What does VAT increase mean regarding the Budapest real estate market?
Zsófia Szabó, 2020. 01. 23.
Back in 2016 the Hungarian Government decided to reduce the VAT of newly-built estate sales from 27% to 5% in hopes of livening the real estate market. The initiative provided the desired results and the market rose: the dropping number of constuctions suddenly and drastically jumped on top.
The program has reached a turning point on 1st of January, 2020: once again the valid VAT rate of newly-built estates is 27%. This has caused a stir in the building industry, given that these provisions make the financial implications of unfinished constructions shift greatly. The reasoning behind late handovers are often traced back to the lack of materials or professionals, which is strongly related to the boom in the building industry. Those affected by the unfinished constructions expressed that they do not feel comfortable paying the impact of the initiative, thus the government decided to open up a loophole due the pressure.
In conclusion, estates that had an approved construction permit by 1st of November, 2018 and are yet to sell are still selling with a 5% VAT rate until the very end of the year 2023, like these apartments:
If we look at two properties with similar features, the one permitted after November 2018 is 22% less beneficial if the increased VAT is expected from the buyer.
The VAT increase steepens the price of newly-built estates, so the demand will likely shift in favour of the properties which has been already used, so there is a high chance these prices will go up as well: if you are considering to sell, now is the time!
If you are looking to invest your assets in real estate, properties permitted before November 2018 are 120% in value compared to the ones after, so choosing one certainly is a smart choice. Builders do not want their properties to be neglected because of this, so some of them decided it is in their interest to pay a part of the VAT themselves in order to be a favorable choice for seekers, per example these properties:
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Dear Clients and Associates,
At Home Budapest decided to make the responsible choice and restrict it's operation during the outbreak of COVID-19.
We are convinced that it is a choice that benefits everyone's health and will help us get through these difficult times sooner.
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Regarding the property visits in this period, our company offers three different options:
During the visit, the owner and the realtor stay outside while the inquiring party views the property (wearing a mask, rubber gloves, and of course, not touching anything). After the tour, the realtor and the owner answer any emerging questions, all while strictly keeping a 2 meter distance.
We set up an appointment for the property visit, in which the realtor is not physically present - instead, they join the rendezvous via facetime or videochat. The visit itself goes by the same routine as in option 1: the inquiring parties enter alone, all while keeping themselves to the necessary precautions.
The inquiring party is not physically present, instead, our realtor gives a virtual tour via facetime or videochat.
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