Accommodation in Budapest

As the main area for expats in Hungary, Budapest has a wide range of housing available. Accommodation in Budapest is, for the most part, more affordable than in many other European capital cities.

The city is divided by the Danube River into two areas, Buda and Pest, each of which offers a distinct atmosphere and an array of accommodation options.

Pest is more of a business area, and many companies locate their headquarters in this section of the city. Pest is also filled with lively cafés and eclectic nightlife hangouts, making it a popular residential area for young single people keen on the vibrant social scene.

Buda, on the river's opposite bank, is more suburban and is usually preferred by families keen on the larger houses, some of which come complete with gardens. One negative factor about choosing to live in Buda is that the commute to work can be problematic, largely due to traffic jams and slightly substandard road quality. If you are working in Pest and are intent on living in Buda, we recommend looking for accommodation close to public transport links to reduce your daily commute.

Areas and suburbs in Budapest

Home to 23 administrative districts, Budapest offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods that cater to different lifestyles, making it an appealing destination for both young professionals and families. 

District V (Belváros) and District VI (Terézváros) are popular among young professionals and single expats thanks to their central location, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to cultural landmarks, coworking spaces, and public transport. District VII (Erzsébetváros), particularly the Jewish Quarter, also draws in younger crowds with its trendy bars, cafés, and youthful energy. 

For families, suburban areas such as District II (Rózsadomb) and District XII (Svábhegy) on the Buda side are particularly desirable. These districts offer leafy streets, spacious homes, access to reputable international schools, and a more peaceful, residential environment. 

Óbuda (District III) is another excellent choice for families. It blends quiet neighbourhoods with good public transport access and green spaces like Margaret Island and the Buda Hills. Whether you're seeking urban excitement or suburban tranquillity, Budapest provides a range of options.

Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Budapest

Types of accommodation in Budapest

Apartments

Apartments are the most popular type of accommodation in Budapest, especially on the bustling east side of the Danube. They vary considerably in price, largely depending on their size, location, and condition. Expats in Budapest should note that although apartments in older buildings boast high ceilings and attractive designs, they are usually pricier than their modern counterparts.

Houses

Houses are far more common in Budapest's laid-back suburban areas. They are inevitably pricier than most apartments, but they offer a lot more space and occasionally even a garden. Houses may be best suited for families moving to Budapest, as they are normally close to schools, parks, and playgrounds.

Finding accommodation in Budapest

Expats should not have much difficulty finding accommodation in Budapest. There are plenty of online classifieds and websites offering a wide range of properties. There are also listings in local newspapers, though they may need to enlist the help of a local to translate Hungarian ads.

If you're looking for accommodation in Budapest and you don’t have the time to browse the market yourself, you can always use a local real estate agent. Doing so will incur a realtor fee, which is usually equivalent to between one and three months’ rent, but it can be worth it in the long run, especially if you are experiencing trouble with the language barrier.

Useful links

• MyBudapestHome
• Ingatlanok.hu
• Otthonterkep.hu

Renting accommodation in Budapest

Expats looking to rent accommodation in Budapest will enjoy a fantastic quality-to-price ratio. Unlike many other European capitals, rentals are relatively uncommon for locals in Budapest, and the demand from expats largely drives the rental market.

Leases

Leases in Budapest are typically signed for 12 months, with the option to negotiate a shorter or longer term lease. Some landlords in Budapest are perfectly happy to forgo a written contract in favour of a verbal agreement with the tenant. While this is considerably quicker and easier than a written contract, verbal agreements do not offer the same degree of security and can be susceptible to sudden changes by the landlord. 

Once a lease agreement has been drawn up, you should review it in detail before signing or moving in to ensure that you understand its terms and conditions.

Deposits

Tenants must pay a security deposit before moving in. The required deposit is set and agreed upon by both parties and usually amounts to between one and three months' rent.

Terminating the lease

Tenants and landlords in Budapest typically have to give at least two months' notice before terminating the lease. The period can be shorter, depending on the reasons for the termination. 

Accommodation in Hungary has more information on the national rental system. 

Utilities in Budapest

The monthly rental fee typically does not include monthly utility fees and, in the case of apartment rentals, monthly levies. These are for the tenant's own expense, so expats should budget for these costs.

Electricity

Electricity in Budapest is primarily supplied by Elmű, which is part of the MVM Group, the state-owned energy company in Hungary. To transfer your apartment's electricity account to your name, you will need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport), a Hungarian address card, and a copy of your lease agreement or property ownership documents. 

To initiate service, you must either visit a customer service centre or complete the process online through the supplier’s website. Once connected, bills are typically issued monthly and can be paid via bank transfer, online banking, or at post offices and designated payment points. It’s common for landlords to manage utility accounts, but tenants should confirm this during lease negotiations.

Gas

The main gas supplier in Budapest is also part of the MVM Group, operating under MVM Next. Most residential buildings in Budapest use natural gas for heating and cooking, and meters are usually read monthly. Tenants should clarify with their landlords whether the account is already active or requires transfer. 

Like electricity, foreigners need to provide identification, proof of address, and a rental contract or ownership deed to set up gas services. This can be done online or in person at a customer service centre. Bills can be settled through various convenient methods, including direct debit, online payments, or at postal outlets. 

Water

Water services in Budapest are provided by Budapest Waterworks (Fővárosi Vízművek), the municipal waterworks company. To set up a water account, expats must submit a photo ID, a lease or ownership agreement, and an address registration card. The process typically involves applying through the utility’s website or in person at a customer office.

Water meters are read periodically, and usage is billed accordingly. Bills are issued monthly or quarterly and can be paid online, through bank transfers, or at physical payment locations; some rental agreements may include water costs in the rent, so it’s wise to double-check.

Bins and recycling

FKF (Fővárosi Közterület-fenntartó), under the Budapest Public Utilities holding company, manages waste collection and recycling in Budapest. Residential waste is collected once or twice a week, with separate bins provided for mixed waste and recyclables. 

Recycling is sorted into paper, plastic/metal, and glass, with colour-coded containers placed at communal collection points or distributed per building. Larger items and hazardous waste must be brought to designated drop-off sites. While many buildings include waste fees in their common charges, individual homeowners or landlords are responsible for registering their property and ensuring collection schedules are followed.

Useful links

• Elmű
• MVM Next
• Budapest Waterworks
• Budapest City Management