The amendment introduces the concept of the planning base map. A planning base map is a digital map representation that provides the geometric basis for construction and architectural planning and is prepared using the cartographic database of the land registry. The introduction of this concept is significant because the map will no longer be a simple “site plan”, but rather a document with legally defined mandatory content.

What does the setting out of the property boundary mean in practice? The boundaries of the land parcel must be set out, and the planning base map must then be prepared using the data obtained from this setting-out process, including the delineated property boundary.

In addition, the regulation specifies further elements that must be included in the planning base map, such as the land registry map status, boundary lines, surface features, structures, trees, and objects related to public roads. The legislation also defines in detail the mandatory content of the technical description accompanying the base map. As a result, the planning base map becomes a document regulated in detail by law.

It is also important to note that the setting out of land parcel boundaries is not merely a technical step. The affected neighbouring property owners must be notified; in the event of a dispute, consultation is required, and if no agreement is reached, the procedure may easily be prolonged. A single uncertain or disputed boundary line may be sufficient to delay the planning process for a considerable period of time.

Moreover, under the new rules, the preparation of the planning base map involves activities requiring two different professional authorisations: a chamber-based engineering authorisation and a land registry–related (authority-based) surveying authorisation. As a result, the selection of the appropriate professional or professionals requires the consideration of new compliance criteria.

A positive aspect of the new regulation is that the rules on setting out property boundaries apply uniformly to everyone. Accordingly, neighbouring property owners will also no longer be able to build “freely”; their construction activities must likewise comply with the new, stricter requirements.

Exceptions – When is a new property boundary setting-out not required? A new setting-out is not required if the property boundary was already set out previously, the documentation of that setting-out is available, the boundary markers established at that time can still be found on site, and the content of the land registry with respect to the boundary line has not changed since the setting-out. A new setting-out may be omitted only if all of these conditions are met simultaneously.

As of 1 March 2026, a significant amendment has entered into force in Hungarian real estate law affecting condominium developments: the legislator has introduced a new legal institution, the Condominium Right of Improvement (társasházi építményi jog).

The new regime was enacted, inter alia, through amendments to Act CXXXIII of 2003 on Condominiums and Act C of 2021 on the Real Estate Registry. Its purpose is to provide a more structured and secure legal framework for purchasers in condominium projects under construction.

In this article we summarise the practical implications of the Condominium Right of Improvement for developers, purchasers and financing institutions.

Decree 2/2026 (II. 19.) KTM amends two existing legislative instruments: on the one hand, it clarifies the rules governing the allocation of topographical lot numbers (place numbers) to independent real properties; on the other hand, it introduces detailed amendments to the provisions concerning the fees payable for specified land registry proceedings, as well as for the provision of data from the land registry and from state basic data registers.

On 19 February 2026, Government Decree 28/2026 (II. 19.) was promulgated, introducing an important amendment to the implementing regulation of the electricity (Government Decree 273/2007 (X. 19.) – hereinafter: “Implementing Decree”). The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that inverter replacements carried out in connection with the Home Energy Storage Programme („Otthoni Energiatároló Program”), launched in 2025 and announced for 2026, do not result in unfavourable settlement consequences for operators of household-sized small power plants.

The Home Energy Storage Programme is a state aid scheme designed to promote the installation of battery energy storage systems connected to residential photovoltaic systems. Within the framework of the programme, households may apply for non-repayable grants, subject to specified conditions, for the establishment of energy storage systems.

In this article, we present the essence and practical relevance of the legislative amendment, as well as the legal framework within which inverter replacements and settlement-related issues must be assessed.

Government Decree No. 415/2025 (XII. 23.) on the amendment of consumer protection–related government decrees with a view to ensuring a higher level of consumer protection introduces substantial changes in the field of consumer protection as of 2026.

In this article, we briefly summarise those amendments which will be perceptible to consumers in everyday life and may be of particular practical importance from 2026 onwards.

Government Decree No. 415/2025 (XII. 23.) amends a total of six government decrees related to consumer protection.
The objectives of the amendments are, on the one hand, to strengthen consumer protection and, on the other hand, to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, while also ensuring compliance with EU law and legal harmonisation.

Government Decree No. 448/2025 (XII. 29.) amends Government Decree No. 327/2015 (XI. 10.) on the detailed rules of professional practice related to surveying and cartographic activities for non-cadastral purposes by introducing a new concept and new rules. These amendments will enter into force on 14 January 2026.

The most significant change is the introduction of the concept of the planning base map, the preparation of which now mandatorily requires the setting out of the property boundary.

In practice, the new regulation aims to ensure more uniform, more accurate and, from the perspective of the planning process, more reliable base maps, which may help prevent future conflicts and legal disputes. At the same time, the additional requirements are likely to slow down procedures and increase costs, and stakeholders should be prepared for this impact.