Tag Archive for: moving to Hungary

Hungarian Property Market Trends: Rising Rental Yields, Declining Supply, and Impact on Property Prices

Learn about the latest trends in the Hungarian property market, from rising rental yields to a decline in flat supply, and how they affect Hungarian property prices in the second part of a series of articles on the Hungarian housing market.

Rental yields in Budapest are moderately good, with Buda apartments outperforming Pest, and apartment rents are rising again. The main reason for the rent increase is a decrease in rental flat supply.
Despite rising interest rates, the Hungarian housing loan market is expanding, with more people purchasing homes with loans.

Hungarian property market trends

Number of housing transactions made by private persons by quarter years – source: KSH

Residential Construction Rise

The Hungarian property market surge has resulted in a sharp increase in residential construction, with almost half of the new supply being in Budapest and Pest. In 2020, the total number of newly built dwellings in Hungary rose 33.5% y-o-y to 28,208 units, despite the pandemic. However, in 2021, newly built dwellings fell by 29.5% y-o-y to 19,898 units due to rising material costs.

Budapest Rental Yields are Moderately Good with Rents Rising Again

The rental yields in Budapest are moderately good, with the Hungarian property market rebounding from the decline due to travel restrictions and Airbnb regulations. Gross rental yields in Buda apartments are yielding higher returns than Pest.

The apartment rents in Budapest are on the rise again, particularly due to the decline in the supply of rental apartments.

Higher Yields in Buda, Lower in Pest

According to a Global Property Guide research, apartments in Buda have higher yields, ranging from 5.63% for smaller-sized apartments of 90 sq. m. to 5.73% for larger apartments of 120 sq. m. In comparison, apartments in Pest have slightly lower rental yields, ranging from 5.16% to 5.24%.

Rising Rents

According to KSH-ingatlan.com rent index analysis, apartment rents in Hungary surged 23.4% YoY by end-Q2 2022, with rents in Budapest increasing 24% YoY over the same period. However, the longer-term data indicate a moderate rise in prices, with average rents rising by almost 66% nationally and 57% in the capital since 2015.

Decline in Rental Apartment Supply

The decline in rental apartment supply is the main reason for the surge in rents. The number of apartments for rent has dropped from 20,000 to just over 10,000, a 49% decline, in the past year, said László Balogh, the leading economic expert of ingatlan.com.

Rent Range in Budapest

The average monthly rents for brick apartments in Budapest range from HUF 125,000 (€294) to HUF 350,000 (€825). Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 12 are among the most expensive areas, while Districts 4 and 10 and the peripheral districts on the Pest side are the cheapest.

Hungarian Property Market Trends - Rent range in Budapest

Source: KSH (Hungarian Central Statistical Office)

Interest Rates on the Rise

Despite the increasing interest rates, the Hungarian housing loan market is growing, with more people buying houses with loans. However, the size of the mortgage market remains small compared to GDP.

According to the European Central Bank, housing loan interest rates are beginning to rise, with the average interest rate on housing loans increasing to 4.83% in August 2022 from 4.49% in the previous year. As a result, this may have an impact on the Hungarian property market in the near future.

Hungary Interest Rates

The average interest rates on loans for house purchases by initial rate fixation (IRF) in August 2022 were as follows:

  • IRF of up to 1 year: 6.52%
  • IRF over 1 year and up to 5 years: 4.7%
  • IRF over 5 years: 4.83%

Mortgage Market Growing Strongly

The growth of the Hungarian property market continues to drive the mortgage market, which is showing strong signs of expansion.

The value of new housing loans disbursed rose significantly by 36.2% to HUF 1.25 trillion (€2.94 billion) in 2021, and the total number of new housing loans disbursed increased 16.7% to 121,347 last year.

New Loans Disbursed

The Hungarian property market has witnessed a significant rise in the number of new loans disbursed for buying second-hand homes, which surged by almost 35% y-o-y to HUF 857.8 billion (€2.02 billion), and loans for buying new homes rose strongly by 21.7% to HUF 135.61 billion (€319.4 million) last year.

Loans for housing construction rose slightly by 2.1% to HUF 80.4 billion (€189.3 million) last year, and loans for home renovation almost tripled to HUF 118.72 billion (€279.6 million) in 2021.

Reasons for Increased Loan Demand

Hungary’s relatively low interest rates and subsidized lending schemes, such as the Family Housing Subsidy Scheme (CSOK), have led to increased loan demand. The government’s newly introduced home improvement subsidy has also contributed to this.

Housing Loans Outstanding

The value of housing loans outstanding increased 15% to HUF 4.58 trillion (€10.8 billion) in 2021, and the share of “problem-free” loans slightly declined to 96%. The non-performing exposure ratio also increased to 3.7% last year.

