September rents fell both nationwide and in Budapest

Advertised rents fell 0.2 percent nationwide and 0.1 percent in Budapest in September compared with the previous month, according to the HCSO–ingatlan.com release of 12 October. For Hungarian tenants and landlords, this is the latest monthly comparison, not a new survey of contracts already signed in October.

Annual increases remained at 6.0 percent nationwide and 5.3 percent in the capital. Inflation-adjusted real rents fell 0.4 percent monthly across Hungary and 0.3 percent in Budapest. The difference between nominal and real changes removes the general price-level effect, while a tenant’s actual payment still depends on their own contract.

The experimental statistic starts from advertisements, so it describes the offered market, not every existing tenancy. Neighbourhood, condition, utility costs and contract duration can all shape negotiating room for a particular flat. An average monthly decline does not imply the same discount for every property.

For a landlord, maintenance, vacancy costs and any refurbishment still need to be deducted from advertised rent. The change in rent therefore does not directly describe the owner’s net return.

Our report on Budapest transaction prices examines a different market; the background on housing and energy poverty puts total housing costs in focus. The HCSO lists 12 November for its next rent release, when it should become clearer whether the monthly moderation continues.