The Fidesz government’s last major real estate program pushed buyers into smaller apartments

The Otthon Start Program has shifted demand towards smaller, cheaper apartments, according to Sándorfi Balázs from the National Association of Independent Financial Intermediaries. Between Q1 2024 and Q2 2026, apartment prices rose by 50%, while transaction values increased by only 17%. In Budapest, the average price of used apartments reached 69.1 million HUF in Q1 2026, up from 66.2 million HUF a year earlier. The average price per square meter also saw significant increases, indicating a trend towards smaller properties. The proportion of first-time buyers in Budapest rose from 25% to 40% due to the program, although investment purchases have decreased. Future changes in supported loan options and rising interest rates may further influence buyer behavior.