Buying realty in Hungary does not guarantee getting a residence permit. However, the presence of property together with a good passive income and no criminal records in the past significantly increase the chances of getting a positive response from the authorities. The cost of living here is low, when compared with other European countries; the climate is mild, and taxes are not burdensome. How much you will have to pay for the maintenance and maintenance of housing in Hungary, what income and expenses you should expect.
Property taxes
A single purchase tax
After the registration of the property rights within one to two months, the new owner receives a letter from the tax department about the need to pay the state fee. Its size depends on the cost of the property: up to €11,000 – 2%, over €11,000 – 4%.
This notification is usually received by the lawyer who handled the transaction. In this case, the owner transfers the money to the deposit account of the lawyer, who tranfers the sum to the settlement account of the department and passes the client a document confirming the payment.
Features:
If you purchase primary housing, the state provides a benefit: objects worth up to €41,550 are not taxed; if the property is more expensive, the rate is 4%.
If you buy a house and not an apartment, the one-time fee is 10%, regardless of the value. You can avoid paying only if you buy land without construction and build a house on it within four years.
Annual property taxes
There is a land tax in Hungary, which is 1.0-1.5% of the property value. But it applies only to private property.
Apartment owners are usually exempt from the annual tax, but there are exceptions. For large resorts, such as Lakes Heviz and Balaton, there are specific requirements, since most of the housing there is rented by tourists. Therefore, if you purchase a resort property, you will have to pay a tax on the housing stock property.
In this case, the basis for the calculations is the initial cost of the property or floor space. The rate depends on the current indicator of the consumer price index, which is calculated by the Hungarian Statistics Center. During the last two years – €5-6 per sq.m or 3.6% of the cost of an apartment or house.
The notification of the need to pay the tax comes to the post office. If the amount is too large for you, you should contact the tax department and ask them to divide it into several parts. The terms of repayment and details will be indicated in the receipt received.
Residential property for sale in Hungary:
136 567 €
House in Zalacsany, Hungary
57 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. Gyuljeves. House with a plot. 136 567 EUR Area: 57 m2 Plot area: 943 m2 Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Living room: 1 Kitchen: 1 Storage: 1 Number of floors: 1 Built: 1950 Completely renovated: 2023 From Lake Balaton: 27.6 km, 30 min. From Heviz resort: 26 km, 30 min. Location • Central heating • Shopping center Equipment •...
Europe Gmbh
2 595 000 €
Villa in Budapest, Hungary
600 m²
Residence
Hungary. Budapest. Villa with pool.
Toronya Street, Budapest, Budapest 1037
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | House
€2,595,000
HUF 920,000,000
Land area: 1,305.00 m²
Building area: 600.00 m²
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Address
Toronya Street, Budapest, Budapest 1037
We sell your apartment or house.
We have a selection of...
Europe Gmbh
80 440 €
Apartment in Zalacsany, Hungary
34 m²
Rental property
Hungary. Zalaksany. New apartment of 34m2 Area: 27 m2 + terrace of 7m2 Bedrooms: 1 Bathroom: 1 Living Room: 1 Kitchen: 1 Year of construction: 2025 From Lake Balaton: 17.4 km, 21 min. From Heviz resort: 9.8 km, 12 min. Energy efficiency class: AA 80,440 € Exclusive apartments in Zalakshany, an ideal investment opportunity! Location Brand New...
Europe Gmbh
495 000 €
House in Vonyarcvashegy, Hungary
175 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. It stinks. A house with a garage and a plot on Lake Balaton.
Square:175 m2
Land area:1300 m2
Bedrooms:3
Bathrooms:2
Living room:1
Kitchen:1
Storage room:2
Number of floors:2 Built:2011
From the Heviz resort:14.3 km, 20 min.495,000
€
3-layer windows
On the Balaton
Panoramic view
By the lake
Equipment...
Europe Gmbh
797 429 €
House in Budapest, Hungary
360 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. The pest. Csomád.