The state of Hungary’s economy

Hungary’s economy has had a strong recovery since the pandemic, registering a real GDP growth rate of 7.1% in 2021, one of the fastest in the EU. In Q2 2022, the economy grew by 6.5% YoY, with all sectors contributing except agriculture.

However, the European Commission’s forecast expects the economy to slow down to 5.2% this year due to rising inflation, tightening fiscal and monetary policies, trade disruptions, and the situation in Ukraine and Russia. These factors may also strongly affect the Hungarian property market.

GDP Growth and Contributing Sectors

Hungary’s Finance Minister noted that Q2 growth was supported by all branches of the economy, particularly industry, trade, tourism, the financial sector, and ICT. Quarter-on-quarter, the economy expanded by 1% in Q2 after growing by 2.1% in the previous quarter.

Forecasted Slowdown in Economic Growth

While Hungary’s economy has been experiencing strong growth, it is expected to slow down due to various factors such as inflation, fiscal and monetary policies, trade disruptions, and uncertainty in Ukraine and Russia. As a result, the growth of the Hungarian property market is also expected to be impacted.

Unemployment and Inflation

Unemployment in Hungary is at a low of 3.4%, and the nationwide inflation rate in August 2022 rose to 15.6%, the highest since May 1998. The surge in inflation was due to a rise in food and other commodity prices, far above the central bank’s target range of 2% to 4%.

An Overview of the Hungarian Housing Market: House Prices Surge by 22.8%

According to data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), Hungarian housing market saw a surge of 22.8% (11% inflation-adjusted) in Q2 2022, the highest annual price growth recorded in recent history.

The demand for homes has also risen after a decline in 2019-20, with the total number of second-hand homes sold increasing by 13.8% in 2021. Meanwhile, foreign demand has recovered due to the weakening of the forint against the euro.

Regional Price Trends

Pest, the eastern part of Budapest, had the highest y-o-y increase of 33.7%, followed by Northern Great Plain, Northern Hungary, Southern Great Plain, Central Transdanubia, Southern Transdanubia, and Western Transdanubia. Budapest saw a more modest increase of 9.7% in the mean price of second-hand homes y-o-y.

Local House Price Variations

Budapest and Pest have the most expensive housing, with the average price of second-hand homes reaching HUF 39.7 million (€93,491) in 2021. Meanwhile, the Great Plain and North regions have the least expensive housing, with the average price standing at around HUF 11.7 million (€27,553) and HUF 14.3 million (€33,676), respectively.

Hungarian Housing Market: Price Trends

Mean price per sqm by region and settlement type, source: KSH

Average Home Prices

In Q1 2021, the average price of new homes was HUF 45.6 million (€107,862), while second-hand homes averaged HUF 22.8 million (€53,931).

Overview of the Hungarian Housing Market

Hungarian Housing Market – trends in housing prices, source: KSH

Rising Demand

The demand for second-hand homes has bounced back strongly, with an annual increase of 13.8% in 2021. This is a significant improvement from declines of 14.3% in 2020 and 5.7% in 2019. Foreign demand is also on the rise due to the weakening of the forint against the euro.

Hungarian housing market continues to rise, with an increasing number of people looking to purchase homes, particularly in Budapest.

The number of second-hand homes sold rose by 13.8% to 142,138 units in 2021 from a year earlier, a significant improvement from annual declines in 2020 and 2019. Second-hand home sales increased in Central Hungary and Transdanubia by 12.8% and 15.6% year-on-year, respectively. In contrast, sales in Pest decreased by 25.4% in 2021.

Hungarian Housing Market: Rising Demand

Source: KSH

Hungarian Housing Market: Weak Construction but Improving Demand

Despite a robust overall economy, Hungary’s residential construction activity remains weak. In the first half of 2021, housing completions fell by 6.8% year-on-year to 9,133 units, with a 16.8% drop in Central Hungary and a 1.9% drop in Great Plain and North. Newly built homes increased 21.6% year-on-year in Transdanubia.

Foreign Buyers Rising Again

In the first half of 2022, the number of foreigners interested in Hungarian residential properties rose by 10%, partly due to weakening domestic currency against the euro. The high concentration of foreign homebuyers in Budapest is one of the main reasons for the huge price difference between the city and the rest of the country, with foreigners spending on average over HUF 40 million (€94,195) on a home in Budapest.

Foreign Homebuyers in Hungary: Popular Locations and Legal Requirements

Hungary has been a popular destination for foreign property buyers in recent years, with Budapest being the most favored location. In fact, more than half of foreign property demand is in Budapest. District 7, 6, and 8 are the top three districts preferred by foreign homebuyers. Moreover, towns and villages in the counties around Lake Balaton also represent about 11% of foreign demand.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the foreign property market in Hungary. Home purchases by foreigners have significantly dropped due to travel restrictions. Before the pandemic, foreign homebuyers were on the rise.

