Don't just rely on one source. The best deals often appear and disappear within 24 hours.

Top Hungarian Property Websites

• Ingatlan.com: The largest database in the country. It has an English version. Look for the "Kiadó" (For Rent) section.

• Alberlet.hu: Specifically focused on rentals (Albérlet means rental). Very foreigner-friendly.

• Rentingo.com: A platform that connects tenants and landlords directly (often without agency fees).

Facebook Groups (The Student Marketplace) Facebook is huge in Hungary for rentals. Join these groups immediately:

• Budapest Flats and Apartments for Rent

• Flats for Erasmus Students in Budapest

• Rent a flat / room in Budapest

💡 Pro Tip: When messaging a landlord on Facebook, write a proper introduction. "Hi, is this available?" is often ignored. Instead, write: "Hi, I am an international student at ELTE University. I am clean, non-smoker, and looking for a flat for 12 months. Is your apartment still available?"

(This is the most critical section for visa purposes)

If you are a non-EU student, you cannot get your Residence Permit without a valid accommodation address.

1. The Lease Agreement (Szerződés) Never rent a flat without a written contract. For the Immigration Office, you usually need a contract signed by two witnesses.

• Language: Always ask for a bilingual contract (Hungarian + English). If it is only in Hungarian, do not sign it until a Hungarian speaker checks it for you.

In Hungary, the registration process for international students is now almost entirely digital via the Enter Hungary platform.

1. For EU/EEA Nationals If you are a citizen of an EU country, you have the right to reside in Hungary for more than 90 days. However, you must register your long-term residence.

• The Process: You must create an account on Enter Hungary and apply for a "Registration Certificate" (Regisztrációs igazolás) within 93 days of your arrival.

• Requirements: You will need to upload your lease agreement and proof of health insurance/sufficient funds.

2. For Third-Country Nationals (Non-EU) Non-EU students must register their accommodation via Enter Hungary as part of their Residence Permit (Tartózkodási engedély) process.

• The Key Difference: Unlike Hungarian citizens, you do not receive a plastic "Address Card." Instead, your address is registered in the official government database.

• Re-registration: Every time you move to a new apartment, you are legally required to report the change of address on the Enter Hungary portal within 3 days. Failure to do so can lead to fines or issues with your visa status.

3. Essential Documents for the Upload To successfully register your address online, you will need:

• Lease Agreement: Signed by you, the owner, and two witnesses.

• Accommodation Reporting Form: A specific PDF form that must be signed by the landlord. Even though the process is digital, you must scan this signed document.

• Title Deed (Tulajdoni lap): Usually optional, but check on the EnterHungary portal. A document from the Land Registry (not older than 30 days) proving the person renting to you actually owns the flat. Most landlords can download this for you for a small fee (~3,000 HUF).

The Deposit (Kaució)

• Standard practice is 2 months of rent upfront as a security deposit, plus the first month's rent.

• Example: If rent is €400, you need €1200 cash on Day 1.

• You get the deposit back when you move out, provided there is no damage.

Utilities (Rezsi) In Budapest, rent usually excludes utilities. You will see listings saying "Rent + Rezsi".

Budapest is safe, but rental scams targeting international students are common in August and September.

The "I'm Abroad" Scam The "owner" sends you beautiful photos of a cheap flat but says they are currently working in London/Berlin. They ask you to transfer money via TripAdvisor/Airbnb/Western Union, and they will "mail you the keys."

• Verdict: 100% SCAM. Never transfer money without meeting someone or seeing the flat.

The "Fake Office" Scam You go to an agency that asks for a fee (e.g., 20,000 HUF) just to give you a list of phone numbers for apartments.

• Verdict: SCAM. Legitimate agents take a commission from the owner, not the student.

District V (The Heart)

• Vibe: Touristy, expensive, beautiful. Parliament & Basilica are here.

• Best for: Students who have a higher budget and want to walk everywhere.

District VI & VII (The Party Zone)

• Vibe: The "Broadway" of Budapest and the Jewish Quarter. Ruin bars, street food, 24/7 trams (4-6 line).

• Best for: Social butterflies.

• Warning: It can be loud at night. Check if your bedroom window faces the street or the courtyard.

District VIII (The Student Hub)

• Vibe: Rapidly gentrifying. The "Palace District" part (behind the National Museum) is stunning and safe. Deep District VIII can be gritty but cheap.

• Best for: Students at Semmelweis or Pázmány University.

District IX (The Trendy Choice)

• Vibe: Raday street (restaurant street), Corvinus University, and the Great Market Hall.

• Best for: Corvinus students and foodies. Modern rentals are common here.

District XI (Buda Side)

• Vibe: Green, calmer, more residential. Home to BME University.

• Best for: Engineers (BME) and those who prefer trees over trams.