Real Estate Lawyer in Budapest: English-Speaking Legal Help

What does a real estate lawyer do in Hungary?

The work involves more than preparing a contract. Before appointing a lawyer, agree which checks and services are included in the engagement.

Legal due diligence is not a building survey. If you need to know whether a roof, electrical installation or structural alteration is sound, arrange a technical inspection as well. For a development project or a proposed change of use, agree on a separate review of the relevant planning and building documents.

Do you need a lawyer to buy property in Budapest?

Legal representation is mandatory in application-based proceedings to register rights and facts in the Hungarian land registry. A lawyer with the required registration authority commonly handles the purchase documentation and registration; the legislation also permits other specified legal representatives, including a notary acting within their statutory role. Ask who will handle your application. Source: Land Registration Act, section 42.

Do not assume that a lawyer introduced by an estate agent or the seller has been engaged to advise you individually. Confirm who the client is, what the lawyer is instructed to do and whether you need separate advice.

Before paying a deposit: five checks that matter

1. Check the seller and the property. Ask your lawyer to obtain and review current title information. The address in a listing is not enough to establish exactly what is being sold.
2. Clarify every payment. Is it an advance payment, a contractual deposit called foglaló, or a fee under an agent's reservation document? Who receives it, and under what conditions is it returned?
3. Check financing before accepting deadlines. Tell your lawyer if you need a mortgage, have funds abroad or expect money from another sale.
4. Identify conditions that could prevent completion. These may include a required acquisition permit, an unresolved ownership issue or a third party's pre-emption right.
5. Put the agreed protections in writing. An assurance that “the deposit will be refunded if there is a problem” needs to be reflected in the relevant agreement.

What does “foglaló” mean?

A foglaló is a payment with specific consequences under Hungarian law. Its purpose must be clear from the contract. If the party who paid it is responsible for the failure to complete, they lose it; if the receiving party is responsible, they must return double. It is returned if neither party, or both parties, are responsible. The statutory rules also address its relationship with other claims. Source: Hungarian Civil Code, section 6:185.

Example: you pay a foglaló before your mortgage is approved. The bank then declines your application. Do not assume this automatically entitles you to a refund: the contract and the circumstances matter. Ask your lawyer to address financing failure before you make the commitment.

What should your lawyer check about a Budapest apartment?

A useful legal review connects the documents with how you intend to use the property.

For example, a parking space shown during a viewing may not be a separately owned property. Ask what legal right you will acquire and whether it is included in the agreement and price.

Can foreigners buy property in Budapest?

Foreign nationals can purchase residential property in Hungary, but the applicable rules depend on citizenship, legal status and the property's classification. Living outside Hungary does not, by itself, determine whether a permit is needed.

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need the foreign-buyer acquisition permit for ordinary non-agricultural property purchases. Other buyers may need a permit, subject to applicable exemptions. Agricultural and forestry land requires a separate assessment. Source: Government Office guidance on foreign property acquisition.

Where a permit is required, the application goes to the government office responsible for the property's location. The statutory administrative deadline is 45 days; this is not a promise that the entire purchase will complete within that period. The contract should address the permit, payment timing and what happens if permission is refused. Source: Government Decree 251/2014, sections 2–3.

For more detail, see our guide to buying property in Hungary as a foreigner.

How much does a real estate lawyer in Budapest cost?

A real estate lawyer in Budapest typically charges between 0.5% and 1.0% of the property purchase price across the general market, though pricing structures vary considerably depending on complexity and the firm’s rate model.

Comparing a headline percentage alone can be misleading: elements like bilingual contract drafting, non-EU buyer acquisition permits, mortgage coordination, multi-property transactions, or extensive contract negotiations significantly alter the actual legal scope.

Our Standard Fee Structure

We charge a competitive standard rate with a clear cap, keeping high-value purchases cost-effective:

• Standard Legal Fee: 0.45% of the purchase price
• Minimum Fee: 150,000 HUF
• Maximum Fee Cap: 600,000 HUF
• Bilingual Documentation Surcharge: +150,000 HUF (fixed add-on for dual-language English–Hungarian drafting, expat diligence, and bilingual signing support)

Other purchase costs to budget for

The figures below are separate from the lawyer's fee. Additional charges or exemptions can apply to a particular transaction.

The duty guidance comes from NAV; registry charges are listed in the Government Office fee schedule; the permit fee is stated in Government Office acquisition guidance.

Illustration: if NAV accepts a residential property's market value as HUF 80 million and no relief applies, transfer duty at 4% is HUF 3.2 million. Legal and administrative costs come on top. This is a budgeting example, not an individual tax assessment.