Csomád, Pest
HUF 319,000,000
EUR 797,429.
Your dream home can now become a reality! A luxurious detached Mediterranean style house is offered. Its outstanding energy efficiency is provided by: Porotherm Masonry 7 solar panels (total capacity: 12,670 kWh/year), Wagner Solar Hungft. Wall heating, radiators....
Europe Gmbh
498 000 €
House in Vonyarcvashegy, Hungary
174 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. It stinks. House with garden, swimming pool and garage on the shore of Lake Balaton. Area:174 m2 Plot area:2314 m2 Bedrooms:4 Bathrooms:2 Living rooms:1 Kitchen:1 Storage room:3 Number of floors:3 Built:1998 Completely renovated:2023 From Lake Balaton:0 km, 0 min. From the Heviz resort:11.7 km, 17 min. 498,000 € Best value for money On...
Europe Gmbh
412 087 €
Townhouse in Keszthely, Hungary
150 m²
Residence
Hungary. Keszthely. Townhouse with a garage.
€412,087
Listing ID: 56146
• Built: 2019
• Plot area: 70 m²
• Floor area: 150 m²
• Terrace: 32 m²
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Living room: 1
• Kitchen: 1
• Storage rooms: 2
• Number of floors: 2
•...
Europe Gmbh
479 695 €
House on Balaton, Hungary
120 m²
Residence
Hungary. Balatongyörök. New house with plot.
€479,695
Search: 33856
• Built: 2024
• Plot size: 1,000 m²
• Area: 120 m²
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Living room: 1
• Kitchen: 1
• Storage: 1
• Energy efficiency class: A+++
Modern family home for sale in...
Europe Gmbh
775 000 €
Flat in Budapest, Hungary
185 m²5
In the 5th district of Budapest, in its historical center, next to Vereshmarti Ter Square, Deak ter, in an old house of classical construction, on the floor built in 2020, a two-storey apartment in technical condition of "finished construction" is offered for sale. The house is elegant, with an elevator.
All technical elements are built in or...
WESTINVEST
4 500 000 €
Villa in Budapest, Hungary
1000 m²
Residence
Hungary. Budapest. Villa with panoramic views.
ID: 1671
Villa with panoramic views
€4,500,000
Budapest, District XII
Area: 1,000 m²
District XII, Virányos — villa with panoramic views
A unique estate situated on a beautifully landscaped 3,200 m² plot is for sale on a quiet street in the Virányos...
Europe Gmbh
3 110 000 €
Villa in Budapest, Hungary
700 m²
In the 2nd district of Budapest, next to its prestigious part called Rose Hill (Rozsadomb), surrounded by nature conservation areas, we offer for sale a detached luxury villa with 2 apartments with panoramic views, a large garden and a south-west orientation providing plenty of sunlight.
Two apartments can be purchased either together or...
WESTINVEST
490 450 €
Flat in Budapest, Hungary
84 m²
Residence
Hungary. Budapest. 84 sq m apartment in the city center.
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
179,000,000 Hungarian Forints
490,450 euros.
This magnificent 84 sq m two-bedroom apartment is for sale on quiet Lázár Street, between the Basilica and the Opera House.
The apartment is on the 3rd floor of a well-preserved classical building...
Europe Gmbh
657 000 €
Penthouse in Budapest, Hungary
129 m²42
Penthouse with panoramic views in the heart of Budapest, just a 2-minute walk from the Danube. A rare opportunity in a classic building in the heart of the 13th district. On the ground floor there is a large and bright living room with a fully equipped open plan kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pantry and a balcony. On the second floor...
NF Group
713 356 €
Flat in Budapest, Hungary
137 m²
Residence
Hungary. Budapest. 137 m² apartment on Váci Street.
79 Váci Street, Budapest 1056
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
€713,356
259,900,000 HUF
79 Váci Street, Budapest 1056
A spacious apartment with high ceilings is offered for sale on Váci Street (near Vámház Boulevard) in a historic building;...