From 2017 to 2019, the number of purchases increased from 3,207 to 3,753. Chinese citizens accounted for more than half of the total, followed by EU citizens, primarily Germans. Other large groups of buyers were Israelis, Russians, and Turks.

Hungarian law requires that real estate purchases be concluded through private contracts countersigned by a lawyer. Non-Hungarian citizens must obtain approval from the relevant Administrative Office to purchase property as a private person. The process usually takes 2-3 months.

To avoid this approval process, most lawyers advise foreign nationals to set up a company registered in Hungary to purchase property. This process takes only 1-2 days, and all expenses can be written off.

In conclusion, Hungary is a popular destination for foreign property buyers, particularly in Budapest and towns/villages around Lake Balaton. However, purchasing property in Hungary as a foreigner requires following legal requirements, and it is advisable to consult a lawyer for guidance.

Hungary’s Housing Cycle: From Crisis to Recovery

The Hungarian housing market has experienced a tumultuous cycle from crisis to recovery, with government measures playing a significant role in boosting demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the housing market, but it has quickly bounced back in 2021. As Hungary continues to recover, the housing market is likely to see further growth in the coming years.

The Hungarian housing market suffered a severe decline from 2008 to 2013, with house prices falling by 21% (36% inflation-adjusted) as a result of the 2009 global financial crisis and the forint’s steep decline that caused the mortgage market to collapse.

However, legislation in November 2014 required financial institutions to convert all outstanding foreign currency-denominated loans into HUF by December 2015, causing a sharp decrease in the stock of housing loans in foreign currency. House prices began to rise by 6.6% (7.3% inflation-adjusted) in 2014, and have been increasing annually by double-digits, surging by a total of 120% (99% inflation-adjusted) in 2014-19.

COVID-19 Impact on the Hungarian Housing Market

The housing market’s growth decelerated to 6.8% (3.9% inflation-adjusted) in 2020 due to the economic repercussions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing lockdown measures, and travel restrictions. However, the Hungarian housing market bounced back quickly in 2021, registering a house price increase of 21.4% (13.4% inflation-adjusted), as economic conditions gradually improve.

Government Measures Boost Demand

Part of the housing demand recovery during 2014-5 was due to other government measures. In 2013, the government increased the amount of 5-year loan subsidies, the maximum value of subsidized loans, and the loan house price threshold, resulting in significantly stronger credit demand in the second half of 2013.

In 2015, a non-refundable subsidy, the family housing allowance (CSOK), became available for buying new- and used homes, apartment expansions, and home construction. The program was expanded in 2018, allowing families returning from abroad and those owning a property to apply for the CSOK.

By end-2021, almost 192,000 families had benefited from the program, receiving a total of HUF 467.4 billion (€1.1 billion). Furthermore, every woman under the age of 40 is eligible for a CSOK interest-free loan when she first gets married. The government also repays HUF 1 million (€2,355) of mortgage loans for families with at least two children.

Easter in Hungary – 5 Magical Traditions You Should Know

If you’re planning to relocate to Hungary, it’s important to be aware of the country’s customs and traditions, particularly during holidays such as Easter.

Easter in Hungary is very significant for the locals, and it’s important to understand how Hungarians celebrate this holiday.
In this article, we will explore the Easter traditions and customs in Hungary that you should be aware of as a newcomer.

Easter in Hungary: A Time of Celebrations and Traditions

Easter in Hungary is a time of joy, feasting, and celebrations. The Easter holiday starts with Good Friday, which is a solemn day when the Hungarians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On this day, you will see people visiting the churches, and many shops and restaurants remain closed.

Some regions even hold religious processions or special choral performances, which add a deep cultural dimension to the day’s otherwise quiet and reflective atmosphere.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Hungarian Easter celebrations. On this day, the locals attend a mass in their local church, and families gather to have a festive meal. The traditional Easter meal in Hungary is ham and hard-boiled eggs, which are often decorated with intricate designs. You will also find a range of delicious cakes and pastries, such as the famous Hungarian Easter cake, known as “Kalács.”

Another staple on many Easter tables is horseradish, often served with ham, symbolizing strength and rebirth. In some rural areas, families still bless their Easter baskets in church before the meal.

Ducking Monday

Easter Monday, known as “Ducking Monday, or “Dousing Day” is a unique Hungarian tradition where boys visit the homes of girls and sprinkle water on them. According to the tradition, the water has a cleansing effect and brings good health and beauty to the girls.

In modern times, the custom has become more playful—boys may recite humorous poems before sprinkling, and girls often reward them with chocolates, colored eggs, or even a small shot of pálinka.

