Hungarian Buyers Increase Spanish Real Estate Investment

A stronger forint helps Hungarian households offset rising Spanish property prices when purchasing vacation apartments.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Residential

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Hungarian buyers increased their investment in Spanish vacation apartments by 15 percent in 2026, bolstered by a stronger forint. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Interest from Hungarian buyers in Spanish residential real estate increased by 15 percent in 2026 compared to the previous year. This trend coincides with broader foreign investment in Spain, which saw 51,630 homes purchased by international buyers during the first half of the year.

Why it matters

Hungarian households are leveraging a stronger forint to invest in Spanish properties, primarily targeting two-bedroom apartments priced between 350,000 and 600,000 euros. This cross-border activity is occurring against a backdrop of rising domestic Spanish apartment prices, which climbed 12 percent over the past year.

Hungarian buyer interest in Spanish real estate rose 15 percent compared to 2025, with most opting for properties under 80 square meters. A 400,000-euro apartment currently costs 9 million forints less than it did in March 2026 due to currency fluctuations.

The players

Hungarian buyers

International investors increasing their acquisition of residential properties in Spain.

The details

Hungarian buyers typically purchase two-bedroom apartments and frequently use them as rental properties for part of the year. While Marbella remains a traditional focus, there is a shifting preference toward locations like Estepona, Mijas, and Manilva, as well as more affordable options in Torrevieja priced from 250,000 to 400,000 euros. These investments are largely driven by the current strength of the forint, which has increased purchasing power for these international assets despite a 12 percent annual rise in local Spanish apartment prices.

Timeline

  1. Foreign buyers purchased 51,630 homes in Spain during the first half of 2026.

  2. A 400,000-euro apartment cost 9 million forints more in March 2026 than it does now.

  3. Foreign buyers accounted for 18.4 percent of Spanish home sales in the second half of 2025.

Money Landscape

This influx of foreign capital continues the trend of international participation in the Spanish housing market, which hit a record 18.4 percent share of sales in late 2025. It also highlights how currency strength impacts the affordability of European real estate for cross-border investors.

Households considering international property investments should monitor currency exchange rates, as these can significantly alter the total cost of a purchase regardless of local price fluctuations. Prospective buyers should consult with a qualified financial or tax professional to understand the tax implications and maintenance costs of owning property in a foreign market.

The takeaway

The relative strength of the forint is currently making Spanish real estate more accessible for Hungarian buyers compared to earlier this year. Investors should keep a close watch on local property price appreciation in target regions and potential changes in rental yields before committing to overseas assets.

Further reading

For more on market trends, visit the Residential section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Hungary Today.

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