Before buying or selling real estate, one of the most common questions is how much the lawyer’s fee is and exactly what services it covers. In Hungary, a real estate sale and purchase agreement is only valid if countersigned by a lawyer or incorporated into a notarial deed, so the involvement of a lawyer is not optional but a statutory requirement. At the same time, the lawyer’s work goes far beyond „signing” a contract: the lawyer is responsible for the legal security of the transaction, for drafting the documents and for handling the land registry procedure as well.
How Much Is the Lawyer’s Fee for a Real Estate Sale and Purchase in 2026?
According to Hungarian practice, the lawyer’s fee typically ranges between 0.3% and 1% of the purchase price, although some law firms apply flat fees, while others set their fee based on the complexity of the transaction.
For example:
| Property purchase price | Expected lawyer’s fee |
|---|---|
| HUF 30 million | HUF 150,000 – 300,000 |
| HUF 50 million | HUF 150,000 – 400,000 |
| HUF 80 million | HUF 240,000 – 500,000 |
| Above HUF 100 million | Fee by individual agreement |
On the market, minimum fees of around HUF 200,000 are typical, although for more complex transactions the fee may be higher.
What Does the Lawyer’s Fee Include?
A professional legal service usually includes the following:
- reviewing the property’s land registry extract and cadastral map copy;
- verifying the identity, legal capacity and authority of the parties;
- drafting the sale and purchase agreement;
- preparing the handover protocol;
- preparing the land registry filings;
- administration related to retention of title;
- comprehensive legal advice throughout the transaction;
- monitoring the land registry procedure until ownership is registered.
In What Cases Can the Lawyer’s Fee Be Higher?
The lawyer’s fee can be significantly affected by the complexity of the transaction.
More work may be required, for example, in the case of:
- a purchase financed by a bank loan;
- use of CSOK Plusz or other Hungarian state subsidies;
- a property encumbered by a usufruct right;
- undivided common ownership;
- participation of multiple owners or multiple buyers;
- prior inheritance or gift transactions affecting the property;
- releasing encumbrances while a mortgage loan is still outstanding;
- a purchase in a newly built development project.
Who Pays the Lawyer’s Fee?
In Hungarian practice, the lawyer’s fee is usually paid by the buyer, as it is generally the buyer who chooses the lawyer. However, the parties may agree otherwise and may even share the costs.
What Other Costs Should You Expect?
Beyond the lawyer’s fee, additional costs may also arise:
Property Transfer Tax
As a general rule, the buyer pays 4% of the market value of the acquired property as property transfer tax, although numerous allowances and exemptions exist (for example, first home purchase, CSOK, or replacement purchase).
Land Registry Fee
A land registry procedural fee must be paid for the registration of ownership.
Loan-Related Costs
If the purchase is financed by a bank loan, further costs may arise:
- property valuation;
- notary fee;
- disbursement fees;
- costs of registering the mortgage with the land registry.
Why You Should Not Choose a Lawyer Based on Price Alone
A real estate purchase is often one of the highest-value financial transactions in a person’s life. A poorly prepared contract or an omitted legal check can later cause damage worth several million forints.
That is why, when choosing a lawyer, it is worth considering not only the fee but also the following aspects:
- experience in real estate law;
- fast administration;
- personal availability;
- credible legal advice;
- full administration until the registration of ownership.
How Can Dobrocsi Law Firm Help?
Our firm provides full legal representation in real estate sale and purchase transactions, both in Budapest and nationwide. We assist with preparing the contract, conducting the legal due diligence of the property, handling matters related to bank financing, and managing the entire land registry procedure.
For every transaction, we provide clear information about our legal fees in advance, so our clients never face unexpected costs.
Planning to buy or sell real estate? Contact us for a personalised quote.
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