What is the average house price in Hungary?

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A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, etc.).

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What type of property should you consider in Hungary - apartments, houses, or new developments?

Apartments dominate the Hungarian property market, especially in Budapest and major regional cities, offering the best liquidity and rental potential for investors.

In Budapest, apartments represent about 70% of available properties, ranging from compact 40m² studios to spacious 150m² family units. New apartment developments in districts like Zugló and Óbuda typically cost €3,500-€5,000 per square meter, while older communist-era panel apartments in outer districts start from €1,800-€2,400 per square meter.

Houses are more common in suburban areas and countryside locations, offering better value for families seeking space. A typical 120m² house in Budapest's suburban districts costs €400,000-€600,000, while similar properties in regional cities like Debrecen or Szeged range from €180,000-€280,000.

New developments are increasingly popular, particularly in Budapest where projects like Marina City and Cordia's upcoming 1,000+ apartment development represent the future of Hungarian real estate. These properties command premium prices but offer modern amenities, energy efficiency, and strong appreciation potential.

It's something we develop in our Hungary property pack.

Which Hungarian regions offer the best value - Budapest, countryside, or emerging areas?

Budapest remains the top choice for investment and expat living, commanding premium prices but offering the strongest rental yields and appreciation potential.

The capital's central districts (5, 6, 7) are most expensive at €4,000-€7,000 per square meter, while outer districts (15, 16, 20) offer better value at €2,400-€3,500 per square meter. Budapest's District 11 has become particularly popular among expats, with good connectivity and prices around €3,800-€4,500 per square meter.

Regional cities like Debrecen, Szeged, and Győr provide excellent opportunities for both living and investment. Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, offers new-build apartments at €1,750-€2,170 per square meter, while Szeged's university town atmosphere supports strong rental demand at similar price levels.

Lake regions present unique opportunities, with Lake Balaton commanding holiday home premiums of €1,500-€3,700 per square meter, while the emerging Lake Tisza area offers exceptional value at €550-€1,120 per square meter. Eastern countryside villages near the Romanian border offer the most affordable options, with properties available from €70-€500 per square meter.

How do property prices vary per square meter across Hungarian regions?

What are current average purchase prices and typical transaction examples?

As of June 2025, a standard 70m² apartment in Budapest's popular District 6 typically costs €245,000-€350,000, representing the market's mainstream segment.

In regional cities, a 90m² new-build apartment in Debrecen costs approximately €160,000-€195,000, while a similar property in Szeged ranges from €162,000-€198,000. These cities offer excellent value compared to Budapest while maintaining good infrastructure and services.

For lake properties, a 100m² house near Lake Tisza costs €55,000-€112,000, making it one of Europe's most affordable lakefront markets. In contrast, Lake Balaton properties command significantly higher prices, with a similar house costing €150,000-€370,000 depending on proximity to the water and local amenities.

A concrete example from current listings shows a 61m² apartment in Siófok (Lake Balaton) priced at €251,000, demonstrating the premium attached to this established holiday destination. Meanwhile, rural properties offer exceptional value, with some village houses available for under €20,000 in eastern Hungary.

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What additional costs should you expect beyond the purchase price?

Total additional costs typically add 5-7% to your property purchase price in Hungary, making it relatively affordable compared to other European countries.

The property transfer tax represents the largest additional cost at 4% of the purchase price above the tax-free threshold (currently around €50,000). Legal fees typically range from 1-2% of the purchase price, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the lawyer's experience level.

Valuation costs range from €200-€500 for standard properties, while registration fees add another €100-€200 to your total costs. If you're using financing, bank arrangement fees and mortgage processing costs can add another 0.5-1% to your total expenses.

For a €300,000 apartment purchase in Budapest, you should budget approximately €18,000-€21,000 for additional costs, including €12,000 in transfer tax, €3,000-€6,000 in legal fees, and €500-€700 for valuation and registration. These costs are generally lower than comparable markets in Western Europe.

How have Hungarian property prices changed over the past year and five years?

Hungarian property prices have shown exceptional growth, with Budapest leading the charge at 11.8% growth in 2024 and the national average increasing by 7.8%.

Over the past five years, Hungary has experienced some of Europe's strongest property price appreciation, with cumulative growth of 50-100% in major cities. Budapest has been particularly impressive, with some districts seeing prices double between 2019 and 2024, driven by strong economic growth, EU infrastructure investment, and increased foreign interest.

Regional cities have also performed strongly, with Debrecen and Szeged experiencing 40-70% growth over the five-year period. This growth has been supported by university expansion, technology sector development, and improved transportation links to Budapest and neighboring countries.

The current house price index shows year-on-year growth of 13% as of Q4 2024, well above the long-term average of 7.3%. This positions Hungary as one of Europe's top-performing property markets, outpacing traditional investment destinations like Germany and France while maintaining significantly lower entry costs.

What are the property price forecasts for Hungary's market?

Property prices in Hungary are expected to continue growing by 5-10% annually over the next year, with Budapest and well-connected regional cities leading this growth.

Five-year forecasts suggest sustained annual growth rates of 5-7%, supported by continued EU infrastructure investment, economic development, and Hungary's strategic position in Central Europe. The government's housing support programs and favorable tax environment for property investors are expected to maintain strong domestic demand.

Ten-year projections indicate continued steady appreciation, particularly in areas benefiting from major infrastructure projects like the Budapest-Belgrade railway and expanded motorway networks. Climate change may also boost demand for Lake Tisza properties as northern European buyers seek affordable alternatives to increasingly expensive Mediterranean destinations.

