Hungarians Increasingly Opting to Invest Savings Abroad
Budapest – A growing number of Hungarians are choosing to hold their savings in foreign financial assets, with a 15 percent increase recorded in the past year, according to data released by the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB), Hungary’s central bank. This trend comes as the country’s overall household wealth increased by 10.2 percent over the same period.
The shift towards foreign investments underscores a broader pattern of financial diversification among Hungarian households. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, the MNB’s recent analysis reveals a growing preference for assets beyond the domestic market. This development could have implications for Hungary’s economic stability and investment landscape.
Meanwhile, optimism regarding personal financial situations has improved among Hungarian households, reaching levels not seen since before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. However, expectations for inflation have stalled after a period of decline, remaining at a record high. The central bank’s quarterly survey, conducted between November 26 and December 5, 2025, with a sample of 1,000 households, indicates a growing interest in financial products.
The popularity of the Otthon Start program, a government initiative aimed at promoting homeownership, continues to drive an increase in the number of people planning to take out mortgages. Approximately 7 percent of Hungarian property owners are considering selling their homes, with 11 percent of the proceeds earmarked for investment in government bonds. Investors continue to prioritize the tax-free and risk-free nature of government bond investments.
The MNB’s survey, which includes a representative sample based on region, settlement type, age, gender and education level of the main earner, also found that the proportion of households planning to take out loans has reached a record high. The survey included 1,300 participants, with a sub-sample of 300 individuals aged 66-80 included since the third quarter of 2022.
The findings highlight a complex interplay of factors influencing Hungarian households’ financial decisions, including economic conditions, government policies, and global investment trends. The increasing flow of funds abroad suggests a desire for diversification and potentially a lack of confidence in domestic investment opportunities.
