If you’re a landlord, there’s one big question you should keep asking yourself: “Would I want to live in my own rental?” With rents rising faster than many salaries and competition for good homes intensifying, tenants have become more selective than ever. In Q1 2024, market rents rose by about 12.6% year-on-year, outpacing purchase prices and lifting rental yields. At the same time, the typical rent for a one-bedroom flat in the capital ranges from roughly 180,000 HUF in less central areas to 450,000 HUF in prime districts. In this environment, understanding what tenants actually value isn’t just a nice extra – it’s the difference between long vacancy periods and a queue at your open inspection.
Let’s break down the features renters are actively hunting for, and how you can prioritise them in your own investment.
1. Pet-friendly rules (with clear boundaries)
Pets have gone from “maybe” to “must-have” for many households. Young professionals, couples and even retirees increasingly see their dog or cat as family – and they’ll scroll straight past a listing that doesn’t allow them.
At the same time, owners worry (quite reasonably) about scratched floors and chewed skirting boards. The sweet spot is to welcome pets with structure:
· Add a pet clause to the lease (number and size of animals, no unapproved pets).
· Take detailed entry condition photos so any damage is easy to prove.
· Consider slightly higher rent to reflect extra wear and tear, instead of a pet fee that may not be legal or enforceable.
You immediately widen your potential tenant pool, without surrendering control of your property.
2. Warm in winter, cool in summer – and not at any cost
Energy prices have put comfort front and centre. When tenants are already spending a large share of income on housing – Eurostat data shows that market-rate tenants here face one of the highest housing cost overburden rates in the EU, with more than 42 percent spending over 40 percent of income on housing costs – they look for homes that will not punish them every month.
What they actually want:
· Efficient heating, such as a modern condensing gas boiler or quality electric heating with thermostats.
· Reasonable cooling, for example a split-system air conditioner in the living room, which can be a huge drawcard, especially in small to mid-size flats.
· Basic insulation fixes such as sealed windows and doors, heavy curtains and draft stoppers that can make older buildings feel significantly more comfortable.
Small upgrades like weather-stripping, thermostatic valves and thicker curtains are low-cost compared to full renovations, but tenants really feel the difference.
3. Smart furnishing: not luxury, but ready-to-live
With more international workers, students and young professionals on the move, furnished and semi-furnished rentals have become increasingly attractive. Many newcomers simply do not want to invest in a full household of furniture for a place they may only keep for a couple of years.
The most in-demand setups include:
· Essential-only furniture such as a bed, wardrobe or chest of drawers, sofa, dining table and chairs.
· Functional kitchen basics including a fridge, stove or oven and ideally a microwave.
· A dishwasher in the kitchen and combined washer/dryer in the bathroom or laundry are also big drawcards.
Think of a neutral Airbnb that you can actually live in full-time, not a designer showroom. Neutral colours, simple lines and durable materials beat quirky style every time.
If you prefer to rent unfurnished, consider at least white goods such as a fridge and washing machine – these alone can push your listing ahead of similar options.
4. Storage, layout and a place to work from home
The pandemic made one thing very clear: people do not just sleep in rentals; they live their entire lives in them. Many white-collar workers now spend at least part of the week working from home, and that changes what good layout means.
Key layout and storage features tenants love include:
· A dedicated work nook, even if it is just a small desk in a corner with power outlets nearby, feels more appealing than balancing a laptop on the kitchen table.
· Built-in wardrobes, since no one enjoys buying bulky freestanding wardrobes for a one-bedroom flat.
· Extra storage, such as a small pantry, utility cupboard or basement storage cage for luggage, sports gear or seasonal clothing, which is more valuable than most landlords realise.
If you are renovating, consider slightly fewer but better-proportioned rooms, rather than cramming in extra bedrooms. A comfortable one-bedroom with a proper living space can be easier to rent than an awkward two-bedroom.
5. Outdoor space and lifestyle perks
After years of people spending more time at home, outdoor space has climbed up the wish list:
· Balconies or terraces, even modest ones that fit a small table and two chairs, can be a major selling point.
· Access to green space, such as proximity to parks, riverside paths or playgrounds, is especially attractive for families, pet owners and runners.
· Shared courtyards or roof terraces, where well-kept communal areas feel like bonus square metres of living space.
At the same time, local research on housing precarity highlights that many low-income households struggle with damp, dark or poorly ventilated homes, particularly in older stock. Ensuring your property is dry, bright and well-ventilated – by fixing leaks, treating mould and repainting in light shades – is no longer cosmetic, it is essential.
6. Parking, connectivity and location
Even though inner-city residents are increasingly using public transport, scooters and car-sharing, parking still matters, especially in districts where street parking is tight. A secure parking spot or garage can easily justify a higher rent.
Beyond parking, tenants are scanning for:
· Good public transport links, such as metro, tram or frequent bus lines within a short walk.
· Reliable high-speed internet, which many renters check with providers before they even inspect a property.
· Everyday amenity within 10 to 15 minutes on foot, including a supermarket, pharmacy, café and gym.
You cannot move your property, but you can highlight its strengths. Mention exact walking times to key transport stops and services in your listing, and double-check broadband availability.
7. How to prioritise upgrades as a landlord
Given that rental prices have roughly doubled over the past decade while inflation and other costs have also surged, tenants are understandably demanding better quality for their money. The good news is that you do not need a full renovation to meet their expectations.
If your budget is limited, prioritise in this order:
1. Fix the basics: repair leaks, draughts, mould and broken fixtures.
2. Focus on comfort first: upgrade heating and cooling and improve insulation where possible.
3. Add or improve storage, for example wardrobes, shelves, cupboards and a place to store bulky items.
4. Create a simple work zone, providing a dedicated spot with power and decent lighting.
5. Consider pet-friendly terms, with sensible conditions and careful documentation.
Well-maintained, sensibly updated homes attract better-quality tenants who stay longer, reducing vacancy and wear caused by frequent move-ins and move-outs.
Quick 5-Point Q&A Summary
1. What do tenants most often look for in a rental home?
They want comfort through good heating and cooling, practical layouts, decent storage, some outdoor space, fast internet and, increasingly, pet-friendly terms.
2. How much does rent cost for a typical one-bedroom flat?
Depending on the district and standard, expect roughly 180,000–450,000 HUF per month for a one-bedroom, with the lower end in outer areas and the higher end in central locations.
3. Is it worth furnishing my rental?
Yes, especially if you target students, expats or young professionals. Keep furniture neutral and practical, and at minimum provide quality white goods like a fridge and washing machine.
4. Do I really need to allow pets?
You do not have to, but pet-friendly homes attract more enquiries and longer-staying tenants. Use clear lease clauses and a thorough entry report to manage risk instead of banning pets outright.
5. What is the smartest upgrade if I can only afford one?
Improving comfort and efficiency, for example better heating, a split-system air conditioner or basic insulation fixes, often delivers the best mix of higher rent potential, happier tenants and fewer complaints about bills.