Who Is Eligible for Wekerle Plus?
Under the scheme, applicants can borrow up to HUF 50 million, with a maximum repayment term of 25 years. For the purchase or construction of a new home, the annual interest rate is capped at 3%, while the maximum rate for purchasing a second-hand property is 5%. Applicants must be over 18 but under 45 at the time of submitting their application, with the 45th birthday included as the upper age limit, provided they meet the other statutory requirements. Applicants are not required to be married, have children or demonstrate a minimum period of social security coverage to qualify.
However, this does not mean that every eligible applicant will be able to borrow the maximum amount. Banks will also assess income, existing financial obligations and creditworthiness. As a general rule, a minimum deposit of 10% is required, although the actual amount of personal funds needed may be higher.
Property prices are also subject to restrictions. The purchase price must not exceed HUF 100 million for an apartment or HUF 150 million for a detached residential house. In addition, the gross price per square metre must not exceed HUF 1.5 million.
Does Previous Property Ownership Affect Eligibility?
Before applying, it is worth reviewing both current and previous property ownership. As a general rule, the scheme is not available to applicants who currently own, or have previously owned, at least a 50% share in a residential property. However, the relevant regulations provide for certain exceptions. For this reason, having inherited a share in a property or previously owned a lower-value home does not necessarily mean automatic disqualification. Eligibility must be assessed by taking into account the property's value, the applicant's ownership share and the circumstances under which the property was acquired. Additional rules apply when spouses or domestic partners submit a joint application. In such cases, both applicants must meet the applicable requirements. It is therefore important not to assess eligibility solely on the basis of one partner's property ownership or financial situation.
Must You Live in the Property for Five Years?
One of the key conditions of preferential financing is the requirement to use the property as your permanent residence. As a general rule, the borrower must establish their registered residence in the property within 180 days of the loan being disbursed and live there for five years. Renting out the property during this period is also prohibited. This requirement is particularly important for those considering moving to another city within a few years, taking a job abroad or using the property as an investment in the future. The legislation allows for exceptions in certain circumstances, but each case must be assessed individually.
Another important consideration is that Wekerle Plus cannot be combined with another state-subsidised, interest-supported home loan. Anyone also considering the CSOK Plus scheme, for example, should clarify which option better suits their needs before making a commitment.
What Should You Check Before Signing the Contract?
A favourable interest rate alone is not enough to make an informed decision. Before applying for the loan, it is advisable to check the following:
- Whether the applicant meets the personal eligibility and property ownership requirements.
- Whether the selected property falls within the purchase price and price-per-square-metre limits.
- Whether sufficient funds are available for the deposit and whether the repayments will remain affordable over the long term.
- Whether the residency requirement is compatible with future plans.
- Which deadlines and conditions apply to the property purchase agreement and the submission of the loan application.
Wekerle Plus may provide meaningful assistance to those seeking to buy their first home. However, choosing the right financing option requires careful consideration of both financial circumstances and legal obligations.
Conducting thorough checks before selecting a property and signing the purchase agreement can help prevent future problems that might affect eligibility or the ability to comply with the scheme's requirements.