Easter in Hungary: traditional kalács

Customs and Superstitions

Apart from the traditional Easter celebrations, Hungary has many customs and superstitions that are unique to this holiday. One of the most famous customs is the “Easter Sprinkling,” where people sprinkle perfume or cologne on each other’s faces as a sign of good luck and health.

To celebrate Easter in Hungary, Easter eggs are a must-have, as they symbolize rebirth and new life. It is a traditional practice to dye the Easter eggs red in Hungary, and during the season, you can find them everywhere. Another interesting custom is that after sprinkling the girls, men usually receive a red-painted egg.

For an authentic Easter experience, consider visiting Hollókő, a picturesque village in northern Hungary that hosts traditional Easter festivals every year.
Here, locals dress in folk costumes, perform dances, and re-enact age-old customs like water-sprinkling in the streets.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare glimpse into living traditions that have been preserved for generations.

Similar cultural celebrations can be found in rural areas of Nógrád and Heves counties, where Easter is still marked by community events, folk music, and handcrafted egg painting workshops.

Easter in Hungary: traditional red eggs

The Hungarian Easter tradition involves the Easter Bunny, who hides painted eggs and chocolates for children to find in the garden on Easter Sunday morning. However, it’s worth noting that this practice originated in Germany.

In Hungary, it is also believed that you should not whistle on Easter Sunday, as it will bring bad luck for the rest of the year. It’s also considered unlucky to sweep the house during Easter, as it is believed to sweep away the good luck.

Local customs and traditions can help you integrate

Relocating to Hungary can be an exciting experience, and it’s essential to know the local customs and traditions to help you integrate into the local community.

Easter in Hungary is significant, and by understanding the traditions and customs, you can participate and enjoy the celebrations like a local. From the solemn Good Friday to the joyful Easter Sunday and the unique Easter Monday, Hungary has a rich and diverse culture that celebrates the Easter season in a unique way.

Ready to make your move?

Understanding holidays like Easter in Hungary is just one step toward settling in with confidence.
Need help with visas, housing, or local integration?
Explore our relocation services → and let our experts guide you through every step of the move.

Happy Easter—or, as locals say: Kellemes Húsvéti Ünnepeket!

12 good tips for adjusting to life in Budapest

Budapest is a beautiful and vibrant city that is rich in culture and history. If you are moving to Budapest, you may find that adjusting to life in a new country is difficult.

However, with a little effort and some helpful advice to help you, you can quickly settle into your new life in Budapest.

Here are 12 simple tips to help you adjust to your new surroundings:

1. Study the language

While it is possible to get by without knowing Hungarian in Budapest, knowing the language will make your life much easier.

Hungarian is regarded as one of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers, ranking among the top ten.

However, it is definitely worth a shot. On average, it takes 44 weeks of consistent practise to be able to hold a decent conversation. Surprisingly, the Hungarian alphabet also has 44 letters!

Although it may appear difficult at first, learning the language will significantly enhance your life in Budapest. To begin, consider taking language classes or using language learning apps to learn the fundamentals and gradually expand your vocabulary.

This will not only help you communicate with locals, but it will also make it easier to navigate daily tasks like grocery shopping, restaurant ordering, and getting around the city.

2. Learn about the city.

Spend some time exploring the city to become acquainted with its layout and various neighbourhoods. This will make you feel more at ease and confident in your surroundings.

3. Join expat organisations.

There are numerous expat groups in Budapest that can help you build a social network and provide useful information. Joining one of these groups can help you adjust to your new surroundings faster.

4. Try the local cuisine.

Hungarian cuisine is delicious and unique, so try some of the local dishes. This will make you feel more at ease with the local culture.

5. Use public transportation.

Budapest has a fantastic public transportation system that is both affordable and efficient. It’s a great way to get around town and discover new neighbourhoods.

6. Discover the customs.

Hungary has its own traditions and customs that may differ from what you are used to. Learn about these traditions so that you can understand and respect them.

7. Be willing to try new things.

Budapest has a lot to offer, so be open to new experiences. Whether it’s trying new foods or going to a local festival, being open to new experiences will help you adjust to life in Budapest.

8. Make new friends with the locals.

Making friends with locals will help you understand the local culture and feel more connected to your new home.

9. Participate in activities.

Get involved in activities that interest you in Budapest’s thriving arts and culture scene. This will assist you in meeting new people and making new friends.

10. Find a hobby.

Finding an enjoyable hobby will help you feel more at ease in your new surroundings. Finding a hobby, whether it’s sports or joining a book club, can help you connect with like-minded people.

11. Maintain contact with family and friends.

Moving to a new country can be stressful, so keep in touch with your family and friends back home. This will make you feel more supported during your transition period.

12. Please, be patient.

It takes time to adjust to life in a new country, so be patient with yourself. Expect nothing to happen overnight, and remember that it’s fine to make mistakes and seek assistance along the way.

