According to the report released by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), the Hungarian housing market continued to intensify in the first half of 2018, which in addition to the dynamic rise in the apartment prices, was reflected in the increase in the sales volume.

Budapest is not only the favorite choice of tourists in the region but the Hungarian capital is also the top pick among real estate investors. According to the latest data, in the Central-European region, Budapest provides the best value for money if you are thinking about buying an apartment in the city center.

The property of November is an excellent choice with its uncommon layout for those looking for a unique home and the first-rate investment in one of Budapest's most beautiful neighborhoods.

According to the most recent data of Central Statistical Office (KSH), the pace of price increases of residential properties in Budapest, Hungary was exhilarated again in 2018. As reported by KSH, in the first half of the year, 59 000 homes were sold in the country, it means a 7% rise compared to last year.

Budapest welcomes the locals and the visitors with beautiful buildings and amazing sights, but sometimes, besides the great hustle and bustle, the proximity of nature is a welcomed gift.

The property of October offers a great opportunity for people who dream of their new home in a beautiful and unique environment or looking for an excellent investment.

In recent years, more and more investment properties popped in downtown Budapest to serve the needs of travelers who rather avoid hotels and opt for short term vacation rental apartments.

According to the summer announcement, the government does not intend to extend the validity period of the 5% VAT on new residential properties which is in effect until December 31, 2019.

The currently under construction Etele Mall (Etele Plaza) will be the third largest shopping and entertainment center in Hungary, located in Újbuda (Kelenföld) with its 55 000 m2, at the biggest intermodal transport node of Budapest.

Budapest is a true capital with many famous sights attracting tourists. At the same time, there are places that only locals really know, but are real treasures such is the Károlyi Garden (Károlyi-kert) in the iconic district V. Despite its busy surroundings, its small size and the tall buildings around the park make it easy to miss.

In Budapest there are currently 20 000 apartments being built or planned to be built.

Over the last 3-5 years, the Hungarian real estate market has gone through tremendous changes. In 2013, there was a slow downturn in the pre-owned home market, followed by an accelerating rise in prices. This rise was moderated in 2017, but the real estate prices are still increasing.

The property of September is unique in terms of location and neighborhood as well. The outstanding property offered for sale is located in Buda, in the popular district XI, also in one of the most frequented parts of the city, on St. Gellért Square.

Budapest has long been a popular city for university studies among foreign students. In addition to new adventures for a lifetime, Budapest has many other opportunities for them. We have summarized five reasons why this city is a popular destination for higher education studies in the region.

A recently published video by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer company shows how Budapest looked back in 1938, before all the destruction of WWII. What's more, the video was shot in Technicolor. 

Modern mobile homes and container houses are getting more and more widespread. This video shows that they can also be no-compromise, high-end, smart homes.  

"Architecture is not about math or zoning -- it's about visceral emotions," says Marc Kushner in this fascinating and inspiring Ted talk. 

Panoramic views can always make a property extraordinary, but this little gem in downtown Budapest is a real rarity - the carefully designed and crafted interior perfectly matches the incredible views this apartment has.    

With the new academic year starting in September, this month is certainly the season to see and expect the apartment rental market boom in Budapest.    

A new proposal for the year 2018 would lift the 14% tax on rental income. 

The national average in 2016 on the value increase of residential properties in Hungary was 15,4%, according to a report by the Hungarian National Bank.   

This month, our staff picked this super cool, movie-themed apartment in Budapest's 7th District. Read more to find out its best features.

2017 will be dominated by new home constructions, with an estimated total of 14,000-15,000 homes expected to be buitl this year. 

This month's feature is a wonderfully designed and furnished 1 bedroom apartment on the iconic Andrassy Avenue. 

The once office building that stands next to Astoria Hotel in downtown Budapest has been empty and abandoned for decades now. There's a group of people that are interested in giving the real estate a new life. 

Hungary’s real estate market is in an upward spiral after years of decline due to the real estate market crisis in 2008. The expected growth is five-to-ten percent in the following two years. Beginning in 2014, property prices began to grow by over ten percent. Hungary’s low interest rate, a record low at 1.5%, and a stabilized banking system lured buyers and investors alike. The trust factor has returned to the real estate market in Hungary.

At the end of 2015, the Hungarian government decided to allocate money towards a new subsidy purchase program for young families with children. The minister has set a budget of HUF 40 billion but has said that this could be increase if the demand is high enough. It is important to note that over 80% of the Hungarian population are in favor of this government action. The minister has said that the government is willing to help several hundred thousand families.