Regional cities are expected to outperform rural areas, with Debrecen, Szeged, and Győr benefiting from ongoing university expansion and technology sector growth. However, rural properties near major cities may see increased interest as remote work becomes more prevalent and buyers seek larger properties at affordable prices.

Which areas represent the most expensive and most affordable property markets?

Budapest's District 5 (Inner City) and District 12 (Buda Hills) represent Hungary's most expensive property markets, with luxury apartments reaching €7,000+ per square meter.

The most expensive areas include Budapest's Castle District, Rózsadomb (Rose Hill), and the area around the Parliament building, where historic properties and luxury developments command premium prices. Waterfront properties along the Danube in central Pest districts can exceed €8,000 per square meter for prime locations.

At the opposite end, eastern border villages near Romania offer Europe's most affordable property prices, with some houses available for €70-€500 per square meter. Villages in Hajdú-Bihar, Békés, and Csongrád-Csanád counties provide exceptional value for buyers seeking rural tranquility or budget investment opportunities.

Emerging markets with strong potential include Nyíregyháza and Zalaegerszeg, where new developments cost €1,500-€2,500 per square meter while offering good connectivity and growing economies. Lake Tisza represents the best value in recreational property, offering lakefront living at a fraction of Lake Balaton prices.

It's something we develop in our Hungary property pack.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Hungary versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the smartest property choices for long-term living and value?

For long-term living and value retention, Budapest's Districts 6, 7, and 11 offer the optimal balance of livability, appreciation potential, and quality of life.

District 6 (Terézváros) provides excellent connectivity, cultural amenities, and strong rental demand from both expats and locals. Properties here typically cost €3,800-€4,500 per square meter but offer superior long-term value through consistent appreciation and high liquidity.

Regional cities like Debrecen and Szeged represent exceptional value for families and retirees, offering modern amenities, good healthcare, and significantly lower living costs. A €180,000 apartment in Debrecen provides similar quality of life to a €350,000 property in Budapest while offering better space and community feel.

For those prioritizing lifestyle and value, Lake Tisza emerging areas offer unique opportunities. Properties costing €80,000-€120,000 provide waterfront living with strong appreciation potential as the area develops tourism infrastructure and attracts more international attention.

Which areas and property types offer the best rental income potential?

Budapest's central districts consistently deliver the highest rental yields, with District 7 and parts of District 6 offering 4.5-5.5% annual returns for well-positioned apartments.

For long-term rentals, regional university cities like Debrecen and Szeged provide stable 4-5% yields with lower vacancy rates and reduced management complexity. Student accommodation near universities can achieve even higher returns, particularly in purpose-built developments near campus areas.

Short-term rental opportunities are strongest in Budapest's tourist districts and Lake Balaton holiday areas. Central Budapest apartments can generate €50-€80 per night during peak season, while Lake Balaton properties command €40-€70 per night in summer months.

Emerging opportunities exist in Székesfehérvár and other commuter towns, where professionals working in Budapest seek affordable rental accommodation. These areas offer 3.5-4.5% yields with potential for capital appreciation as transport links improve.

Where should you invest for the best capital appreciation potential?

Budapest's emerging districts and major new developments offer the strongest capital appreciation potential, particularly areas benefiting from infrastructure investment and urban regeneration projects.

District 13 (Újlipótváros) and parts of District 9 are experiencing rapid gentrification, with properties appreciating 15-20% annually as young professionals and families discover these previously overlooked areas. New developments like Marina City and Cordia's upcoming projects represent institutional-quality investment opportunities.

Regional cities with strong economic fundamentals offer excellent appreciation potential at lower entry costs. Debrecen's technology sector expansion and Szeged's pharmaceutical industry growth support sustained property value increases. Győr benefits from automotive industry investment and proximity to Austria.

Suburban areas around major cities present compelling opportunities as Hungarian cities expand and transport infrastructure improves. Towns within 30-45 minutes of Budapest or regional centers offer the best balance of affordability and growth potential for medium-term investors.

It's something we develop in our Hungary property pack.

How does Hungary compare to other Central and Eastern European property markets?

Hungary leads Central and Eastern Europe in property price growth, with a 200% increase over the past decade outpacing neighboring countries like Lithuania and Poland.

Compared to Poland, Hungarian property offers better value in major cities, with Warsaw prices now exceeding Budapest in many areas despite lower local incomes. Czech Republic's Prague has become significantly more expensive than Budapest while offering similar amenities and investment potential.

Romania presents the closest comparison, with Bucharest offering similar prices to regional Hungarian cities but with higher political and economic risks. Hungary's EU membership, stable legal system, and favorable tax environment provide significant advantages for international investors.

Slovakia's Bratislava commands higher prices due to proximity to Vienna, while Hungarian regional cities offer better value and growth potential. Hungary's strategic position, ongoing infrastructure investment, and strong economic fundamentals position it as the region's most attractive property investment destination for international buyers.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Hungary Golden Visa - Real Estate Market Overview
2. Cordia Development Announcement
3. Global Citizen Solutions - Living in Hungary
4. Daily News Hungary - Lake Tisza Property Market
5. Daily News Hungary - Budapest Market Surge
6. Hungary Today - Real Estate Price Rise
7. Mercury Estate - Taxes and Expenses
8. RPRealty Plus - Hungary Leading Europe
9. YCharts - Hungary House Price Index
10. Global Property Guide - Square Meter Prices