Choosing the Best Real Estate Agency in Hungary

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a market as dynamic as Hungary’s real estate sector, choosing the right agency can make all the difference between a successful investment and a real headache. With an ever-evolving industry, it’s crucial to recognize the distinctive signs of a reliable agency to navigate with confidence.

Whether through their in-depth knowledge of the local market, transparency in transactions, or ability to offer personalized customer service, these elements are all essential indicators. Discover here five key characteristics to look for to ensure a fruitful collaboration and avoid common pitfalls in the real estate sector.

Identifying a Reputable Agency in Hungary

Transparency in real estate transactions is a central criterion for identifying a reputable agency in Hungary. It manifests through clear information communicated at every stage: comprehensive presentation of the property title, access to the electronic land registry, and full disclosure of fees, contract terms, and payment schedule.

Certifications and Verification of Real Estate Agents in Hungary

• Real estate agents are subject to the Real Estate Agent and Property Manager Act (2015), which requires:
  • Obtaining a specific professional certification.
  • Adherence to a code of conduct.
• To verify the validity of a certificate, it is recommended:
  • To ask the agent for their professional registration number.
  • To consult the public register or official databases maintained by the relevant Hungarian authorities.

Distinctive Signs of a Good Reputation

• Authentic customer reviews on multiple specialized platforms or social media.
• Local recommendations, particularly from expatriates or professionals who have previously completed a successful transaction with the agency.
• Transparency regarding the agency’s history (years in business, number of completed transactions).

Criterion	Reliable Indicator
Customer reviews	High number, detailed comments
Local recommendations	Presence in professional networks
History	Recurring listings, established track record

Smooth Communication and Professionalism

A reputable agency responds promptly to inquiries, provides a dedicated contact person speaking English or French if needed.

Exchanges are documented: summary emails after each appointment, precise explanations of administrative and legal procedures.

List of behaviors illustrating professionalism:

• Strict compliance with Hungarian legal framework in all interactions
• Educational explanations about the process flow
• Contracts translated if necessary

Standardized Practices Adopted by a Good Agency

Systematic property verification:

• Systematic consultation of the land registry before any viewing
• Clear presentation of the property title (“tulajdoni lap”)

Access to a broad network:

• Collaboration with specialized lawyers for legal security
• Agreements with partner banks to facilitate financing

Common practices in a recognized agency:

Practice	Client Advantage
Legal verification	Enhanced legal security
Complete administrative file	Smooth file preparation
Banking partnerships	Easier access to mortgage credit

A transparent and professional agency thus offers all necessary guarantees for a smooth acquisition in Hungary.

Red Flags to Avoid with Real Estate Agents

Behaviors or attitudes of real estate agents in Hungary that should raise suspicion:

• Lack of transparency about fees: Refusal to detail commissions, absence of written contract, or vague explanations about compensation.
• Reluctance to provide references or show their license: Difficulty obtaining testimonials from previous clients or proof of official registration.
• Pressure to sign quickly: Insistence on a supposed “exceptional offer valid only today” or threat of missing an opportunity if decision isn’t immediate.
• Refusal to provide official documents: Inability to obtain written authorization, technical diagnostics, or essential legal documents.
• Suspicious listings: Properties listed with few or no photos, abnormally low prices without clear justification, contradictory or superficial information.
• Poor communication: Frequent delays in responses, incomplete or vague information, sudden changes in terms or statements.
• Exaggeration or lies: Inflating number of interested buyers, false promises about ease of selling or buying, lies about property size or features.
• Questionable reputation: Repeated negative reviews, absence from official platforms, or recurring complaints.

Warning Signs and Recommended Actions Table

Warning Sign	Potential Risk	Recommended Action
Lack of transparency about fees	Unexpected additional costs	Request a written, detailed quote
Refusal to provide references or license	Risk of incompetence or fraud	Demand proof of registration and testimonials
Pressure to sign quickly	Poor decision, scam	Take time to reflect, consult others
Refusal of official documents	Future legal problems	Require all documents before commitment
Suspicious listings	Hidden defects, deception	Verify property, request photos and viewings
Poor communication	Poor follow-up, information loss	Prioritize clear and responsive agents
Exaggeration or lies	Overvalued purchase or sale	Cross-check information, verify with other sources
Questionable reputation	Risk of dissatisfaction	Read reviews, choose recognized agencies

Importance of Clear Communication and Integrity

• Clear communication helps understand all steps, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure each party knows their rights and obligations.
• Integrity is essential to guarantee reliability of transmitted information, prevent fraud, and establish lasting trust.