Europe Gmbh
600 955 €
House on Balaton, Hungary
120 m²
Rental property
Hungary. Balatonkeresztúr. A house with a swimming pool on Lake Balaton. Size:120 m2 Land area:454 m2 Bedrooms:4 Bathrooms:2 Living rooms:2nd Kitchen:2 Storage room:2 Number of floors:2 Built:2001 Completely renovated:2023 From Lake Balaton:0.9 km, 1 min. From the Heviz resort:25 km, 27 min. 600,995 € Profitable real estate for rent Best price...
Europe Gmbh
120 000 €
House in Zalakaros, Hungary
130 m²
Residence
Hungary. Zalakaros. House with land. €120,000 Search: 33900 • Plot size: 1400 m2 • Area: 130 m2 • Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 2 • Living rooms: 2 • Kitchen: 2 • Number of floors: 2 Utilities • Water connected • Electricity connected Property details • Additional parking • Internet Heating...
Europe Gmbh
555 000 €
Apartment in Budapest, Hungary
62 m²322
Online ViewingRemote TransactionRental property
District 5, historic center, near Váci Street, in a beautiful historic building with an elevator. This second-floor apartment measures 65 sq m and features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan living room with a kitchen. Two years ago, the apartment underwent a complete, high-quality renovation, essentially rebuilding it from...
Perfect Invest Hungary Ltd.
318 000 €
Flat in Budapest, Hungary
77 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. Budapest. Apartment 77 sq m 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom €318,000 77.00 sq m 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom We'll sell your apartment or house. We have a selection of apartments and houses for various budgets, including commercial properties.
Europe Gmbh
1 050 000 €
Apartment in Budapest, Hungary
130 m²
ResidenceRental property
Hungary. Budapest. Apartment 130m2 1,050,000 euros Published: May 12, 2025. Code: PRMV-T1245. An outstanding luxury apartment in the heart of the Old Town of Pest, next to the Hungarian National Opera House. This spacious apartment is equipped with almost everything and has been completely renovated using modern and unique materials. The...
Europe Gmbh
363 400 €
Flat in Budapest, Hungary
94 m²432
In the 6th district, in close proximity to the historical center and Andrassy Avenue, an apartment is offered for sale after a designer renovation. Excellent infrastructure and transport links. Area: 94 sq.m. Number of rooms: 4 (living room + 3 bedrooms) Bathrooms: 2 Toilet: 3 Balcony Floor: 2 Elevator: yes The windows overlook the street...
In comparison with other European countries, utiies in Hungary are cheap.
Almost every apartment building has a homeowners' association (HOA), which is mandatory to join if you are the owner of an apartment in the complex. The HOA is fully responsible for the general condition of the house: repairment, maintenance and improvement of common areas.
The monthly fee of the HOA (közös költség) also includes home insurance. Depending on the type of partnership, water and central heating may be included in the total bill.
The fee is calculated based on the floor space of an apartment and the incoming services. Usually it costs about €40-100 per month. The total bill includes a fixed amount for the maintenance of the house (€0.7-1.5 per sq.m) + general renovation. In the latter case, the fee may vary depending on what needs to be done in the house. If there are no specific issues, the starting point is €0.4-0.5 per sq.m. If you need to fix the roof urgently and all the owners of the house agree with this, the general meeting decides to what level and for what period of time you need to increase the fee.
For what else you will have to pay for
Water. The rate varies depending on the city. For example, in Budapest, the cost of a cubic meter is approximately €1.3 + a fixed fee of €0.5 per month. In Biatorbágy, the rates are much higher – about €2.7 per cubic meter.
Gas. It is much more profitable to use gas than electricity: the cost of a kilowatt is €0.03. The cheapest option is to have a circo in the apartment – its own boiler that heats hot water for both batteries and showers. In old houses, this option or a convector/boiler is most often used; in Soviet panel houses, heating and water heating are often centralized.
