If you’re trying to rent in Hungary’s capital this year, welcome to the Budapest rental market in 2025 edition: higher rents, euro-only pricing, and landlords who’d make Simon Cowell look soft. It’s not impossible—but it is intense.
This blog post pulls directly from Inter Relocation’s excellent Q2 Rental Market Update—published by the ever-reliable **************@*******lo.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Stuart McAlister and his team—so full credit to them. It’s an essential read for anyone trying to find a place to live in this beautiful but bureaucratic city.
And yes, Andrew and I were once in your shoes. When we first arrived, navigating the Hungarian rental market felt like decoding a secret language—with extra paperwork. We were so grateful to have Inter Relocation by our side. Their expertise helped us understand how the market here differs from what we were familiar with. And of course, having someone to handle the legal side of things didn’t hurt either.
Here’s what’s going on in 2025—and what you need to watch out for.
1. The Budapest Rental Market 2025 Is Now in Euros
If you’re budgeting in Hungarian Forints (HUF), take note: more landlords are charging rent in euros.
As Stuart’s team puts it:
“The trend of pricing in EUR continues to spread in Budapest and is now widespread even at the lower end of the rental market. EUR pricing remains very common in the expat-favoured upper end.”
This means more fluctuation and less predictability for your monthly expenses—especially if your income is in forints. You may need to negotiate the equivalent in HUF, but don’t be surprised if the landlord insists on euros “to protect against inflation.”
This isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming standard, even outside the luxury market. That means tenants with forint incomes could face big monthly fluctuations. The landlord’s goal? Stability for them, risk for you.
Track the exchange rate at the Hungarian National Bank.
2. Notary Leases, Eviction Clauses, and One-Year Terms
Another big shift in the Budapest rental market 2025: more landlords are requiring Eviction Statements signed at a notary. Inter Relocation notes this is often insisted upon when signing the lease. It’s enforceable. And it’s non-negotiable.
“Landlords are increasingly requesting notarised leases… which allow for faster eviction in the case of non-payment or the lease ending.” – Inter Relocation, Q2 2025
These leases come with costs (often split between tenant and landlord, or paid entirely by the tenant) and more formality than you might expect. You’ll also find that 12-month fixed leases are the new norm—and many come with a “take-it-or-leave-it” attitude.
There’s less wiggle room now. That old trick of offering a few months upfront or proving you’re tidy and sensible? Less effective in this market. Tenants are now interviewed like job applicants, especially in sought-after areas.
3. It’s Absolutely a Landlord’s Market
Here’s what that means in practice:
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Viewings are fast and competitive. If you like it, apply immediately. There’s no “sleeping on it.”
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Personal profiles are requested. Income proof, nationality, reason for stay, length of contract—you name it.
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Landlords choose the ‘best fit.’ Often with zero explanation if you’re not picked.
And if you’re thinking of negotiating rent?
“In almost all sectors of the market, landlords are refusing to negotiate on price.” – Inter Relocation, 2025
In Budapest’s 2025 rental market, tenants need more than luck—landlords are calling the shots, and euro-based leases are the new normal.
How We Navigated It (And Why I Wrote a Whole Book About It)
When Andrew and I rented our first Budapest apartment, we were total newbies to how things worked here. Thankfully, Stuart and his team at Inter Relocation helped explain every document, translated the tricky bits, and gave us the confidence to sign the lease knowing what to expect. That peace of mind? Worth every forint.
In my ebook HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond, I’ve included the full behind-the-scenes story of our first rental, along with many comprehensive chapters on housing—how to find it, understand it, and avoid getting caught out by unexpected rules, fees, or paperwork quirks.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re house hunting in Budapest in 2025:
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Expect to pay in euros and budget for fluctuations.
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Get your paperwork in order: proof of income, residence card, bank account, etc.
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Be ready to act fast—and to compete.
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Consider professional support, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Hungarian contracts or don’t speak the language.
Resources & Links
Moving to a new country is never simple—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re renting for a year or staying for the long haul, knowing the rules of the game makes all the difference.
And if the Budapest rental market has left you with more questions than answers, don’t worry—I’ve got more posts (and maybe a TikTok rant) on the way. Stay tuned!
Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches—fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.