The housing construction market is picking up, but it is highly uneven across regions; for example, in Budapest, 83% of new apartments were built in just four districts during the first half of the year, as highlighted in an analysis by Mapei Ltd.
Nationwide, 6,278 new homes were built in the first half of the year, 22% more than a year earlier, while the number of building permits rose by 29%, according to the latest data from the Central Statistical Office cited in a press release sent to MTI on Tuesday.
According to Szabolcs Stamler, the company’s sales director, these are positive figures, but the growth started from a low base and reflects uneven trends across regions. While the number of newly occupied apartments rose in several regions, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) recorded a 34% decline in Northern Hungary and a 14% decline in Western Transdanubia, the statement explained.
The housing construction market has moved away from its low point, and although the recovery is still fragile, Mapei remains optimistic: if the financing and geopolitical environment becomes more stable, the upturn could become more sustained. The increase in the number of building permits may signal further growth, the expert summarized the outlook.
Summarizing the factors working against this acceleration, they highlighted that some homebuyers and investors are waiting to see the government’s housing and energy efficiency plans, and that rising energy and oil prices could increase the costs of manufacturing, transportation, and construction. The arrival of EU funds could stimulate the construction industry, but the impact on new housing construction is expected to be indirect and delayed.
Mapei Ltd. is one of the leading players in the production and distribution of construction materials in Hungary; it was founded by the Austrian company Mapei GmbH. According to publicly available company data, its net sales were HUF 39.3 billion in 2025 and HUF 33.9 billion in 2024, while its after-tax profit amounted to HUF 4.2 billion and HUF 4.1 billion, respectively.
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