Budapest's renowned Central European University has finally completed a new wing - the first phase of an enourmous development for expanding in the next few years, the new building in Nador street is now buzzing with life. 

While Budapest, the capital of Hungary, may not be the first city that tourists heading to Europe put on their itineraries, it's becoming a new magnet for global real estate investors. Budapest is not as saturated with buyers and sellers as cities that are more on the beaten track. That's only part of its appeal, however. The "Pearl of the Danube" is a world class location with assets that outshine more high profile markets. The advantages to buying property there may never be as ideal.

Hungary’s capital city of Budapest continues to attract foreign investors seeking high-end apartments. Professional real estate investors see the boom in tourism and now seek to rent the properties they purchase. This boom has led to a rise in real estate purchase transactions and helped stabilize the housing market in Budapest. Many risk-averse foreign investors now consider Budapest as their preferred investment destination.

A new wave of foreign property investors has descended on Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. According to a study recently released by estate agency Otthon Centrum, the first half of 2015 saw an astonishing increase of property transactions in the city. In fact, the total figure was ultimately revealed to be 40 percent higher than the final figure that was reported for the previous year. In a word, the property market for foreign investors in Budapest is booming at a rate that was frankly inconceivable even a few short years ago.

When Viktor Balint and Lazslo Katona bought their first apartment in Budapest as an investment, they knew they were onto something big.

“Tourists from western Europe come here and they have a laughing fit because they can rent an apartment for so little,” Katona told Bloomberg.com. “We’re also smiling, looking at the profit.”

Housing prices in Hungary have rose by a stunning 21% in  2014 and 2015, much faster than the neighborhing countries, but according a report published by the Hungarian National Bank, this is not excessive growth. 

According to the Hungarian Central Stastical Office, the number of construction permits and simple declaration of  new residential buildings have doubled in the first quarter of year compared to the same period in 2015. This further proves the outstanding optimism Hungarians have about the property market. 

According to a survey taken in January 2016 by GKI Economic Research Company, both Hungarian and Budapest real estate market indices were up by 3 points this quarter, representing a 35-quarter peak: 2007 was the last time the index was this high. 

Construction works have been going for a while on a large area behind the so-called “Whale”, and the Central Market Hall in the 9^th District.

The municipality of the district has recently released the architectural design plans regarding the area, which are to be done at the end of this summer. 

Our property of the month in January is a wonderful apartment overlooking the iconic and gorgeous St. Stephen's Basilica that is located right in the center of town, perfect for those wanting to be in the center of it all or within walking distance to main features that the city has to offer.

It was announced on December 11^th along with 46 other cities from 33 countries that Budapest has been crowned by the UNESCO Creativity City Network, as one of the world's most creative cities, under the category of Design.

Most certainly the biggest news this week in real estate was Hungarian Parliament passing the bill to reduce the currently 27% VAT on construction on new residential properties to 5% from 1^st January, 2016. 

If you are new in Budapest and this is your first Christmas, don't be dismayed, there are loads to do and if there is one place that does it well, it is Budapest. Though it might come as a surprise for many newcomers here who are used to Christmas Eve as the day when Santa Claus comes, here in Hungary, the Mikulas nap (Santa Claus Day) falls on the 6^th of December, where children shine their boots and leave them out for Santa Claus to fill them with treats and leave presents. 

A high 150 to 155 thousand residential property transactions are expected to happen this year alone within Hungary. This high number is almost parallel to the pre-crisis transaction stats of 2008. Most real estate experts concur that the trade will continue to grow within the coming years, and will most likely exceed the 170-180 thousand yearly transaction number, which was the case in the pre-crisis years. 

For this month, our feature property is a house, recently refurbished and wonderfully Bauhaus. While maining the essence, beauty and full character of true Bauhaus design, the renovation and up-lift of this gorgeous house, is fully equipped with modern amenities and features.

The 11^th Portfolio Property Investment Forum is organized this year in the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Budapest.
The all-day professional program is organized in association with RICS, and it offers 70 speakers, paralell thematic sections, and a standing reception in the evening. 
 

As the number of tourists arriving in Hungary hits record highs and online rental websites become increasingly popular, a columnist calls for stricter tax inspection and better regulation of the privately rented appartments.