Hungary gives details of mortgage relief plan

The Hungarian government last month announced details of its long-awaited mortgage relief plan, designed to help households deal with rising repayments on loans denominated in foreign currencies following the depreciation of the forint against the Swiss franc and euro.

Under the proposals (due to come into effect on July 1), homeowners struggling to service foreign-currency mortgages will be able to cap their monthly instalments at a fixed exchange rate well below the current level, with the difference accumulating in a government-guaranteed loan account until 2015. Those unable to pay will have the choice of transferring their mortgages to the government’s newly created National Asset Management Company and remaining in their homes as tenants, or of selling up and receiving a heavily subsidized loan to purchase a smaller property.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access