Buying property in Hungary as a UK foreigner

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Considering moving to Hungary from the UK? You might be moving there for work or study, retirement or to start a business. Alternatively, you might want to buy property for investment purposes, or to rent out.

Whatever your plans, you’ll need to know about the process of buying property in Hungary as a foreigner.

We’re here to help, with a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest Hungarian property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Hungarian bank as a non-resident?

First things first, you’ll need to think about how you’ll finance your Hungarian property purchase. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

Banks in Hungary do provide mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents, but the process can be more difficult and complicated than for Hungarian or EU residents.

You’ll need to provide lots of paperwork and meet strict approval criteria, the most important being proof of a stable income (ideally sourced from within Hungary or the EU).¹

You may also need a larger deposit, as the typical loan-to-value ratio (LTV) offered to foreign applicants is only around 50% to 70% of the property value.¹

If you do need finance for your purchase, it’s important to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest.

It’s a really good idea to use a broker specialising in international buyers, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances. Simply having someone on your side who speaks Hungarian and really understands the system can pay dividends.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Hungary

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Hungary:²

Tax/fee name	Rate/fee
Legal fees	1% to 5%
Transfer tax	4%
Notary fees	0.01% to 0.05%
Admin fees - including permissions and registration	Around €300 EUR³
Property tax (annual)	Varies - max. of 1,100 HUF per square metre or 1.8% of property value

Alongside these, you may also need to pay:

• Mortgage valuation and arrangement fees
• Building survey fees
• Translation and notarization costs for your documents

The costs for these can vary, so it’s important to do your research and get quotes early - so you can budget for them.

Read more: Cost of Living in Hungary

What’s the property market like in Hungary?

The Hungarian property market is in a period of recovery, with property prices growing an impressive 15.34% in Q1 2025 compared to the year before. Unsurprisingly, the biggest rise (over 22%) was seen in the country’s capital of Budapest.⁴

Demand among buyers is also strengthening, while supply of properties continues to struggle to keep pace.

What this means as a buyer is that you may have to pay a little more for your dream Hungarian property, as well as needing to act fast and decisively to get ahead of other buyers.

If you’re looking to buy a property to rent out, it’s useful to know that the rental market is seeing slower growth than sales. Nationwide, gross rental yields averaged just over 5% as of July 2025.⁴

Can foreigners buy property in Hungary?

Foreign nationals can buy property in Hungary, but there are some conditions and restrictions.

Non-EU and non-EEA buyers (which includes UK nationals) will need to get a Hungarian government permit in order to legally register property in their name at the Land Registry in Hungary. This can add extra time to the buying process.¹

There are also restrictions on land classified as agricultural or forestry land, which generally cannot be purchased.¹

Can you buy property in Hungary and get residency?

No, there isn’t a direct route to residency in Hungary through the purchase of property.

Hungary is one of a number of countries with a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allows foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. It’s called the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

However, this doesn’t include investing in property - only investing at least 250,000 EUR in a real estate investment fund registered with the National Bank of Hungary.⁵

This means that if you’d like to move abroad and live in Hungary permanently, you will need to pursue other visa pathways.

Read more: Hungary Golden Visa

How much are the property prices in Hungary?

Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in beautiful Hungary?

According to cost of living database Numbeo, the cost of buying an apartment in Hungary is between 36% and 39% cheaper per square meter than the UK - depending whether you buy inside or outside a major city centre.⁷

Although of course, it very much depends on the type of home and the exact area you’re buying in.

To narrow it down a little further, here’s a guide to what you can expect to pay in some of Hungary’s major cities:³

City	Average apartment price (EUR)	Average price per sq.m (EUR)
Budapest (all major districts)	€114,330 to €230,630	€2,710 to €3,940
Siófok	€194,655	€3,450
Szeged	€165,825	€2,220
Debrecen	€161,885	€2,465
Érd	€159,910	€2,220
Székesfehérvár	€154,985	€2,465
Pécs	€116,790	€2,220
Győr	€109,400	€2,220

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Hungary is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to Hungarian forints (HUF).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Hungary?

Of Hungary’s major cities, the cheapest for property prices tend to be Nyíregyháza, Göd, Szombathely and Kecskemét.

But you may also want to check out the Southern Transdanubia region as well as northeast and western Hungary, where it's possible to find affordable property.

Buying property in Hungary as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Hungary.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, it’s a smart idea to get your finances sorted. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You might also want to open a Hungarian bank account, as it can make transactions easier later on (especially if you’re getting a mortgage).

2. Get your tax number

In order to buy property in Hungary as a foreigner, you’ll need a Hungarian tax ID number (adóazonosító jel).

