How to Find Out the Owner of a Hungarian Property

Why Is Identifying a Property Owner Important?

Before buying a property in Hungary, it's crucial to identify the legal owner. This ensures you're dealing with someone authorized to sell. Obtaining a so called property deed from the electronic land registry can reveal the owner's name and any encumbrances on the property, such as:

• Usufruct: The right to use and benefit from someone else's property.
• Enforcement rights: Legal claims against the property.

Identifying the owner also benefits the seller, especially with shared ownership properties that come with a right of first refusal, which gives existing owners the first opportunity to purchase the property if it's put up for sale.

Obtaining a Property Deed: The Essential Source of Information

Requesting a property deed is the first step to gaining official data about the ownership background and legal status of a property. Today, anyone can easily access an e-authenticated property deed online or request a paper copy through the appropriate channels.

What Information Does the Property Deed Contain?

A property deed contains three main parts:

• Basic Property Information: This section includes details like the plot number, property type (e.g., residential house, land), and area size. These details are essential for identifying and defining the property.
• Ownership Information: This part contains the names of the property owners, their addresses, and ownership shares if there are multiple owners. It also includes the legal title under which the ownership was acquired (e.g., gift, purchase) and the date of acquisition. This information is essential for determining the history of ownership.
• Encumbrances and Rights: This section shows the rights and obligations burdening the property, such as mortgages, restrictions on alienation, and easement rights. This information plays a vital role in assessing the property's future usability and marketability.

To request a property deed, you'll need either the exact address or the plot number. However, this can be a limitation if you don't have this information readily available.

What Can You Do If You Don't Have This Information?

If you don’t have the exact address or the plot number of a property, there are still several alternative methods you can use to gather information about the owner:

Using Utility Maps and Other Public Databases

If you know the street address, start by browsing the e-utility system. Utility records contain data associated with specific properties, including the plot number needed to request a property deed. The e-utility system's public module allows registered users to easily access utility connection and maintenance data for a property.

Hungary's company registry is another useful resource. This official database provides details on companies, including their registered offices. If the property is used as a registered office, you can contact the company for information about the owner.

Using Google Maps and Street View for Property Identification

Google Maps and Street View are incredibly useful tools for identifying properties. They allow you to virtually explore the neighborhood and the property. Nearby landmarks—such as neighboring buildings, fences, or street signs—can help you pinpoint the desired location. This digital mapping tool saves time and provides an immediate visual overview.

Technology Is Our Friend: When the Digital World Assists

If you have the plot number but are unsure how to contact the owner, social media can be a surprisingly helpful resource.

Social Media Platforms

Facebook Search: You can use an address or city to search for the property seller on Facebook. If you know the seller's name, you can examine their posts or their friends' posts. Sellers may also be found in groups or marketplace listings, where they often provide contact details.

LinkedIn Connections: LinkedIn is particularly useful for finding entrepreneurs or business figures, as many list their workplace and contact information on the platform. You can also leverage indirect connections by reaching out to the owner through a mutual acquaintance.

Conclusion

A property deed offers the most reliable and comprehensive information about property ownership and encumbrances. Anyone can request a property deed online through the Land Registry's Client Gate system. This system provides essential legal information about the property. This is a fundamental source of information for lawyers involved in real estate transactions, providing a clear overview of the property's legal status.

For expert legal assistance with your real estate needs, explore our services and contact us today!