The Hungarian property market experienced a significant turnaround this year, characterised by diverse buyer preferences. Investors, panel apartment seekers, and family house buyers were all active, though not simultaneously. According to data from property portal zenga.hu, interest levels in 2025 showed major fluctuations across property types, conditions, and sizes.
"At the beginning of the year, when buyers were mainly looking for investment properties, there was high demand for smaller panel and brick apartments, while family houses were less sought after than usual. After the announcement of the Otthon Start programme, buyers began looking for their own use, so now family houses have taken the lead - currently more people are searching for this type of property than panel and brick apartments combined," said Péter Futó, Head of Analysis at Zenga.hu.
By the end of 2025, those planning to buy family houses would primarily purchase in the Budapest agglomeration, with more than a quarter of interest for this property type directed towards Pest county. The fewest would buy such properties in Vas county. Panel apartment popularity declined significantly in the final months after earlier peaks. Those still interested in panels would mostly buy in the capital, with every third panel inquiry nationwide targeting Budapest apartments.
Entrepreneurial investors often accepted renovation burdens this year, with average and renovation-requiring properties being more sought after in early months. However, this changed somewhat with the Otthon Start programme announcement, as interest increased most for average-condition properties. "In recent months, buyers are specifically seeking new-like apartments, among whom there are now many more purchasing for their own use than investors," highlighted Futó.
The size category distribution reflects these findings. Early in the year, the easily rentable 40-59 sqm category was most popular, while larger properties over 99 sqm were less sought after. In contrast, the second half saw increased interest in 80-99 sqm and over 99 sqm properties. "Overall, the early year and second half recoveries had different characteristics: while early investors sought smaller, rentable panel and brick apartments without fearing renovation, the preferential loan programme brought owner-occupiers who predominantly consider new-like, 80-100 sqm family houses or apartments," summarised Futó.