To summarise, moving to Budapest can be a difficult but rewarding experience. By following these tips and giving yourself enough time to adjust, you will be able to quickly settle into your new life in Budapest and begin enjoying everything that this lovely city has to offer.

7 Fascinating Aspects of Hungarian Culture You Should Know

Hungary is a land of rich history and cultural diversity, but adapting to its unique customs and traditions can be a daunting task.

Hungary is a captivating country with a vibrant culture that has evolved over centuries. From its famous thermal baths to the mouthwatering goulash, there’s no shortage of things that make Hungary a delightful place to live or visit. This article provides valuable insights into the Hungarian culture, empowering you to fully embrace this fascinating country.

Hungarian culture—a brief overview

Nevertheless, if you’re new to the country or have been here for some time, you may encounter some cultural differences that can be challenging to navigate. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you adapt to Hungarian culture with ease.

Genuine traditional Hungarian culture has survived for a long period in an untouched countryside characterized by rootedness. Peasant dress, food, and entertainment, including folk songs and folk dances—the rituals of weddings and Easter and Christmas holidays—have continued until the mid-20th century.

The Hungarian language is unique among the nations of Europe in that it is not related to any other major European language. This has caused Hungarians to feel isolated throughout much of their history. Russian was mandatory in schools and universities during the socialist period. Throughout history, Hungarians have struggled to find their own voice and identity while under the control of various forces.

Language

Hungarian is the official language of Hungary and is spoken by the majority of the population. It’s a complex language with unique grammar and syntax, which can make it challenging to learn. But don’t be intimidated. Before moving to Hungary, start learning some basic Hungarian phrases that will help you in your daily life, such as ordering food or asking for directions.

Hungarians are very proud of their language; it’s a key part of their identity.

In larger cities like Budapest, you’ll find that many people speak English. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, it’s less common. And don’t forget that Hungarians write their family name first, followed by their given name. There’s also formal and informal language use. For example, the use of ‘te’ is informal, while ‘ön’ is formal.

Social Etiquette

Hungarians are polite and formal, especially in formal situations such as business settings. They use formal language, but in casual situations, they swap to informal language. It’s common for a senior person to offer a younger or less senior person to feel free to call him/her by their given name.

When greeting someone, it’s customary to shake hands and maintain eye contact during conversations. If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. Also, it’s considered impolite to arrive late for social events in Hungary, so make sure you arrive on time.

Food and Drink

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and delicious, featuring dishes such as beef stew, stuffed cabbage, and chimney cake. Hungarians also love their wine, with several wine regions throughout the country. When dining with Hungarians, wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and always offer a toast before taking the first sip of wine. In Hungary, it’s typical to eat a large lunch and a lighter dinner, so don’t be surprised if dinner is a smaller meal.

Holidays and Celebrations

Hungarians celebrate many holidays and traditions throughout the year. Easter is a significant part of the Hungarian culture, with many customs, such as the sprinkling of water or perfume on women. Christmas is also a major holiday, with the traditional celebration taking place on Christmas Eve. Families often attend midnight mass, followed by a festive meal.

Work Culture

Hungarians take their work seriously and are generally hardworking and efficient. They value punctuality and expect others to be on time for meetings and appointments. In Hungarian workplaces, there is often a strict hierarchy, and it’s essential to show respect to those in positions of authority. It’s also common to address colleagues and superiors by their title, such as “Dr.” or “Professor.”

Conclusion

Adapting to a new culture can be challenging, but by understanding the key cultural differences in Hungary, you’ll be better equipped to navigate daily life. Whether it’s learning some basic Hungarian phrases or familiarizing yourself with Hungarian social customs, taking the time to adapt to Hungarian culture will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Should it stay or should it go now? What to Ship When Relocating – Smart Move Tips

Deciding what to ship when relocating is often more challenging than expected. With practical tips, we help you find the best way to sort, select, and ship your essentials.

As expats, we intermittently spend a large chunk of money shipping stuff around the world. The dilemma of what we should leave behind and what should form part of our precious shipping volume is fraught with complications.

As someone who has been on the Expat train for 19 years now and just experienced the arrival of our fourth shipping load a few days ago, I thought I’d share my thoughts on moving and the trials and tribulations of life before and after your shipping arrives. Are you actually happier with less before it arrives or after?

What goes

Our first move was back in 2003 from the UK to Kenya with our two young children, aged 5 and 7. We imagined we would go for the duration of the two-year contract to enjoy more sunshine and a few safaris. We ended up staying there nine years. When we asked our new boss-to-be how we should decide what we should or should not bring, he had a fabulous answer.

The people who come to Kenya and stay are those that bring enough stuff to make a home. Those who don’t make a home leave. Easy then.

