Hungary’s Home Start housing support programme has surpassed 30,000 approved loan contracts, reflecting strong demand for government-backed home financing, Minister for Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó said on Saturday.
Speaking at the third Home Start Expo in Gödöllő, Hankó said the programme is expanding rapidly and was designed to respond to the needs of young people seeking financial stability before starting a family.
He noted that the scheme does not require applicants to be married, adding that around half of participants choose to marry after securing a loan. ‘It could even be described as one of the most effective “matchmaking” programmes in recent years,’ the minister said.
Hankó added that the Home Start programme can be combined with other government support measures, including the CSOK Plus and the Baby-Expecting Loan, as well as property tax exemptions. Additional non-repayable support is available for families who have children.
According to the minister, family support measures introduced last July have contributed to a growing sense of security among young people. He said the number of marriages increased by more than 15 per cent in the final quarter of last year, and more births are expected compared with earlier periods.
Hankó also said the programme is open to young Hungarians returning from abroad. He highlighted government efforts to encourage talent to return, including cooperation with Ferenc Krausz through the Frontline Foundation, which aims to bring leading researchers back to Hungary.
In addition, he outlined ongoing regional development projects in and around Gödöllő, including a healthcare model programme and upgrades to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő. He also pointed to a collaboration between the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, vocational institutions, local businesses and schools as a potential model for future education systems.
Separately, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that the government plans to extend the Home Start programme to young Hungarians working abroad. Speaking at a campaign event in Szentendre following an EU summit in Brussels, he said the measure would broaden access to the subsidized 3 per cent loan scheme.
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