How to Find Out the Owner of a Hungarian Property?

Why Is Identifying a Property Owner Important?

Before purchasing property in Hungary, it’s essential to verify the legal owner. This ensures you are dealing with an individual authorized to sell the property. Obtaining an extract (commonly known as a "tulajdoni lap") from the electronic land registry can provide details about the owner and any encumbrances on the property, such as:

• Usufruct: The right to use and benefit from someone else's property.
• Enforcement rights: Legal claims or obligations tied to the property.

Verifying the owner is also advantageous for the seller, particularly in cases of shared ownership, where the right of first refusal applies. This gives co-owners the first opportunity to purchase the property if it’s offered for sale.

Property Deed, Also Known as Land Registry Extract: Your Key to Essential Property Information

Obtaining a property deed is the crucial first step in accessing official details about a property's ownership history and legal status. Today, it’s easier than ever to obtain a property deed online in e-authenticated form or request a paper copy through the appropriate channels.

What Information Does the Extract Include?

A property deed provides three key types of information:

Basic Property Details:
This section includes the plot number, property type (e.g., residential house, land), and area size. These elements are essential for identifying and describing the property.

Ownership Information:
Here, you’ll find the names of the property owners, their addresses, and ownership shares in cases of multiple owners. It also specifies the legal basis of ownership (e.g., gift, purchase) and the date of acquisition, giving a clear picture of the property's ownership history.

Encumbrances and Rights:
This section outlines any rights or obligations tied to the property, such as mortgages, restrictions on sale, or easement rights. These details are critical for evaluating the property's usability and market value.

To request a property deed, you will need either the exact address or the plot number of the property. However, not having this information readily available can sometimes pose a challenge.

What Can You Do If You Don't Have This Information?

If you lack the exact address or plot number of a property, there are still several alternative ways to gather information about the owner:

Using Utility Maps and Other Public Databases

If you know the street address, start with the e-közmű system. Utility records often contain data linked to specific properties, including the plot number required to request a land registry extract (property deed). The e-utility system's public module enables registered users to access utility connection and maintenance data with ease.

Hungary's company registry is another valuable resource. This official database provides information on companies, including their registered offices. If the property serves as a registered office, contacting the company may yield details about the owner.

Using Google Maps and Street View for Property Identification

Google Maps and Street View are excellent tools for identifying properties. They allow you to virtually explore the neighborhood and the property itself. Nearby landmarks—such as neighboring buildings, fences, or street signs—can help you pinpoint the exact location. These digital tools save time and offer an immediate visual overview of the area.

Technology Is Our Friend: How the Digital World Can Assist

If you already have the plot number but are unsure how to contact the owner, social media can be an unexpectedly helpful tool.

Social Media Platforms

• Facebook Search: Use an address or city to search for the property seller on Facebook. If you know their name, you can browse their posts or those of their friends. Sellers may also appear in groups or marketplace listings, often sharing their contact details there.
• LinkedIn Connections: LinkedIn is especially effective for finding entrepreneurs or business figures, as many include their workplace and contact information on their profiles. You can also leverage mutual acquaintances to reach out to the owner indirectly.

Conclusion

A property deed, also known as a land registry extract, is the most reliable and comprehensive source of information about property ownership and any encumbrances. It is accessible to anyone through the Land Registry's Client Gate system, which provides essential legal details about the property. This document is a crucial resource for lawyers handling real estate transactions, offering a clear and concise overview of the property's legal status.

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