Electricity. The cost of a kilowatt-hour is about €0.11.
The Internet. Each house usually has its own service company, that is, you can not choose a provider. On average, for a package that includes phone and Internet, you will have to pay about €20-25 per month.
Insurance. An optional service, but if you want to insure specifically your apartment and property-get ready to give about 0.1% of the value of the property per year.
How to pay for utilities. Water bills (if the calculation is based on the meter), gas and electricity are paid separately. In Hungary, there is a prepayment of utilities. So, the owner or tenant initially pays an amount when settling in, which is calculated on the basis of last year's expense or costs for similar housing (if we are talking about a new building). Then, after certain intervals of time, the management company recalculates measures.
The terms and conditions of recalculation vary depending on the resource and the company.
Recalculation of electricity measures happens once a year. If there is an overpayment, the company returns the difference to the card, and informs the owner if they have to pay extra.
Recalculation of the gas – every three to four months, but the system is different: in case of underpayment or overpayment, the corresponding amount is added or deducted from the next invoice.
The water charge is calculated by the meter, and the bill comes about once every six months.
Invoices are sent to the payer's address. For payment, you can set up an auto-payment from your account in a Hungarian bank or make a payment yourself each time via the Internet.
Lease
Profitability. According to local realtors, the profit from the rental of housing in Hungary is on average 6-10% per annum, depending on the type of property, season and region. Meanwhile, rental housing in Hungary continues to become cheaper, and the yield decreased in 2020 by 25%.
Bids. The cost of short-term rent in Budapest starts from €15-20 per day, if we are talking about a comfortable studio apartment. In the season, the rates are increased by one and a half to two times.
In general, it is cheaper to rent a house in Budapest than in most neighboring European capitals.
Taxes. Rental income is taxed at a fixed rate of 16%. The tax is levied on the net profit, that is, after deducting the actual and documented expenses incurred in the rental process, such as lighting, maintenance, administrative costs, etc. But the amount of deductible expenses should not be more than 25%.
Before renting out property, you must notify the municipal authorities. A contract is necessarily concluded, according to which the tenant pays only directly for the apartment or house. If the owner wants to transfer the obligations to pay for utilities, the tenant must enter into contract with resource suppliers in their own name.
Management company. Takes care of all the concerns related to the realty maintenance. The price for the work starts from €50 per month. The main range of services – payment of utility bills, cleaning and airing of the apartment, checking the housing three or four times a month. If you additionally need them to search for tenants, communicate with them, and accept payments, the company charges about 6% of the rental income.
Market trends. Despite the pandemic, the demand for residential real estate in Hungary is growing. And although the overall price growth has slowed down, new buildings began to rise rapidly in price.
Taxes. When selling a home, you must pay capital gains tax. Tax base is the difference between the purchase and sale price. You can deduct the cost of buying, repairing and other investments in the property, which you can document. The base rate is 25%, but the state provides benefits depending on the period of ownership.
If you sell your property in less than a year after the purchase, there are no benefits are provided; if in the second year of ownership, then you must pay only 90% of the tax due, in the third - 70%, in the fourth - 50%, in the fifth - 10%. If more than five years have passed since the purchase, you do not need to pay tax. If you use the money immediately to buy another realty object, you do not have to pay the tax either.
Example. You bought an apartment more than three years ago for €250,000, and you are selling it for €300,000. The tax base is €50,000. Let's assume that the cost of improving the housing and the cost of processing the transaction amounted to €20,000. 25% of €30,000 – €7,500. Since at the time of the sale it was your fourth year of ownership, you need to pay 50% of the amount received, that is, €3,750.
You can also use a calculator to count the exact amount you need to pay.
Additional expenses. The main share of the costs associated with the sale falls on the buyer. The stamp duty and payment of all necessary documents will result in approximately €250; for the services of a lawyer, you have to pay 1-2% of the transaction amount (at least €1,000). But the commission to the realtor, which is 3-5% of the sale price, is often paid by the seller.
