Legal news

The transfer of real estate between spouses is one of the most favorable legal options for managing family wealth, as the legislature provides full stamp duty exemption for these transactions. However, in my office, I frequently observe that couples are unaware that this discount is not automatically granted to all cohabiting couples, and failing to…

The Legal Landscape of Hungarian Real Estate for Foreign Buyers Hungary offers a compelling real estate market for international buyers, yet navigating the local legal landscape requires a clear understanding of the regulatory framework. While the acquisition process is well-established, success relies on recognizing how your nationality affects your rights, performing rigorous property vetting, and…

Before buying or selling property in Hungary, the single most important document to consult is the land registry title extract (tulajdoni lap). It is the authoritative record of who owns a property and what rights and encumbrances are registered against it. The good news: Hungarian residents with a government portal account can access a non-certified…

One of the most common concerns buyers raise with us is this: once I pay the full purchase price, what actually guarantees the seller will hand over the property on time? The honest answer is that no mechanism is foolproof — but the risk can be minimised significantly with the right contractual tools. Tool 1:…

When you buy and sell residential property in Hungary, you may be entitled to a significant transfer tax (illeték) saving through what is known as the replacement purchase relief (cserepótló vétel kedvezmény). Understanding the rules — and the deadlines — can save you a meaningful sum. How the relief works Under Hungarian law, when a…

Like any transaction, buying real estate in Hungary carries pitfalls. Those pitfalls multiply when you are buying off-plan — a property that exists only on the architect's drawings, with no physical building to inspect, walk around, or assess. The core risk: the developer's lawyer is not your lawyer A lawyer will always be involved in…

Buying real estate in Hungary involves a number of legal steps that, if overlooked, can expose a buyer to serious financial and legal risk. Below we outline the key checks our firm carries out on behalf of every buyer we represent. Always sign on the basis of a same-day title extract The purchase agreement should…

Before signing a real estate purchase agreement in Hungary, the buyer typically pays a sum of money to the seller — but the legal label attached to that payment matters enormously. Under Hungarian law, three distinct instruments are commonly used: the foglaló (earnest money deposit), the előleg (advance payment), and the kötbér (contractual penalty). Confusing…