We brought as many of our belongings as we could to make all four of us feel at home when we got there, and anything we wouldn’t need in Kenya or couldn’t bring we sold or stuffed in the attic to sort out later. Easier said than done. It was not a sellers’ market at the time, and it was very difficult to sell anything and get vaguely close to what it was worth.

My wife had recently inherited, from her brother, a ginormous TV (not a flat screen, but the old-style big screen and body). Imagine a TV the size of a Smart car but which weighs twice as much. Despite several conversations, which I came at from many different angles, I could not change my wife’s mind. That TV was ours; it was worth a lot of money and was coming with us.

I have plenty of my own quirks. I refuse to be separated from my unicycle despite riding it maybe twice in the last 18 years! Saudi Arabia was too concrete for unicycling (I’m not very good). Hanoi in Vietnam was also too built up. Maybe there will be more grass and opportunity to get back into the saddle in Budapest and my circus skills can get back on track…

What stays?

Old stuff. Broken stuff. Anything you haven’t used or worn in the last two years (easier said than done). Anything you can pass on or sell and buy new again where you are going. Anything you won’t need in your next destination.

I handed on to a friend an amazing, but heavy, one-man tent-come-camp bed, which had been brilliant when sleeping under the stars in the cold Arabian desert and when I had a car to transport it, but would have been useless in Vietnam, where our mode of transport became a moped. Leaving can be a great opportunity to give to people around you who materialistically have less and shed things that are no longer of use to you.

In Kenya, where people make a living out of caddying for golfers, it is almost unheard of for an expat to leave without donating his or her golf shoes, gear, or clubs. These people become part of your life. The school security guard we gave our TV to could not thank us enough, nor could the teaching assistants loaded up with children’s clothes and toys. Moving countries is a fabulous opportunity to clear out and scale down.

A chance to halve your wardrobe. For me and this latest move, it was a chance to get rid of those armpit-stained t-shirts, those boxer shorts where the elastic waist has long gone, and those socks that are more hole than sock. We also managed to shed half of our books.

We haven’t bought into the digital book arena yet. We love our books. My Ian Rankin and Stuart MacBride collections, the wildlife books, the favourites. When we eventually retire somewhere, we picture these books sitting on a shelf somewhere in a reading room, looking ordered, inviting, and comforting.

Life before the shipping arrives

There’s something to be said about the simple non-materialistic life you lead before your shipping arrives. When you land in your new country with just the 23 kg in your suitcase, you have very simple wardrobe decisions to make each day. There’s a lot of washing up to do to make sure those two IKEA cups, plates and glasses are available again for their next use.

We arrived in Budapest at the beginning of August in a heatwave, so I had one warm top. A hoodie. As September ended and temperatures started to drop, that hoodie got a lot of use. If I was cold, I put the hoodie on. No big decisions about which hoody, or whether to choose a jumper (and which jumper?) or a long-sleeve t-shirt or a jacket of some sort… just find THE hoodie and put it on. Simple. Luckily, I love that hoodie.

Similarly simple in the kitchen. What can I cook in the two pots I have while I wait for the casserole dishes, frying pans, wok and baking trays to arrive with our shipment? It turns out you can do everything. And after living with two mugs, two bowls, two plates, and two glasses for eight weeks, I ask myself if I really need all those mugs, wine glasses, cutlery, and dishes I am unpacking.

What were the things I was really happy to see?

The three wooden giraffes from Kenya. They each have a story and remind us of the amazing adventures we had in our nine years in Africa. The two battered stone dogs from Hanoi. Stone dogs can be seen outside many houses in Hanoi where they are placed to scare away evil spirits. My Leeds United mug. Tea always tastes better in my Mr. Leeds United number one fan mug. My cruiser skateboard.

I can’t wait for a dry day to try it out along the banks of the Danube. My guitar. Did I need any of the other piles of stuff I’d just had shipped 8,063 km from Hanoi to Budapest? An extra hoody to replace the one I’d been wearing every cold day thus far. But the rest?

For my wife, it was her father’s ashes in the pot her mum had made. And the giraffes and the stone dogs. The wooden table her best friend had given us as a wedding present. And the Maasai men’s candlesticks.

Life after the shipping arrived

Was my life really richer now that I had all my belongings? It was certainly more cluttered. More clothes, more shoes, more books, more DVDs, more knick-knacks from around the globe, more of our children’s artwork… But did this make my life richer and more fulfilling to have more of my stuff surrounding me? My initial reaction as more and more boxes appeared in the apartment was a foreboding sense of dread of having to pack it all up and move it all again someday, somewhere further down the line.

But, in other ways, my life does feel richer. It makes the house more familiar, more like a home. It helps me appreciate the life we lead and the places we have been and reiterates the point that the most important items in our shipment are personal and sentimental.

