Hungary accounted for 2.28 per cent of all enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com in November. Its share of enquiries only rose by 1.38 per cent, but that small increase was enough for the country to overtake fellow climber Germany (up by 10 places to 14th) and familiar markets such as Greece and Thailand. Indeed, Hungary received more enquiries than Bulgaria, which has been a regular presence in TheMoveChannel.com’s top 10 since it broke through in summer2011.

 

 

France saw a similar jump in interest, with its share of enquiries increasing by 1.3 per cent. That rise proved equally decisive, as France leapfrogged Portugal to seize third place behind investor favourite Spain. Following the USA’s surprise takeover at the top of the table in October, Spanish property saw its popularity slip again, losing 4.9 per cent of enquiries. Indeed, real estate in Spain accounted for 15 per cent of enquiries, the lowest share recorded by the country since February 2012.

 

 

That dip, combined with France’s rise in popularity, was enough to see the gap between the long-standing eurozone rivals more than halve from 10.8 per cent (October 2012) to 4.53 per cent.

 

 

 

As the end of a financially turbulent year approaches, small shifts in buyer demand are enough to see significant reshuffles in the Top of the Props rankings. Indeed, Cape Verde’s enquiries increased by just 2.01 per cent, causing the country to catapult back into the Top of the Props top 10 – the third time it has been in the top rankings in the last 14 months.

 

 

But a surge in appetite for property in Hungary caused the biggest rumble in the charts. 

 

 

Jean Liggett, Director of Properties of the World, explains the country’s growing appeal:

 

 

“It is not surprising that Hungary has popped into the top 10. Unlike the traditional second home investments including Spain, Portugal and Florida, Hungary has a stable property market where there are no big peaks and troughs, just a very steady growth.

 

 

“Importantly, the growing middle classes in Hungary and its seven adjacent countries of Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia make Hungary an ideal holiday destination as well as an investment opportunity. The middle class of this region like to go on holiday and buy properties in their back yard.”

 

 

The Hungarian government is also focusing on boosting tourism to attract investment into the country, Liggett adds. 

 

 

“With Hungary, one is buying into a whole new culture that is unique in Europe. Thermal therapeutic waters there have created a medical and wellness tourism, which, along with the history, wine and friendly locals, will help Hungary to grow in popularity over the next decade.

 

 

“One of the newest resorts to be developed with this template is Saloc International Resort & Spa situated at Egerszalok in the heart of a famous wine region. The UK based company is developing a resort that will include a Hotel Spa based on calcium thermal waters, sports, a leisure and wellness centre as well as offering a high return for investors.”

 

 

The full breakdown of the top 40 is as follows: