What counts as rehabilitation?

In Hungarian building law, rehabilitation refers to work that restores or improves the structural or functional condition of an existing building. This can range from façade renewal and roof replacement to full structural reinforcement and complete interior overhaul of common areas and individual units.

Legal framework and permits

Most rehabilitation works require either a full building permit (építési engedély) or at minimum a prior notification (egyszerű bejelentés). The type required depends on the scope: structural works, changes to the façade or roof, or alterations affecting more than one unit typically require the full permit, which takes 60 business days.

"Engaging a generálkivitelező from the start means one point of contact for permits, contractors and quality control — dramatically reducing the risk of delays and budget overruns."

Typical timeline and costs

A full building rehabilitation in Budapest typically takes 6–18 months depending on scope. Costs vary enormously: a façade renewal on a typical Budapest apartment block runs from 15 to 45 million HUF; full structural rehabilitation of a historic building can exceed 200 million HUF.

Working with owners' associations

In condominium buildings, rehabilitation works require approval from the owners' association (társasház). Depending on the type of work and the building's constitution, this may require a simple majority or a qualified majority of owners. Constroleum has extensive experience facilitating this process.