Budapest, the capital and largest city of Hungary, is home to 1.7 million people, representing about 5% of the country’s population. The city is divided into 23 districts, typically designated by Roman or Arabic numerals, each with its own unique name. The historical center of Budapest lies within the Great Boulevard, encompassing District I on the western side of the city, and Districts V, VI, and VII on the eastern side.
District XIII stands out for its number of resale and new real estate transactions. Its popularity stems from having the most apartments in the city at relatively low prices. The district ranks 11th for average transaction value in Budapest. Additionally, buyers are drawn to District XIII due to its proximity to the historical center and well-developed infrastructure, including parks, bike paths, shops, and cafes.
Below, you’ll find information about short-term rental opportunities (e.g., Airbnb) in Budapest’s most popular districts. Hiring a professional to handle buyer services and structuring offers to secure Airbnb licenses before finalizing deposits or ensuring deposits can be refunded if licenses aren’t granted is highly recommended.
– District V (Belváros-Lipótváros): A central district with numerous tourist attractions. It is very crowded for residential investments. Obtaining an Airbnb license is nearly impossible, as only 5% of apartments in each building can be licensed for Airbnb. Specific obligations include providing an NTAK registration number and host contact information.
– District VI (Terézváros): A popular area among tourists. Starting January 1, 2026, a complete ban on short-term rentals will be enforced following a residents’ referendum.
– District VII (Erzsébetváros): Known for its nightlife and Jewish heritage. There are currently no specific restrictions, but the area is very noisy and busy, turning into a highly touristic zone. It’s overpriced, and many visitors come for bachelor parties or events, which may affect the condition of your apartment. An Airbnb license is permitted only if the building allows short-term rentals.
– District VIII (Józsefváros): A diverse area with no specific short-term rental restrictions.
– District IX (Ferencváros): A rapidly developing district with no specific short-term rental restrictions.
– District X (Kőbánya): An industrial and residential part of the city with no specific short-term rental restrictions.
Regarding the remaining districts of Budapest, there are no specific short-term rental restrictions, but Hungarian authorities are considering nationwide regulations, such as a moratorium on new licenses. It’s crucial to hire someone who can assist with the purchase to ensure you can legally rent your apartment short-term.
Additional costs when purchasing usually do not exceed 10% of the contract price and include taxes, mandatory fees, and costs for legal support of the transaction.
If you’re considering buying property and need assistance with purchasing an apartment in Budapest, please contact us at:
contact@worldhomedeals.com
