Is it impossible to find a good flat in August?
Posted by Lik3smok3@reddit | budapest | View on Reddit | 25 comments
Sziasztok everyone! So, I posted this question on an expat Facebook page and was a little concerned with the feedback I got and wanted to get a local perspective.
I’ll be moving to Budapest the last week of July and plan to stay in an Air B&B until I find an apartment. A few people on Facebook told me that I will have an impossible time finding a flat in August and that all the good options are taken in early July. Is that true? I can’t get to Budapest any earlier than I already am and I’m starting to stress about not finding a good fit before I start my job in mid-August.
For context, I’m looking for a two bedroom in a lively district. I’m a 28 y/o American girl and like to be out and about. I’m not too picky about location but I need to be near a tram that can get me to the outskirts of District II for work. I’ve been seeing lots of good options posted on Ingatlan and Facebook but they are all current vacancies and I don’t want to agree to anything sight unseen.
I’m open to any and all advice and/or suggestions! Thanks in advance 🙏🏼
igenigen@reddit
Please be aware that the real estate market in Budapest is really fast moving. If you see a property you like on Ingatlan, I would recommend calling, not writing otherwise expect to be ignored. Also bear in mind that everyone speaks English, so be prepared to have someone help you in Hungarian.
If you’re specifying looking for easy access to District 2, then I’d recommend District XI. You will have competition here because of students, but it’s easier to travel from compared to District I or II.
You’ll need to pay minimum 2 months rent deposit, if you’re the first renter sometimes even more. Then the first month’s rent + common cost. So at the end, you’ll need 3 months rent + first month’s common cost to move in.
Keep in mind Budapest is extremely hot during the Summer and it’s extremely uncomfortable if you don’t have A/C. So make sure you choose a place that has it.
sjd-912@reddit
I'm pretty sure you'd have a shorter commute from I or II to the outskirts of II because XI is still very far, it doesn't make it "easier" if you have a single connecting tram line if you still need to travel like 45 minutes with it.
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
According to Apple Maps, I can take tram 56, 56A, 58B, and 61. Which areas would you recommend I check out?
sjd-912@reddit
From I and II basically there'll be buses everywhere that'd take you to that line / Széll Kálmán tér in 15 tops
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much for the info! I just checked and my job is near the Akadémia stop. Would you still recommend that I check out district XI? I don’t have a good sense of the public transport yet. Where I live, even just one switch on a metro line could add 30+ min to the commute.
Solution_Better@reddit
We rent out apartments and here is my take:
Renting only when you arrive-super difficult
Our tenants many times rent unseen, only with pictures and video calls. They are usually happy because they can secure before they come.
Use agents if you need to. Agents are paid by apartment owners, not by tenants, in Hungary.
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Where can I find good Agents?
Gold_Combination_520@reddit
Nahhh you'll find something any time of the year. Might take a bit long to find the ideal one, but nothing near impossible
You should check Facebook groups like Albérlet Budapest (albérlet means flat for rent) and similar ones. But also search on ingatlan.com app, because that's what most of Hungarians use for buying/renting.
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Thank goodness! I’ve been stressing lol
Mon_fire123@reddit
Hey, check out the following site, you'll be able to find a decent apartment through this. My friend has been using this as an expat and he's renting an apartment close to the Parliament.
https://midterm-budapest.com/
If you’re in Budapest and up for a coffee or a drink, let me know, I’d be glad to show you around. 🙂
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much!
No_Turnover8182@reddit
August isn't impossible but it is slower -- many landlords and agents are on holiday. The market picks up in September when students return.
Your plan of starting in an Airbnb is smart. Give yourself 2-3 weeks minimum. District 7 (Jewish Quarter) and District 6 are popular with expats -- walkable, lively, good transit. District 5 is central but touristy and overpriced for what you get.
For better value, look at District 9 (Ferencváros) around the Market Hall area -- it's gentrified a lot, or District 13 which is more residential but well connected.
Use ingatlan.com for listings -- it's the main Hungarian property site. Facebook groups like "Apartments for Rent in Budapest" are also active.
For comparing what different districts actually offer, strado.info/budapest breaks it down visually.
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this info! Are there any districts you recommend I avoid? I heard district 8 is not great.
DataNerdling@reddit
what is your budget?
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
It’s flexible but for now, 300,000 HUF.
Bitter-Hand6979@reddit
If your budget is felxible, thats a huge winning point. But there is a university near that area so it will definitely effext is. Kind-of-nice and not vwry pricy apartments come and go in a week or max 2 in the whole year. In August its the same vut less Option
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
Gotcha. Thank you!
elilyen@reddit
District 2 is expensive cuz it's located in Buda....if you want cheaper outskirts go over the Danube to the side of Pest :) happy hunting! :D
elilyen@reddit
btw. you can find flats in August too but you need more luck, why not skip AirBnB altogether?
picurebeka@reddit
Because she needs to sleep somewhere before she can move in? Looking at flats takes more time than one day...
elilyen@reddit
ok
Luchostil@reddit
American from where? Bolivia?
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
No one from Bolivia or anywhere but the US would call themselves American lol.
sjd-912@reddit
I think people say this because most students are looking for flats right before the semester, but if you're not looking in those areas (or looking at more expensive ones), it wouldn't really affect you.
Also this year the market seems to be really slow with decreasing demand, so that might actually help you.
Lik3smok3@reddit (OP)
That’s what I figured but I wasn’t sure. I’m not a student and have a fairly flexible budget so I’m hoping I’ll luck out. Thanks for taking the time to reply!