When we were leaving Vietnam and sorting out the shipping, the moving company guy kept mentioning insurance so if anything happened to our belongings, we could replace them like for like. But we can’t.

It’s not possible to replace a wooden giraffe you remember being the first, haggling for it on the beach in Mombasa on your first holiday out of Nairobi. Nor the vase your best man gave you on your wedding day, made in a famous pottery in St. Ives.

Many of the things we cart around the world have a personal, sentimental connection, are irreplaceable, and make our new place in our new destination a home. Wherever we move to in the world to live and work, that is our home. We don’t have another in the UK left empty until the holidays. Where we live is home.

So, the things that are important to each of us come with us. Each move brings a new opportunity to reassess what those important things are and to shed items on the periphery. I think we’re getting better at it, but I’ll let you know for sure the next time we move. And you can be assured that the unicycle will still make the cut.

By Byron Wood

Is Relocation the Same as Moving?

“Could you help me move my furniture back to England?” I receive a request like this once every two to three weeks.
That’s great you might be thinking, you run a relocation company and you get regular enquiries. It would be great if I owned that kind of relocation company, what I actually own is known in the industry as a Destination Services Provider (DSP for short).

That’s great if you work in the field of global mobility but for the everyday person, perhaps relocating for the first time, a DSP is probably not a business type you have come across.

What is a DSP and how can it support relocating employees?

Let me clarify what my company, Inter Relocation, does: we provide independent home search services for expatriates, as well as helping them to find a school for their children, orientation support for new arrivals and additional support with anything relating to establishing a life in a new country.

In addition, we also provide in-house visa and immigration support, which is quite typical, at least within the Central and Eastern Europe region. That makes my company an ISP (Immigration Service Provider) as well as a DSP.

A short history lesson

When I started out in the industry things were a little simpler. Companies like mine were commonly referred to as relocation companies, with our cousins in the removals business calling themselves household goods movers, removals firms, or van lines. Then slowly but surely the removals companies started to call themselves relocation companies, just like we destination services providers had done so, so that things would be clear for the lay person.

The late, great Paul Evans once explained it to me in terms of his goal of ultimately selling his business for a higher price. The basic gist was that household goods moving is a blue-collar logistics business, whereas relocation (encompassing the work of a DSP, ISP, tax and legal and other support services such as language and cross-cultural training) was considered a white collar consulting business. The multiplier of historical or projected profit that you can charge when selling your business is significantly higher if you are selling a consulting business, and that is what he was building.

Let’s look at the big relocation picture

So back to that request for my company to move someone’s furniture. I take such requests with good grace and do my best to direct the customer to a company that will indeed assist them. It reminds me that relocation encompasses so many processes, of which my company delivers only a few. At this point we must mention the global players in this industry, the Relocation Management Companies (RMCs).

Many multinational companies’ global mobility management have realised that if each of their offices operates its own global mobility policy, it results in a very disjointed experience for their international workers. A typical solution has been to take a global approach and to establish a relationship with a service provider that can support that company’s expatriate employees wherever they relocate to.

This is the role taken by the Relocation Management Companies. Companies like mine partner with RMCs and act as an on-the-ground partner. There could also be immigration, household goods moving, spousal or partner support, tax equalisation and so on, all provided by a network of partner companies around the world.

Relocation is all about people

For me the beauty of our industry is that it is all about people. I do my best to occasionally work with a relocating family, just to remind myself of why we are here. To relocate from one country to another, even as a single person, can be very stressful and to know there is someone who will hold my hand (metaphorically at least) when I arrive in the new location is very reassuring.

There are efforts within the industry to use technology to streamline and simplify the process and I am all in favour of a reduction in administration and in the number of people who contact a relocating employee. For me though there is still no substitute for having an actual relocation and/or immigration consultant to look after an expatriate and make sure they find the right home at the right price, with a lease contract that protects their rights and with the legal right to live in that home and work in the country they’ve moved to.

Empathy for the expat

I’m an expat too. I relocated to Hungary in 1995 and did so without any professional support. I proudly refer to myself as an economic migrant, because I relocated with two suitcases, a small amount of money and sought a new life, a better life, in Budapest. For me relocation was the freedom to make a choice, to be able to move to another country, without having to prove my worth in advance. I moved to a country with a fresh, entrepreneurial spirit and found myself caught up in that feeling and was running my first business by 1998.

Beer was cheap, the locals were welcoming and loved that I tried to speak their language. My decision to relocate changed my life, beyond all recognition and I sometimes wonder how my life would have turned out if I’d decided not to. I don’t think about that too often though, mostly I’m focused on making sure my team has all the tools they need to relocate the next satisfied and very brave customer.

