In 2024, Hungary accounted for 12% of all foreign investment in real estate in Central and Eastern Europe. Such figures were the result of high demand for new buildings in Hungary, which local developers complete with varying success. The main reason for the high demand in the country without coastal cities is the introduction of simplified conditions for buyers.
Features of Buying New Real Estate from a Developer in Hungary
The local new-build market, unlike many EU countries, allows foreigners from non-EEA countries to purchase new-build property in Hungary with minimal restrictions - only permission from local authorities is required, which is issued within 30-60 days.
Key features of purchase:
- Energy efficiency. From 2022, all new properties must comply with the NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standard, which means utility costs in new housing are 30–40% lower than in existing housing.
- Tax incentives. VAT on the purchase of real estate in Hungary from a developer has been reduced to 5% for properties up to 150 m², subject to habitation.
- Investment programs. Buying real estate worth at least 350,000 euros gives the right to participate in the residence permit program. Since 2024, the requirements have become stricter, and the state will now check the legality of the origin of the buyer's funds.
- Growing demand for rentals. In 2025, rental yields in Budapest were 4-6% per annum, which is higher than the EU average (3-4%).
Developers in Hungary made compact apartments with advanced control systems. For example, "smart home" systems are installed in 40% of new properties in Budapest.
Prices for Real Estate in Residential Complexes under Construction in Hungary
In 2025, new housing in Hungary is steadily growing in price by 6.7%, bringing the average price per square meter to 2,450 euros. The main demand is for apartments and flats, although in resort areas such as Lake Balaton, interest is growing in villas and townhouses.
Average prices for new buildings in Hungary
| Property type | Average area, m² | Average price per m², EUR | Average price of the object, euro |
| Studio | 30–50 | 2300–2900 | 69,000–145,000 |
| Apartment (1-2 bedrooms) | 50–90 | 2500–3300 | 125,000–297,000 |
| Townhouse | 100–150 | 2700–3600 | 270,000–540,000 |
| Villa | 150–300 | 3200–4700 | 80,000–1,410,000 |
Popular Cities in Hungary for Purchasing Real Estate from a Developer
The capital remains the leader in the number of new buildings in Hungary: 9,200 new apartments were commissioned in 2024. Popular districts are V (center), XIII (Danube embankment) and IX (reconstructed Ferencvaros). The average price is 2,800–3,500 euros per m².
The second most popular is the city of Heviz, located near the largest thermal lake in Europe. There is a high demand for short-term rentals here: in the first half of 2025 alone, the tourist flow increased by 15%. The average price is 2100–2700 euros per m².
Balatonfüred is located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton and is more popular among luxury property buyers. In 2025, 320 villas and townhouses were completed here, with an average price of 3,000–4,000 euros per m².
Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary. New buildings here are cheaper than in Budapest (2000-2600 euros per m²), and 1500 new apartments were commissioned in 2025.
Last on the list is Székesfehérvár, an industrial and historical centre 60 km from Budapest. Prices here range from 1800 to 2400 euros per m², but the main advantage is the good transport links to the capital.
