Planning to buy an apartment, a house or land in Hungary? Whether you are a Hungarian living abroad or a foreign national investing here, the process is safe and well regulated – but it has features that surprise many buyers, starting with the fact that a lawyer is not optional. This guide walks you through the costs and the roles: the attorney’s fee, the land registry, the transfer tax, and who customarily pays what.
Why you cannot buy property in Hungary without a lawyer
Under Hungarian law, the transfer of real estate ownership requires a contract countersigned by an attorney (or executed as a notarial deed), and legal representation is mandatory in the land registry procedure. The countersigning attorney verifies the title deed, checks for mortgages, execution rights and other encumbrances, drafts the contract, manages the purchase price and deposit arrangements, and represents the parties until your ownership is registered. For the buyer, the attorney is the main guarantee that the money paid actually converts into registered ownership.
The attorney’s fee
Attorney fees are freely agreed. Market practice in Hungary is typically 0.5–1% of the purchase price, with a minimum fee for lower-value properties. The fee normally covers the complete service: title and encumbrance checks, drafting and countersigning the contract, structuring the deposit (foglaló) and payment schedule, full representation before the land registry, and the tax authority filing for the transfer tax assessment. In my office you receive a fixed, written quote at the first consultation – no hidden costs.
A distinction that matters: under Hungarian law the foglaló (earnest money / deposit) is not the same as an advance payment. If the buyer walks away, the deposit is lost; if the seller does, they must repay double. An advance, by contrast, is always refundable. Choosing the right instrument – and drafting it precisely – is one of the most valuable things your lawyer does.
Taxes and official fees
- Transfer tax (buyer): the general rate is 4% of the market value. Several exemptions and reductions exist – for example for first-time buyers under 35, for replacement purchases, or for purchases using certain family-support schemes. These can mean savings of millions of forints, so eligibility is worth checking before signing.
- Land registry fee: a modest administrative fee payable per property for registering ownership.
- Energy certificate (seller): the seller must provide it at their own cost.
- Agent’s commission: paid by whoever engaged the agent – usually the seller.
A note for foreign buyers
Citizens of EU and EEA states may generally acquire Hungarian residential property under the same conditions as Hungarians. Nationals of other countries typically need a government permit for the acquisition – a well-established administrative procedure that I handle as part of the mandate. Agricultural land is subject to a separate, much stricter regime. The entire purchase can be managed remotely: consultations by video call, and signing arranged through appropriate channels – I regularly assist clients living abroad in English.
Questions about your own case?
I advise clients in English and Hungarian, in person in Győr and Mosonmagyaróvár or by video call from anywhere in the world. The 20,000 HUF consultation fee is fully credited against my fee if you retain me.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Fees, duties and thresholds are set by law and change from time to time; every case is different – please contact me about your specific situation.