This Hungarian settlement requires almost EUR 4,000 just to let you settle there
From 1 October, the village of Rajka, located at the Hungarian–Slovak–Austrian border, will introduce strict new conditions for newcomers.
Thousands of euros just to settle somewhere?
Under the new local regulation, anyone buying property in the Hungarian settlement must pay a contribution of HUF 1.5 million (EUR 3,800) to the municipality. Those who only wish to rent but still register their residence there will also face significant charges: between 300,000 and 500,000 (EUR 760 and 1,265) depending on whether the property owner is a local resident, writes Pénzcentrum. These latter fees can, however, be replaced with equivalent public service commitments.
According to the council’s decision, every property in Rajka will be subject to pre-emption rights. First the municipality has the right to purchase, followed by the owners of neighbouring plots, and finally those who already own property in Rajka. Whether or not the municipality exercises this right will be decided in individual procedures, which may include personal hearings.
The new rules also stipulate that registering a residence requires a clean criminal record, payment of the settlement contribution, and, in the case of foreign residents, the termination of any previous foreign address within 60 days. The stated aim of the measure is to prevent speculative property purchases, preserve the village’s existing character, and protect the community from what is described as “undesirable social developments.”
The Hungarian village Rajka has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with estimates suggesting that 70–80 percent of its current residents are of Slovak nationality. The village’s decision is not unique: across Hungary, more and more municipalities are turning to the powers granted by the Local Identity Protection Act.
Not only Rajka, othere Hungarian settlements do this as well
As 24.hu writes, in Hugyag, for example, buyers must pay the municipality 10 percent of the purchase price; in Sátoraljaújhely, knowledge of Hungarian is required; in Újlengyel, at least one year of employment, business ownership or student status is needed; while in Taktaharkány newcomers must hold a secondary school qualification.
Rajka’s move therefore fits into a growing national trend in which local councils attempt to shield their communities from rapid change.
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