Hungary's Wekerle Plusz home purchase and construction loan programme launched on 28 October 2026, earlier than the 2027 start many had anticipated. The upper age limit was also revised upward to 45 years from the previously announced 41. Separately, the Otthon Start scheme will remain available only until 15 November for buyers who have already signed purchase agreements. An analysis by property portal zenga.hu examined the likely market impact of the earlier-than-expected launch.
According to zenga.hu data, property enquiries rose 26% nationally and 35% in Budapest in the two days following the Wekerle Plusz announcement. The initial surge faded quickly, however, with demand returning to pre-announcement levels within five days. The pattern was most visible for family houses and panel flats, while interest in brick-built apartments remained somewhat above levels recorded earlier in October.
The trend mirrors the reception of the Otthon Start programme, announced on 2 July 2025, which generated a spike in enquiries but saw only a 12% national and 5% Budapest increase in the first two days before similarly subsiding.
"The subdued market reaction may partly reflect the fact that prospective buyers did not rush to browse listings last week without knowing the precise eligibility rules. It may also reflect that many buyers have already used subsidised loan options over the past year, and the new programme targets a narrower group. That said, it is important to note that enquiry volumes have been rising steadily since September, meaning activity is strengthening independently of the Wekerle Plusz announcement," said Péter Futó, head of analysis at zenga.hu.
The interest rate differential between new-build properties, which retain a 3% rate, and second-hand homes, which face a 5% rate under the new scheme, may make new construction more attractive. However, higher per-sqm prices and limited supply are expected to prevent a mass shift in demand toward that segment. "Had Otthon Start remained available on unchanged terms until the end of December, many buyers would have brought forward purchases to take advantage of the more favourable loan. Its immediate replacement largely removes that incentive, so more moderate demand is expected in November and December than would have been the case with a later transition," Futó added. Where fewer buyers can finance a purchase, reduced demand could strengthen buyers' negotiating positions and slow the pace of annual price growth, particularly in the second-hand market.
