Author: info@buybudapestapartments.com

The best districts to buy an apartment in Budapest in 2026 are District 5 (Belvaros and Lipotvaros) for the lowest risk and most prestigious address, District 6 (Terezvaros) for nightlife and Andrassy Avenue grandeur, District 7 (Erzsebetvaros) for the strongest short term rental yields, District 9 (Ferencvaros) for new build value, and District 13 (Ujlipotvaros) for quiet riverside family living. Below is a practical comparison of each.

District 5: Belvaros and Lipotvaros

The political and financial heart of Budapest, District 5 stretches from the Danube to Andrassy Avenue and includes the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the central business district and the most exclusive embassies.

Average price per square metre in 2026 is between three thousand five hundred and five thousand euros. Expect smaller floor plans in historic buildings with high ceilings and original parquet floors.

Best for capital preservation, prestige addresses, and long term rental to diplomatic and corporate tenants. Rental yields are moderate at three and a half to four and a half percent gross, but the buyer is paying for the safest blue chip address in the city.

District 6: Terezvaros

Anchored by Andrassy Avenue (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Opera House and the buzzing Liszt Ferenc Square cafe scene, District 6 offers grand boulevard living with vibrant nightlife two minutes away.

Average price per square metre is two thousand seven hundred to four thousand euros. Properties along Andrassy command a premium, while side streets like Podmaniczky and Hajos remain more affordable.

Best for buyers who want a mix of culture, gastronomy and easy rentability. Short term rental yields are strong at five to six and a half percent gross because of the tourism overlap with the Opera, Heroes' Square and the City Park.

District 7: Erzsebetvaros (Jewish Quarter)

The most popular district for short term rental investors. Home to the Dohany Street Synagogue, the world famous ruin bars (Szimpla Kert) and the most walkable nightlife in Central Europe.

Average price per square metre is two thousand four hundred to three thousand five hundred euros, slightly below District 6.

Best for Airbnb investors targeting young international travellers. Gross yields can reach seven to eight percent for well located and renovated apartments, though Budapest has introduced short term rental restrictions in 2025 and 2026, so always confirm the building's current rules before buying.

District 8: Jozsefvaros

The fastest gentrifying inner city district, with the Corvin Quarter project, the National Museum and several university campuses driving demand from young professionals and students.

Average price per square metre is one thousand eight hundred to three thousand euros, depending on location. The Palace Quarter (around the Hungarian National Museum) is the premium sub area.

Best for value oriented investors willing to accept neighbourhood transition risk in exchange for higher capital growth potential. Rental yields are five to seven percent gross.

District 9: Ferencvaros

A magnet for new build investors. The Danube riverfront has been transformed by the Mupa cultural centre, the National Theatre, Corvinus University expansion and new residential towers.

Average price per square metre is two thousand two hundred to three thousand five hundred euros for new builds.

Best for buyers who prefer modern amenities (lifts, parking, gyms, balconies) over historic charm. Yields are four and a half to six percent gross.

District 13: Ujlipotvaros

A quiet, leafy district stretching along the Danube north of Parliament, with Margaret Island on its doorstep. Famous for its 1930s Bauhaus apartment buildings, mature trees, and a Saturday morning coffee culture.

Average price per square metre is two thousand five hundred to three thousand eight hundred euros.

Best for long term family rentals and owner occupier expats. Steady, conservative yields of three and a half to four and a half percent gross with very low tenant turnover.

Buda Side: Districts 1, 2, 11, 12

The Buda hills offer green, residential calm with panoramic city views. District 1 includes the Castle District (UNESCO listed), District 2 the upmarket hillside villas, District 11 the Allee shopping area and Buda riverside, District 12 the prestigious Hegyvidek.

Prices range from two thousand to four thousand five hundred euros per square metre, with villas and houses costing more.

Best for families seeking space, gardens, schools and quiet, rather than rental investors. Yields are lower at two and a half to three and a half percent gross.

Quick Comparison Table

District 5: Premium, prestige, lower yield District 6: Boulevard culture, balanced yield District 7: Highest STR yield, party scene District 8: Value, growth potential District 9: New build, modern living District 13: Family quiet, riverside Buda 1, 2, 11, 12: Residential, gardens, views

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Budapest district has the best rental yield? District 7 (Erzsebetvaros) for short term rental, District 8 for long term.

