Ownership and authority to sell
Is the seller registered as the owner, and can they sell on their own? Where there are several co-owners, a community of heirs, a married couple or a company as seller, additional consents or documents may be required. Third-party pre-emption rights (elővásárlási jog) may also be relevant and should be clarified before signing.
Mortgages, encumbrances and third-party rights
The land register may record, among other things, mortgages (jelzálogjog), prohibitions on sale and encumbrance, rights of usufruct (haszonélvezeti jog) and easements. Applications that have been filed but not yet decided (széljegy) also matter. We clarify which entries must be deleted before or upon the purchase and how this is secured in the agreement.
Zoning and land use
What is permitted on a plot is determined by the municipality’s local building regulations. In the Lake Balaton area, regional planning rules may also apply. Whether a planned use, a renovation or an extension is possible should be checked before buying, if necessary together with an architect.
Building permits and actual condition
Do the building and its use match the approved plans and the land register? Unauthorised extensions or a different use can cause problems later. We review the documents available and, where appropriate, recommend a technical survey by a qualified professional.
Apartments: the condominium and common charges
For an apartment in a condominium (társasház), the deed of foundation (alapító okirat), the house rules and the level of common charges (közös költség) are relevant. It should also be clarified whether there are arrears or whether major works have been approved.
Other restrictions
Depending on the location and type of property, further restrictions may apply, for example heritage, nature or shoreline protection, utility easements, or land in agricultural use forming part of the property. Whether such restrictions affect a particular property has to be checked case by case.
Checklist: checks before buying
This checklist is meant as guidance, for example for conversations with the seller and the estate agent. It is not exhaustive; which points matter in your case depends on the property and your situation.