At the beginning of the summer, the regulations governing the land registry in Hungary were amended, introducing significant changes affecting owners of so-called garden plots in the outskirts ( in Hungarian: “zártkerti ingatlanok”), such as weekend houses, garden homes, and similar plots. The practical benefits, however, will largely depend on the location and on whether the local municipality allows their application.

Product liability regulations hold manufacturers strictly responsible for damages caused by defective products. It allows injured parties to claim compensation directly from the manufacturer, without relying on contractual rules.

Oppenheim has announced that Founding Partner Ulrike Elisabeth Rein has passed away.

Schoenherr has advised OTP Real Estate Fund Management on a cross-sale involving two A-class Budapest office buildings. Ecovis reportedly advised the buyers.

On 18 August 2025, Government Decree No. 274/2025 (VIII. 18.), amending Government Decree No. 143/2018 (VIII. 13.) on the detailed rules applicable during the change-of-use authorisation procedure (the “Amendment”), was published in the Hungarian Gazette. The Amendment will enter into force on 17 September 2025. In June 2025, the Hungarian Government submitted the draft legislation for public consultation. The draft proposed amendments to the decree known as part of the “mall stop” regulation, which applies to retail units larger than 400 m2. The essence of the Amendment is to define additional cases where a change-of-use authorisation procedure becomes necessary.

The Hungarian government is advancing its multi-year plan to bring key diagnostic imaging services under public ownership. Legislation adopted in 2023 and 2024 mandates that, from November 2025, state-financed CT and MRI examinations may be carried out only on equipment owned by public healthcare institutions.

CMS Hungary advised a syndicate of banks on a EUR 740 million ESG KPI-linked multicurrency revolving credit facility for MOL Group. 

Jalsovszky has relaunched its competition law practice with the hire of Eszter Fodor as a Senior Associate and the firm's Head of Competition Law practice.

On 19 June 2025, new rules were announced, bringing significant changes to the taxation and accounting regulations for trust foundations. The legislator's goal was to unify previously interpreted regulations and create a clear legal and tax environment.

Hungary’s usually quieter summer months have been marked by unusual levels of activity, according to Szabo Kelemen & Partners Andersen Hungary Partner Balazs Dominek, who points to rapid-fire legislative changes, evolving FDI rules, and new retail and energy regulations as key developments reshaping the market and keeping lawyers busier than expected.

On 31 July 2025, the Government Decree on the Home Start Programme was officially published, setting out the conditions for subsidised housing loans with an interest rate of up to 3%. The loan is intended to help young people buy their first home. It can be taken out for a maximum of HUF 50 million, with a fixed interest rate of 3% and a maximum term of 25 years. The minimum down payment required is 10%.

With preparations for the 2025 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Baker McKenzie Partner Marton Horanyi shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.

With preparations for the 2025 CEE Legal Matters Hungary General Counsel Summit in full swing, Oppenheim Partner Istvan Szatmary shares his thoughts about the upcoming event and what he's looking forward to the most.

The European Commission is working on changes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to make life easier for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), as per its proposal published in May 2025. These proposed changes aim to reduce red tape while still keeping personal data safe.

Freshfields, Oppenheim, and BDK Advokati have advised Continental and its ContiTech division on the sale of the Original Equipment Solutions business unit to US private holding company Regent. Taylor Wessing, Karanovic & Partners, Gen Temizer, and Stratulat Albulescu advised Regent. DR & AJU, Foley & Lardner, Gide Loyrette Nouel, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, Felsberg Advogados, Cascione Advogados, and ECIJA reportedly advised Regent as well.

The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (NAV) launched its summer inspection campaign in June. As part of the nationwide operation, inspectors are conducting checks at popular tourist destinations, beaches, festivals and other outdoor events, among other locations.

Former DLA Piper Senior Associate Tamas Szkiba has joined Baker McKenzie's Budapest office as Partner.

Cybersecurity regulations in Hungary have become significantly stricter in 2025, affecting business entities. Compliance with the new rules is crucial, as the deadline for cybersecurity audits is approaching and non-compliance may result in substantial fines.