Which Budapest district is safest? Districts 5, 6, 13 and the Buda side districts are statistically the safest.

Which district has the most new build apartments? District 9 (Ferencvaros) leads, followed by District 13 and parts of District 8.

Where do expats prefer to live in Budapest? Districts 5, 13 and the Buda side are most popular with long term expat residents.

Looking at Specific Districts?

We have active listings in every district mentioned above. Browse our All Properties page or contact our team for a free consultation. We will match the right district to your goals, whether you are buying for yourself, your family or as an investment.

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Hungary, including apartments and houses in Budapest. EU and EEA citizens enjoy almost the same rights as Hungarian nationals, while non-EU buyers need a simple government permit that is granted in nearly every residential transaction. This guide explains exactly how the process works in 2026, what it costs, and how long it takes.

Who Can Buy Property in Hungary

There are three buyer categories under Hungarian law.

EU and EEA citizens can purchase any apartment, house or land for residential or rental purposes with no special permit, treated identically to Hungarian citizens for most property types.

Non-EU citizens (Americans, British, Australians, Canadians, citizens of the Middle East, Asia and Latin America) need an administrative permit issued by the local Government Office. The permit is procedural rather than discretionary, and approval rates for residential apartments in Budapest are very high.

Companies registered in Hungary, regardless of the nationality of the owners, can purchase property without the foreign buyer permit. Many international investors choose to set up a Hungarian KFT (limited liability company) for this reason.

Step by Step Process for Foreign Buyers

The end to end process from first viewing to keys in hand takes between four and eight weeks.

First, you reserve the apartment with a small deposit, usually around one thousand to three thousand euros, paid into the lawyer's escrow account. The reservation contract pulls the listing off the market while the legal work begins.

Second, your Hungarian property lawyer runs the title check (tulajdoni lap) at the national land registry, confirms the seller is the registered owner, checks for mortgages or encumbrances, and drafts the preliminary purchase contract.

Third, both parties sign the preliminary contract in front of the lawyer. At this point the buyer pays ten percent of the purchase price as a non refundable down payment. The seller is now legally bound to sell.

Fourth, if you are a non-EU citizen, the lawyer files the foreign buyer permit application. This step takes approximately four to six weeks. During this period the contract is conditional on permit approval.

Fifth, on permit approval the parties sign the final contract, the buyer pays the remaining balance, and ownership is transferred at the land registry. Keys are handed over the same day.

Costs and Taxes for Foreign Buyers

Total transaction costs sit between five and eight percent of the purchase price.

Property transfer tax (illeték) is four percent of the purchase price. There is a reduced rate for first time Hungarian buyers under thirty five, but foreign buyers typically pay the full four percent.

Lawyer fees range from one to one and a half percent of the price plus VAT, with a minimum of usually around one thousand to one thousand five hundred euros.

The non-EU permit fee is fifty thousand forints (around one hundred thirty euros).

Land registry fees and notary fees add a few hundred euros more.

There is no real estate agent fee for buyers in Budapest; the seller pays the agency commission.

Required Documents

You will need a valid passport, your Hungarian tax number (adóigazgatási azonosító szám), proof of funds for the purchase, and the original purchase contract signed in Hungarian and your home language. The Hungarian tax number is free and can be obtained at the local tax office (NAV) in two or three working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take a foreigner to buy property in Hungary? Four to eight weeks for non-EU citizens including the permit, two to four weeks for EU citizens.

Do I need to be in Hungary to complete the purchase? No, you can grant your lawyer a power of attorney and complete the entire transaction remotely.

Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner? Yes, but Hungarian banks are conservative with non-resident buyers. Expect to put down at least forty to fifty percent and to provide proof of stable foreign income.

Can buying property give me residency? Property ownership alone does not grant residency, but Hungary's new Guest Investor Visa programme allows real estate fund investment to qualify for a long term residence permit.

Ready to Buy Your Budapest Property?

Our team at Buy Budapest Apartments specialises in helping international buyers through every step, from viewing to handover. We work with vetted Hungarian property lawyers, speak English, Russian and German, and have helped hundreds of foreign buyers complete safe and successful transactions in Budapest. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to view available properties.