Recognizing Warning Signs

• Pay attention to inconsistencies in the agent’s statements.
• Be wary of evasive answers or repeated refusals to provide documents or information.
• Consider online reputation and other clients’ experiences.
• Analyze quality of communication materials (listings, contracts, written exchanges).

Actions to Avoid Bad Surprises

• Compare multiple agencies before committing.
• Systematically request proof of registration and references.
• Read all documents carefully and don’t sign anything in haste.
• Consult a specialized lawyer in case of doubt or to validate an important contract.
• Verify information consistency with independent sources (official real estate portals, public databases).

⚠️ Never give in to pressure or urgency. Every real estate decision should be carefully considered and based on clear, verifiable, and transparent information.

Understanding the Power of Attorney Contract in Hungary

A power of attorney contract in Hungary is a legal agreement where one person (the principal, often the property owner) authorizes an agent (typically a real estate agency or agent) to perform legal acts on their behalf, such as selling, buying, or renting a property.

Importance and Role in Real Estate

• The power of attorney contract forms the legal basis allowing the real estate agency to represent the client and initiate procedures to sell, buy, or rent a property.
• It guarantees legal security of transactions, protects the parties’ interests, and clearly defines the real estate agent’s responsibilities.

Essential Elements to Include in a Power of Attorney Contract According to Hungarian Legislation

Element	Description
Identification of parties	Name, address, contact details of principal and agent
Purpose of power of attorney	Precise description of real estate property (area, location, features, price, etc.)
Type of power of attorney	Specify if it’s for sale, purchase, or rental, and exclusivity level
Powers granted to agent	Authorized tasks (e.g., sign purchase agreement, receive funds, organize viewings)
Contract duration	Start and end date, renewal or extension conditions
Remuneration	Amount or percentage of commission, payment terms
Parties’ obligations	Duty to inform, loyal execution, confidentiality respect, active collaboration
Termination conditions	Early termination procedures, notice period, potential indemnities
Date and signature	Signatures of both parties, signing date

Rights and Obligations of Parties

• Principal (owner/seller):
  • Provide accurate information about the property.
  • Allow access for viewings.
  • Pay commission to agency if transaction succeeds through their intervention.
• Agent (agency/real estate agent):
  • Employ all means to accomplish the mission (advertising, viewings, negotiation).
  • Regularly inform principal of progress.
  • Respect confidentiality and act in principal’s interest.

Contract Duration and Termination Conditions

Duration is typically contractually fixed (often 3 to 6 months for sales power of attorney), with renewal possibility.
The contract may include early termination conditions, either initiated by principal or agent, usually subject to written notice.

How a Well-Structured Power of Attorney Contract Reflects a Real Estate Agency’s Efficiency

A clear, comprehensive contract compliant with legislation indicates professionalism and reliability.
It reduces dispute risk, protects both parties, and ensures the agency acts in client’s interest.
An agency offering detailed and transparent power of attorney inspires trust and demonstrates ability to handle complex transactions.

Concrete Example

Practical case:

An owner wants to sell their apartment in Budapest. They sign an exclusive 3-month power of attorney with a real estate agency. The contract specifies:
– Complete property description.
– Desired sale price.
– Agency commission (3% of sale price, payable at notarial deed signing).
– Agency obligation to inform owner of each viewing and transmit purchase offers.
– Possibility to terminate power of attorney with 15-day notice in case of serious breach.

Benefits for Parties

• The seller is protected against interventions from unauthorized brokers.
• The buyer benefits from secured transaction, as agent must verify property’s legal status.
• The agency, through clear power of attorney, can act efficiently and avoid future disputes.

A well-drafted power of attorney contract is therefore an essential tool to secure and optimize any real estate operation in Hungary, while reflecting the agency’s seriousness and professionalism.