Szolnok, a growing city in central Hungary, continues to attract attention thanks to its strategic location, infrastructure development, and relatively affordable real estate compared to Budapest. As internal migration grows and families seek alternatives to the capital, Szolnok is becoming an increasingly popular destination.
As of 2025:
- Average price per m²: approx. €1,280
- 60 m² apartment in the city center: €35,000–38,000
- Second-hand apartment in residential areas: €24,000–27,000
- Monthly rent for an apartment: €250–400
- Average monthly salary in the region: ~€900
Under these conditions, buying property without state assistance is challenging for many, especially young families. This makes government housing policies a key component of the real estate market in Szolnok.
CSOK Plusz Program — Family Housing Support
The CSOK Plusz program, launched in 2024, provides low-interest loans to young couples planning to have children. It applies to both new and second-hand properties.
Loan amounts:
- 1 child — up to €39,000
- 2 children — up to €78,000
- 3 children — up to €130,000
Interest rate: fixed at 3%
In Szolnok, many families use CSOK Plusz to purchase homes in the Abony, Zagyva-fürdő, and Tisza-part areas, where land and property prices remain reasonable.
Using Pension Savings to Buy Property
As of October 2024, Hungarians can now allocate part of their private pension savings toward buying a home — tax-free. This move helps prospective buyers:
- Cover down payments
- Reduce loan amounts
- Increase eligibility for mortgages
For residents of Szolnok, where wages are below the national average, this option can be a game-changer.
Capped Mortgage Interest Rates
From April 2025, the Hungarian government capped mortgage interest rates at 5% for:
- Young couples (under 40)
- Families with children
- CSOK Plusz participants
This measure aims to make monthly repayments more manageable and to encourage homeownership outside of Budapest.
Real Estate Prices in Szolnok (in euros)
| Property Type | Size (m²) | Price (€) | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| New-build apartment (center) | 60 | 38,000 | City Center |
| Second-hand apartment | 55 | 26,000 | Vasvári Pál |
| Detached house (suburb) | 100 | 75,000 | Abony, Zagyva-fürdő |
| Land plot (800 m²) | — | 12,000 | Eastern Outskirts |
These figures make Szolnok one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Hungary, while still offering urban amenities.
Effects of Policy Initiatives
Positive outcomes:
- Increased homeownership among young families
- Better access to financing
- Stimulated local construction activity
- Reduced monthly mortgage costs
Challenges and limitations:
- Price hikes due to rising demand
- Limited supply of affordable housing under €30,000
- Lack of large-scale rental or municipal housing programs
- Bureaucratic hurdles in accessing subsidies
What Still Needs to Improve?
To ensure long-term housing accessibility in Szolnok, several additional steps are necessary:
- Expand public rental housing
- Promote municipal construction projects
- Offer incentives for regional private developers
- Simplify application procedures for housing support
Conclusion
The Hungarian government’s recent housing policies — particularly CSOK Plusz, interest rate caps, and the use of pension savings — have made real estate in Szolnok more accessible than ever for young families and first-time buyers.
Still, challenges remain. Without a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing, state incentives risk driving up prices rather than reducing them. Szolnok stands at a crossroads — with smart planning and continued support, it could become a model city for sustainable regional housing development.