If an estate agent is involved, check the brokerage agreement to establish who owes the commission. Do not automatically add the seller's brokerage fee to the buyer's costs.

Meet our team of experiences real estate lawyers!

When looking for a proficient property lawyer in Budapest, it's essential to find someone with not only the right qualifications but also a depth of experience and a client-focused approach. Our team in Budapest, comprised of highly skilled people, excels in various aspects of real estate law, ensuring that all your legal needs are met with the highest standards of professionalism and expertise.

Dr. Géza Márton ILLÉS

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I. Bevásárlóközpont)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36062013

Dr. Géza Márton Illés is an experienced real estate attorney whose practice covers the purchase and sale of heritage-listed and industrial properties, as well as the transfer of condominium ownership. He is known for combining legal precision with a practical understanding of real estate transactions, providing reliable guidance to both private individuals and corporate clients. As a founding member of Illés és Szabó Ügyvédi Társulás, he contributes significantly to the professional foundation of e-ingatlanügyvédek.hu, where he ensures that each client’s case is managed with professionalism, efficiency, and meticulous attention to legal detail.

Dr. Balázs SURÁNYI

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I. Shopping Center)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36081325

Dr. Surányi’s expertise lies in real estate and construction law, particularly in the formation of condominiums and the legal structuring of property development projects. He also provides comprehensive legal support for real estate transactions, including assistance with brokerage matters. Fluent in both Hungarian and English, he delivers precise and trustworthy legal advice to private clients and property developers, ensuring smooth and secure transactions from start to finish.

Dr. Annamária IVÁCSON

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I Shopping Center)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36062085

Dr. Ivácson is an accomplished attorney with a solid professional background, having obtained her law degree from Pázmány Péter Catholic University in 2014. Her primary focus lies in real estate law, complemented by extensive experience in company formation, transformation, and acquisitions, as well as in establishing Hungarian branches for foreign enterprises. Known for her precision and reliability, Dr. Ivácson provides comprehensive legal support in both residential and commercial real estate transactions.

Dr. Kata SURÁNYI, LLM

Office: 1135 Budapest, Jász utca 70. (near Béke tér)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36068731

Dr. Kata Surányi is a lawyer specialized in real estate law, holding an LL.M. degree in property law. Her professional focus lies in handling real estate transactions, such as the sale and purchase of residential and agricultural properties, as well as matters involving donations and condominium ownership. In addition, she has considerable expertise in compensation and liability cases.

Dr. Georgina Janka MITTÁKNÉ HORVÁTH

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I Shopping Center)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36065470

Dr. Georgina Janka Mittákné Horváth is a practising attorney with a primary focus on real estate law, assisting clients in property transactions, usage and easement agreements, and land division matters. Alongside her real estate expertise, she also advises in commercial and corporate law, as well as in bankruptcy and liquidation cases, consumer protection, copyright, labour law, enforcement proceedings, and the legal affairs of civil organisations.
She offers legal services in English and French, ensuring effective communication with international clients.

Dr. Judit SZOBOSZLAI

Office: 1062 Budapest, Váci út 1–3. B/4.
Registered seat: 1146 Budapest, Abonyi utca 8. ground floor 4.

Dr. Szoboszlai specializes in real estate law, particularly in drafting and reviewing property sale and purchase agreements, as well as lease, gift, and exchange contracts. Beyond real estate matters, she also advises clients in corporate and banking law, and has significant experience in insolvency and liquidation procedures. Her expertise further includes competition law, where she provides full-scale legal assistance to clients across various industries.

Dr. Sára MOSOLYGÓ

Office: 1027 Budapest, Horvát utca 12–26. (near Bem tér)
Additional office: 2051 Biatorbágy, Szily Kálmán út 60/A, ground floor 9.
Bar registration number: KASZ 36065710

Dr. Mosolygó has nearly two decades of experience in the legal profession, with a primary focus on real estate law. She regularly assists clients in drafting and finalizing sale and purchase agreements for both newly built and pre-owned residential properties. Her practice also covers gift, maintenance, life annuity, and inheritance contracts, providing full legal assistance in all property-related transactions. She offers legal services in Spanish and English, ensuring clear and professional communication for both Hungarian and international clients.

Dr. Roland KOSZTOVÁNYI

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I Shopping Center)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36063624

With nearly two decades of experience as a member of the Budapest Bar Association, Dr. Roland Kosztoványi offers comprehensive legal expertise in all areas of real estate law — from residential and commercial properties to industrial sites and agricultural lands governed by land traffic regulations. His practice also encompasses corporate acquisitions and joint ventures, where he has represented both domestic and international clients. Beyond his legal work, he serves on the executive board of the Hungarian Tennis Association, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence both in and outside the legal field.

