What is the Eviction Statement (kiköltözési nyilatkozat)?

It’s a standard Hungarian notarized document that most landlords require. It’s not a scam — it’s common practice and gives the landlord legal recourse if a tenant refuses to leave. Costs about €50–100 at a notary. Factor it into your move-in costs.

Is it better to rent in Buda or Pest?

Pest (east side) has better nightlife, more coworking spaces, and is flatter/more walkable. Buda (west side) is greener, quieter, and more residential — ideal for families. Most expats and nomads start in Pest (Districts V–VIII) and move to Buda or District XIII once settled.

Can foreigners buy property in Budapest?

EU citizens can buy freely. Non-EU citizens need a permit from the local government office (2–3 months). Since January 2025, purchasing property worth €500,000+ also qualifies for a residence permit through the Golden Visa program.

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🇭🇺 Hungary

Housing

Budapest’s rental market offers some of Europe’s best value for a capital city. Central 1-bedroom apartments start from €670/month, with outer districts from €380.

€670–€900/mo

1-BR Center Rent

Budapest Districts V, VI, VII

€380–€500/mo

1-BR Outer Rent

Budapest outer districts

€1,500–€5,000/sqm

Property Price

Budapest range

+21% YoY

Price Growth

Q3 2025 national average

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Budapest 🏫Debrecen ☀️Szeged

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Overview

Budapest’s rental market offers some of Europe’s best value for a capital city. Central 1-bedroom apartments start from €670/month, with outer districts from €380. Outside Budapest, rents drop 30%+. Property buying is open to foreigners with prices growing 21% nationally in 2025.

Key Takeaways

Central Districts V, VI, VII: €670–€900/month for 1-bedroom
Debrecen: 1-BR from €250–€500/month (31% cheaper than Budapest)
EU/EEA citizens: same rights as Hungarians — no restrictions
Platforms: ingatlan.com (largest), alberlet.hu, Facebook groups (‘Budapest Apartments for Rent’)

Budapest Rental Market

Budapest’s rental market is competitive, especially in central districts. The market is landlord-friendly. Most leases are 12 months with 2 months’ deposit. Expect to sign an Eviction Statement (kiköltözési nyilatkozat) at a notary — this is standard practice, not a red flag.

Central Districts V, VI, VII: €670–€900/month for 1-bedroom
District XIII (Újlipótváros): €550–€750/month
Outer districts: €380–€500/month
District V (Lipótváros) studios: up to €1,025/month
Rent growth: 4% YoY in H1 2026 (slowdown from 6–9% in 2025)
Many landlords quote rent in euros to hedge currency risk

Renting Outside Budapest

Regional cities offer dramatic savings over Budapest. Debrecen is 31% cheaper across all categories. Furnished apartments are common everywhere, and quality is generally good with many recently renovated.

Debrecen: 1-BR from €250–€500/month (31% cheaper than Budapest)
Szeged: 1-BR from €250–€450/month
Pécs, Győr, Miskolc: even lower rents available
Furnished apartments are the norm in all Hungarian cities
Generally good quality — many apartments recently renovated

Buying Property

Hungary’s property market has been growing strongly. EU citizens buy with equal rights. Non-EU buyers need a purchase permit. Since January 2025, purchasing property worth €500,000+ qualifies for a residence permit.

EU/EEA citizens: same rights as Hungarians — no restrictions
Non-EU buyers: need purchase permit (2–3 months processing)
Budapest existing properties: €1,500–€3,000/sqm
Budapest new builds (premium): €2,400–€5,000/sqm
Stamp duty: 4% up to €1M, 2% above
Total buying costs: approximately 10% of purchase price
Property prices grew 21% nationally in Q3 2025
€500,000+ purchase qualifies for residence permit (since Jan 2025)

Finding Housing & Utilities

The main property platform is ingatlan.com. Expat-specific resources include XpatLoop.com and relocation agencies. Check heating type before signing — winter heating can add €80–150/month.

Platforms: ingatlan.com (largest), alberlet.hu, Facebook groups (‘Budapest Apartments for Rent’)
Expat resources: XpatLoop.com classifieds, Helpers Hungary, Budapest Relocation agencies
Visit in person before signing; check heating type (district heating is cheapest)
Utilities (1-BR): €80–€150/month (electricity, heating, water, garbage)
Internet: €10–€20/month for 100+ Mbps fiber (Telekom, Vodafone, Digi)
Mobile: €10–€20/month unlimited data (Telekom, Vodafone, Yettel)

FAQs