The Hungarian housing market is struggling: this is how it could be boosted
The Hungarian housing market is underperforming compared to not only its previous numbers but also in a regional comparison. Can government grants boost the sales of new homes in Hungary in the future?
The Hungarian construction industry is weak, which has a negative knock-on effect on the Hungarian real estate market as well, forbes.hu reports. The number of new homes built in 2023 so far underscored any previous expectations.
State of the Hungarian housing market
According to data from the Hungarian Central Statistics Office (KSH), in the 1st quarter of 2023, a total of 3613 new dwellings have been built, 20 percent fewer year-on-year. Based on issued building permits and simple declarations, the number of dwellings to be built was 4,989. This is 38 percent less than in the same period of 2022.
The decrease is most significant in Budapest, where only a total of 1,404 apartments were put into use, 42 percent less than a year earlier.
“The new housing market has taken a hit as inflation has accelerated, energy prices have risen and financing has become more expensive due to double-digit interest rates” – forbes.hu quotes the analysis of the Cordia property development company.
Hungarian buyers are at a disadvantage compared to regional neighbours
Cordia has also expressed its concerns about Hungary’s situation in a regional context. According to their experience, Poland and Romania faces similar issues as Hungary, but their housing markets are showing “signs of recovery”, meanwhile the market in Hungary has just hit rock bottom.
“We hope that the recovery will then start to pick up here in Hungary” – said Tibor Földi, Chairman of the Board of Cordia International. “At the same time, there is still a reason for optimism. There’s no economic downturn, significant unemployment and, of course, no Swiss franc loans, in contrast to the 2008-2009 crisis. This also means there is no pressure to sell second-hand homes, for example.”
To boost the Hungarian housing market, the expert would like to see some new state grants. Földi cited an example from Poland, which Hungarian legislators should consider to support activity in the housing market.
In Poland, new legislation is set to enter force, which adjusts the annual interest rate on mortgage loans for people under 45 years old who are about to buy their first home to 2 percent (plus bank margin) for the first 10 years of the loan, compared to the current market rate of above 9 percent.
High inflation rates also mean that for the first time in many years investing in property is not such a good option in Hungary.
Laughable comment to “Propel” out their – into the Heads of Hungarians – that Government grants are going to be the “Knights in Shining Armour” – to save the STRONG downward trend of the Hungarian Property Market.
Foreign Investment into the Hungarian Property Market is at its lowest level of the past 10 years.
The forint is DOOMED.
In Hungary and outside Hungary – their is HUMONGOUS concern with the state of the collapsing Hungarian Economy, and inclusive of, the Orban Governments move away from the European Union and Democracy, into a Dictatorial Government Regime, that is DEEPLY embedded to Russia and China.
Short, Medium and Long Term – STABILITY in Hungary, right across all major areas that are the componentry – the engine room of the Hungarian Economy are is a STRONG downward worsening trend, that the Nadir, to what will be the ugly end result – will end that represent a Cataclysmic MESS.
Victor Orban and his “Mob” in survival mode, with no money to Invest into such as is the suggestion of this article, whether alone, other MORE important Public and Community projects – greater NEEDS of Society, which includes Education and Hospitals / Health Services – that Orban has NO Money to Invest in.
Be mindful and watchful – of the PROPAGANDA usage we know MACHINE of the Orban Government in these WORSENING times.