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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.