heavy Box 3 taxation, and some of the strictest tenant protection laws in Europe. In contrast, Hungary offers a more balanced legal framework where owner's rights are enforceable. Combined with higher entry yields and strong growth potential, Hungary provides a liquid and secure environment for your investment.
Is it safe for a foreign investor to buy property in Hungary? +
Yes. The Hungarian Land Registry is a fully digital, centralized system similar to the Dutch Kadaster. Ownership rights are absolute and protected by EU law. We perform a complete title deed check before any offer is made.
What is "Off-Market" sourcing? +
Most high-value deals never appear on public portals. We source properties through municipal tenders, liquidation auctions, and our private network. This allows you to acquire assets at true market value.
Can I buy property as a private individual or do I need a company? +
EU citizens can purchase residential property in Hungary as private individuals without restriction. However, for tax optimization or when acquiring multiple properties, establishing a Hungarian company (Kft) is often recommended. We advise on the best structure for your specific needs.
How do you verify the true value of a property? +
We do not rely on the seller's asking price. We cross-reference the property with actual transaction data from the area and assess the "Total Cost of Acquisition" to ensure the numbers stack up before you bid.
I cannot travel to Hungary frequently. How do you handle renovations? +
We act as your local project manager. We vet contractors, enforce strict budget controls, and provide you with regular video/photo updates. You retain full control without needing to visit the construction site.
What are the typical transaction costs in Hungary? +
You should budget approximately 4% for Property Transfer Tax, 1% for legal fees, and a small administrative fee for land registry filing. We provide a full cost breakdown sheet before you make an offer.
Do you handle commercial real estate or only residential? +
We handle both. Our focus is on ROI. Whether that comes from a classic apartment or a logistics warehouse, we source the asset that fits your investment criteria.
Can you help with financing or mortgages in Hungary? +
Financing for foreigners can be complex. We can introduce you to local banking partners, though we typically advise clients to have liquid capital ready for the most agile acquisition strategy.

Corporate Services & Tax Optimization

Is the 9% Corporate Tax rate real in Hungary? +
Yes. Hungary currently has the lowest Corporate Income Tax rate in the European Union at 9%. This applies to trading companies and holding structures, making it highly efficient for cross-border operations.
What is a "Kft"? +
The Kft is almost equivalent to a Dutch B.V. It provides limited liability protection and is the standard vehicle for doing business in Hungary.
Can a Dutch citizen own a Hungarian Kft? +
Absolutely. A Dutch individual or a Dutch B.V. can be the 100% owner of a Hungarian Kft. We handle the entire registration process.
Do I need to be physically present to open the company? +
In most cases, company registration can be handled remotely via Power of Attorney. However, opening a bank account usually requires a one-day personal visit to Budapest for compliance (KYC) checks.
How long does company registration take? +
Once the documents are signed, the electronic registration is very fast — typically completed within 7 business days.
How much cash do I need upfront to start the Kft? +
While the legal share capital is 3M HUF (~€7,500), you are not required to deposit this amount into a bank account upon registering the company. You only need to cover the administrative and legal setup fees. Note: You need to fully pay up the capital before you take your first dividend payment.
What about ongoing accounting and compliance? +
We are not accountants, but we partner with trusted, English-speaking tax firms in Hungary. We set up the relationship and ensure your company is compliant from day one.
How does the Double Taxation Treaty work between NL and HU? +
The Netherlands and Hungary have a tax treaty to prevent you from paying tax twice on the same income. We advise on how to structure dividends and interest payments to be tax-efficient.

Working with Balla Consulting

Are you a large agency? +
No, Balla Consulting is a boutique firm. You work directly with the founder, ensuring a single point of accountability and consistent communication.
How do you charge for your services? +
We believe in transparency. For real estate acquisition, we work on a fixed retainer depending on the search complexity and the workload. For corporate services, we offer fixed-price packages. All fees are agreed upon in writing before we start.
Can you help with relocation if I decide to move? +
Yes. While our primary focus is investment and company registration, we have extensive experience in Executive Relocation. For additional requests we can manage the residency, tax number and housing process for our clients.
Why should I use Balla Consulting instead of going directly to the seller? +
The seller's agent works for the seller and is incentivized to get the highest price. We work exclusively for you. Our job is to find the flaws, negotiate the price down, and protect your interests.
What is your "Compliance First" approach? +
We have zero tolerance for "grey areas." We ensure every contract, renovation permit, and tax filing is strictly legal. This protects your assets and your reputation.
Do you have a network of legal professionals? +
Yes. We do not provide legal advice ourselves; we coordinate a network of trusted property and corporate legal practitioners in Hungary who execute the legal work.
How do I get started? +
We start with a consultation call to clarify your objectives in order to build a tailored-made strategy. You can request a consultation via the contact form or Calendly link below.

Get In Touch

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Send a Message

maria.balla@ballaconsulting.com

NL +31 618 445121

HU +36 70 5708972

Amstelveen, The Netherlands

WhatsApp

Schedule a Consultation

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