Dr. Adél RIGÓ

Office: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2–6. (Mammut I Shopping Center)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36081617

Dr. Adél Rigó is a lawyer specializing in real estate law, with extensive experience in handling the sale and purchase of newly built condominium properties. In addition to her real estate practice, she regularly advises clients on company formation, corporate governance, and business restructuring. Her work bridges property and corporate law, offering clients reliable, full-spectrum legal solutions.

Dr. Alexandra CSIZMÁR, LLM

Office: 1111 Budapest, Budafoki út 10/C. (near Szent Gellért tér, Metro line M4)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36073445

Dr. Alexandra Csizmár, LL.M., is a highly skilled attorney with a focus on real estate, commercial, and family law. Drawing on her extensive background in civil and labor law litigation, she delivers precise, solution-oriented legal advice to her clients. Fluent in both Hungarian and English, she assists individuals and businesses with professionalism and clarity, offering reliable legal support to both domestic and international clients.

Dr. Tamás PETRIK

Office: 1143 Budapest, Zászlós utca 29–31. A. building, ground floor 1. (approximately a 6–7 minute walk from Puskás Ferenc Stadion metro station, Metro line M2)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36079930

Dr. Tamás Petrik is an experienced real estate lawyer who has built his practice around property transactions and real estate-related litigation. His professional background extends to debt collection, enforcement and insolvency procedures, as well as disputes involving foreign currency loan contracts. Fluent in English and Slovak, he represents both individuals and business clients, offering dependable, precise legal support in complex real estate and financial cases

Dr. András TÓTH-KALÁSZI, LL.M.

Office: 1114 Budapest, Károli Gáspár tér 8. (near Újbuda-központ, Metro line M4)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36070546

Dr. Tóth-Kalászi is an experienced attorney with a strong professional focus on real estate law and immigration law. He represents clients in Hungarian, English, and German, ensuring clear communication and reliable legal support for both Hungarian residents and foreign nationals. His international background and comprehensive knowledge of Hungarian legal procedures make him a dependable partner in property transactions and immigration-related legal services.

Dr. Viktor Henrich LENDVAI

Office: 1136 Budapest, Raoul Wallenberg utca 5. (near Vígszínház)
Bar registration number: KASZ 36082071

Dr. Viktor Henrich Lendvai graduated in 2020 from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, where his thesis explored the connection between data protection and personality rights. After successfully completing the bar examination in 2024, he began his independent legal practice in January 2025 in Budapest’s 13th district. His primary area of specialization is real estate law, with a focus on transactions involving the sale, purchase, and lease of residential properties, both new and pre-owned. He also provides counsel in corporate and business law matters. Dr. Lendvai offers legal services in Hungarian and English.

In summary, our Budapest team combines a rich mosaic of legal expertise, especially in real estate law. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and client-centric approach make them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a lawyer in Budapest for real estate and related legal matters.

The Budapest Property Market: A Landscape of Opportunities

Budapest's real estate market has traditionally been a popular choice among novice investors. The trends of the past few years suggest that the value of properties tends to increase over time, making real estate a viable long-term investment. However, whether it's the right choice for you depends on various factors:

1. Market Dynamics: The first half of 2023 saw dynamic changes in the Hungarian real estate market, including fluctuations in housing prices and closely related mortgage markets. This indicates a market that is both active and evolving, which can offer opportunities for investors who are knowledgeable or well-advised.
2. Loan Market Trends: The decrease in the value of housing loans and changes in government support programs like CSOK Plusz (Family Housing Support Program) suggest a shifting landscape. This could mean opportunities in specific segments of the market, especially for investors not entirely reliant on local financing options.
3. Price Trends: Recent data shows a nominal increase in property prices despite a decrease in the average value of properties sold. This suggests a market where higher-value properties might be gaining value faster than lower-value ones, potentially signaling good investment opportunities in certain property types or locations.
4. Transactional Volume: A significant drop in the number of transactions might indicate a cautious market, but it also suggests that well-priced properties in desirable locations could still attract buyer interest.
5. Seller's Market Caution: The advice against leaving properties unsold in anticipation of market upturns is prudent. It suggests a market where timely transactions might be more beneficial than waiting for potential price increases.

Summary

We've seen it all - from the excitement of a first home purchase to the complexities of major industrial deals. At our law firm, you’re not just another case file. Our approach is all about understanding your unique story. We believe in building relationships, not just client lists.

Ready to safeguard your real estate investment in Budapest with expert legal support? Contact e-ingatlanügyvédek today for personalized, client-first legal assistance!