Accommodation in Hungary

Finding a new home can be one of the most stressful parts of relocating to a new country. Most expats moving to Hungary choose to live in the capital, Budapest.

Although accommodation in Hungary is typically much cheaper than in the rest of Europe, rental prices vary considerably throughout the country and even within cities, so it's worth spending time looking for a great deal. While Hungary boasts excellent public transport links, expats should always consider renting accommodation close to their workplace and children's schools to avoid long commutes. 

Types of accommodation in Hungary

Apartments are the norm in Hungary's inner cities, while freestanding houses are more likely to be found in the suburbs or outlying rural areas. The standard of accommodation varies significantly, ranging from historic apartments to luxury high-rises with sought-after amenities. The latter is likely to be pricier, especially considering the shortage of quality housing in Hungary's major cities. 

Families who want to remain fairly close to the city centre may also consider townhouses. There are historic and modern townhouses available throughout the country, which provide more space than apartments but are also smaller than traditional freestanding houses. 

Furnished vs unfurnished

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available. Expats who intend to stay in the country permanently usually prefer to rent unfurnished accommodation, allowing them to style their homes in line with their preferences. Meanwhile, expats staying for a shorter term or an uncertain amount of time often find that the convenience of furnished accommodation suits them better.

Short lets

Thanks to Budapest's booming tourism industry, short lets are becoming increasingly popular in Hungary. These are a great alternative to traditional hotels and allow new arrivals to the country to explore the different areas and suburbs in their city before making a long-term commitment. 

If you're in the country for the short term, you may also benefit from short lets, as they are frequently fully furnished and provide a home-like environment. The rental price also includes utilities like WiFi and amenities that are frequently exclusive to hotels, making them a more affordable option.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Happy.Rentals
• Sublet

Finding accommodation in Hungary

Owing to the language barrier, it is often preferable to employ the services of a letting agent. That said, you should note that agents charge the equivalent of one month's rent or up to three months for their services. 

If an expat's budget doesn't quite stretch to this, rental listings are also available online and in local Hungarian newspapers. This is often the easiest way to begin the house hunt, as you can view listings before you even arrive in Hungary. 

Useful links

• Realestate.hu
• Ingatlanok.hu
• Othonterkep.hu

Renting property in Hungary

Historically, Hungary has been known for its relatively affordable rental market, but there is a supply issue in the country, which is affecting pricing and the availability of good quality housing. That said, expats should still be able to find a suitable home while living in Hungary. 

Making an application

The first step to finding accommodation in Hungary is identifying prospective properties and attending viewings. Once you have found a property you like, you must submit an application to the landlord or the rental agent. You'll need a valid passport or other form of proof of identity, as well as your employment contract or other proof of income. 

It's recommended that you request a recent property deed to verify the landlord's ownership before signing the lease to avoid falling victim to scams. You should also receive an accommodation reporting form once you sign your lease. 

Leases

Some landlords are happy to forgo a written contract in favour of a verbal agreement with the tenant. While this might be more convenient and expedient than a written contract, verbal agreements do not offer the same degree of security and can be susceptible to sudden changes by the landlord. 

Once a lease agreement has been drawn up, expats should make sure to go over their contract in detail before signing or moving in to ensure that they understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Most leases in Hungary are signed for 12 months with the option to renew. 

Deposits

Tenants will have to put down a security deposit before moving in. The required deposit is set and agreed upon by both parties, but usually amounts to between one and three months' rent.

Terminating the lease

Both tenants and landlords are usually required to give notice on the 15th of the previous month before terminating a lease agreement. If you signed a fixed-term lease agreement, the contract should state the consequences of early termination, otherwise the lease will remain valid until the end of the fixed-term period. 

We recommend conducting a detailed inventory when moving in and out to document the state of the property and ensure that you are not unfairly charged for normal wear and tear. 

Utilities in Hungary

The rent paid to the landlord does not include monthly fees for utilities and, in the case of apartment rentals, monthly levies. These are typically reserved for the tenant's expense.

Electricity

Electricity in Hungary is supplied by different providers depending on the region, with Magyar Villamos Művek (MVM) being the largest supplier in the country, E.ON serving regions outside Budapest, and Elmű serving Budapest. You will need to present proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of residence (a lease agreement or property deed), and often a Hungarian tax number to open a new electricity account. 

To set up the service, you can visit a local provider office or complete the process online where available. Electricity bills are typically issued monthly and can be paid through bank transfers, postal checks, or direct debit from a Hungarian bank account.

Gas

Hungary's main natural gas supplier is Hungarian Natural Gas Trade, which is a subsidiary of MVM, and it handles most household accounts. To connect gas services, foreigners will need similar documentation to the electricity setup: 

• valid identification
• proof of residence
• a Hungarian tax ID

Setting up service can be done online or in person at a customer service office. Monthly gas bills are sent to the registered address or email and can be paid via bank transfer, postal payment slips, or automatic debit. To streamline the payment process, it’s advisable to have a Hungarian bank account.

Water

Water services in Hungary are managed locally, with Budapest Waterworks (Fővárosi Vízművek) serving the capital. Other regions have their own municipal or regional providers. You will need to provide identification, a lease or ownership document, and may be asked for a Hungarian tax number to register for service. 

The process generally involves submitting an application online or at a provider's office. Water bills are issued monthly or quarterly and can be paid through direct debit, bank transfer, or at post offices using payment slips.

Bins and recycling

Waste management in Hungary is overseen by local municipalities, with FKF (Fővárosi Közterület-fenntartó Zrt.) handling collection in Budapest. Residents are provided with bins for general waste, and in many areas, separate bins for paper, plastic, and metal recycling. 

Organic waste collection is less common but growing in availability. Recycling is typically collected on a scheduled basis, while general waste is picked up weekly. Expats should check with their local council or property manager for the exact system and collection days in their area.

Internet

Keeping in touch in Hungary will be seamless thanks to the availability of high-speed internet across the country. Internet connectivity has become more affordable in recent years due to rising competition among service providers, making it largely affordable. Some of the best ISPs in the country, include Telekom, Yettel, and One Hungary. 

Keeping in Touch in Hungary

Useful links

• Electricity: MVM, E.ON, Elmű
• Budapest Waterworks
• Budapest City Management