You can apply for it at the Hungarian Tax Office (NAV), either online or in person. You’ll need your passport, proof of address and proof of income.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. We’ll run through some tips later on how and where to start your search.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Appoint a solicitor

While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer with experience in both the Hungarian real estate market and working with foreign buyers.

They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction.

You can find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

5. Make a formal offer

The next important step is to submit a competitive offer in writing to the estate agent, or to the buyer directly. You can negotiate, just like in other countries.

6. Carry out due diligence checks

Before you sign any contracts committing you to the purchase, your solicitor will need to carry out in-depth due diligence checks. This includes checking the title deeds at the Land Registry for outstanding encumbrances or debts, and verifying the legal status of the property.

At this stage, you might also want to get a building survey carried out. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.

If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to negotiate on price.

7. Sign the preliminary contract

If your offer is accepted, the next step is for both parties to sign the preliminary contract. This outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

You’ll also arrange a transfer for the deposit, which in Hungary is usually around 10% of the purchase price.⁶

At this stage, you might want to contact your mortgage provider to finalise the financing for your purchase.

8. Apply for your acquisition permit

In order for the property to be legally registered under your name in the Land Registry, you’ll need to apply for permission from the government as a foreign buyer.

This is a step your solicitor can help you with, and it’s important to apply as soon as possible as it can take a while for your permit to come through.

9. Closing

The final stage is to work towards closing, which involves:

• Solicitors for both parties completing all remaining legal checks and paperwork
• Paying registration fees and taxes
• Registering your property with the Land Registry
• Signing the final sales contract, in the presence of a notary/lawyer.

The title deed will be transferred to your name and you’ll arrange a transfer for the remaining balance.

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

Read more: Moving abroad from the UK: Complete guide

How can you find a property in Hungary?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Hungary are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Hungary

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy overseas, but it could be very helpful.

If it’s the first time you’ve bought a property in Hungary, then a specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful advice and insight into the local market. However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service.

Real estate agents in Hungary don’t need to be licensed, so you should choose carefully - a personal recommendation is a good place to start.

Property websites in Hungary

The best way to get a head start on finding a place to buy in Hungary is to look online. Great websites to find a house or a flat to buy include:

• Realestate.hu
• Ingatlan.com
• OC.hu
• dh.hu

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Hungary?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property in Hungary, or in any foreign country, are scams.

To avoid scams and other pitfalls, it’s best to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

You should also check for membership of a professional body (if applicable) when working with any property experts, brokers or agents.

Other important things to remember include:

• Apply for your acquisition permit as early as possible, as it can take a while to come through and could delay or even jeopardise your purchase
• Be cautious and do your homework (including meeting or speaking to the seller) before sending money or a deposit.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

How do you choose the right property in Hungary?

Your dream home in Hungary will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and of course, how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific town or city in Hungary you’re interested in.

You’ll want to check out the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

A crucial step is checking the title deeds of the property to verify its legal status, as well as if any debts, charges, building conditions or other restrictions are registered against it.

You’ll also want to commission a building survey or inspection, which will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Hungary offers a variety of different property types, ranging from city centre apartments and studios to traditional houses and villas with gardens. Townhouses are also popular, usually in complexes.

You may prefer to buy a new build from a developer, but if you’re after authentic style then a resale property could be the better choice.

If buying an older property though, you may need to factor in some budget for renovations.

If you’re buying in a city, an apartment or studio is likely to be the best choice in terms of location and local amenities.

Moving into your Hungarian property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Hungary

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Hungary

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to building and renovating property abroad covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Hungary

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Hungary. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Hungary

Can Brits retire to Hungary?

Yes, you can retire to Hungary as a British expat. There’s no direct retirement visa, so you’ll need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa and residency permit.

Is buying property in Hungary a good investment?

Buying property in Hungary can be a good investment, as it offers lower prices than many parts of Western Europe, along with high rental yields (especially in major cities like Budapest) and potential long-term growth,

However, it’s crucial to choose the right location and property type. You should also weigh up the risks carefully before investing, and seek professional advice.

Where do most Brits live in Hungary?

You’ll find most British expats living in Budapest, but there are also growing expat communities in the north-west of the country and the region around Lake Balaton.

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Sources used:

1. Investropa - Buying and owning a property as a foreigner in Hungary (January 2026)
2. Global Property Guide - Property Investment in Hungary: Foreigner’s Guide (2025)
3. Immigrant Invest - Hungarian real estate market: what it costs and how to buy in 2026
4. Global Property Guide - Hungary's Residential Property Market Analysis 2025
5. Henley Global - Hungary Residence by Investment
6. RE/MAX - Your guide to buying property in Hungary

Sources last checked on date: 21-Jan-2026