By Stuart McAlister, owner and Managing Director, Inter Relocation

When Music Meets Relocation: Inter Relocation supports Tuesday Night Rodeo

As we shared with you last year, Inter Relocation’s owner was once an aspiring musician; so when new Budapest-based band Tuesday Night Rodeo, contacted him to talk about corporate sponsorship, they received a friendly reception. Inter Relocation has taken the decision to continue this fruitful cooperation throughout 2017.

We talked to lead singer Terry Etheridge and Inter Relocation’s owner, Stuart McAlister about their cooperation, music and how Tuesday Night Rodeo has moved on since the last time we spoke to them.

Budapest’s Newest Expat Rock God - Tuesday Night Rodeo

Although Tuesday Night Rodeo was formed just last year, you’ve already achieved great success. Could you summarize the major milestones thus far?

Terry: Every new band wishes and hopes for airplay and a label deal, Tuesday Night Rodeo managed to secure a label deal and release within the first year, soon after RadioRock in Hungary gave us our first airplay, and to achieve daily rotation was a big wow for us!

Stuart, was it even a question for Inter Relocation to continue sponsoring the band?

Stuart: Honestly, yes. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy involves different elements and whenever we support a cultural project there must be real value in the support we give. Tuesday Night Rodeo is a great example of cross-cultural cooperation, a group of Hungarian musicians with a Brit on lead vocals and guitar, playing ostensibly American music. This is what attracted us to the project, a truly international blend of nationalities and musical backgrounds, coming together in Hungary to play yet another style of music. 

You have musical background, mostly pop and funk. Why a country-rock band?

Stuart: I’ve known Terry as well as Joey from Paddy and the Rats for several years and when I heard about this new musical direction that they were taking together, I was very excited. Country rock isn’t a genre that has featured much in my life but artists like Sting have dabbled with country music and knowing Terry the way I do, I knew that the songs they write will be a little different from what I might typically expect country rock to mean. I was not disappointed!

How exactly did this cooperation start? Sure there is a bit more insider information.

Stuart: Well, inevitably, it started in the Caledonia Pub. Terry and I had had a casual conversation about this new band project over a beer and then he contacted me formally to express that the band was looking for founder sponsors. We explored the cooperation together and it made sense for me both from a CSR and business perspective. I’ll hand over to Terry to give you his side of the story. :)

Terry: Indeed, it did all start over a beer, or was that two? I’d known Stuart for several years and also knew he was a fellow musician. When the idea of sponsorship came up Stuart/Inter-relocation were obvious potential partners.  Stuart’s business has been built supporting the local community and newcomers to Hungary. We chatted about the possibilities and soon realised the mutual benefits. Tuesday Night Rodeo are very proud to work in partnership with Inter Relocation.

What has changed in the band’s life since we last spoke to you? Are there any new or unique directions TNR is taking?

Terry: Joey and I have already started writing the next Tuesday Night Rodeo album. There will be focus on writing more up tempo material. Joey also just had the good fortune to record the new Paddy & The Rats album with an American producer Cameron Webb, who has produced the likes of Sum41 and Motorhead. We are already applying some of the guitar recording techniques Joey learnt to the demos for the new artist that Joey and I are managing and writing for, AGGI.  So expect the new album to be a much bigger sound.

What is the biggest success in the band’s life to date?

Terry: Obviously such a fast album release, but now we are gaining airplay abroad too. The Album has been picked up by several country radio stations in the States and in the UK.

Your YouTube channel is pretty successful. There are comments like “I’m really digging this!”, “Very unique sound and vocal style!” and “I’m impressed!” What makes the band unique?

Terry: The band members all come from very different musical backgrounds, we didn’t take a look at the ‘Rule book for writing Country songs’. We wrote what we felt would make a new fresh approach to country, and then hung on to our hats.  Being from London and living here in Budapest it seems that we can re-write the rule book, It’s almost expected. I’m not sure that would be the same for an American band.

Who are the current members of the band?

Terry: Myself, Joey & Sam from Paddy and the Rats, Stephen and our newest addition is bass-man Danny Cser who joined us just in time for the Inter Relocation birthday party back in March.

Summer is a big outdoor concert season. Where will we have the chance to see TNR?

Terry: We are still working on dates at the moment….   You will be the first to know

What’s the next big step for the band?

Terry: The next album. We plan to add songs from that in to the set early to make our live performance more “up”. There are also plans for a new video release, but again, it’s still in the planning stage.

Budapest’s Newest Expat Rock God

The life of a successful musician is one many aspire to. The live performances, days in the studio, the groupies, who wouldn’t like to have that life?

Believe it or not, Inter Relocation’s company owner used to be an aspiring musician himself; so when new Budapest-based band Tuesday Night Rodeo contacted him to talk about possible corporate sponsorship, they got a friendly reception.

We’re delighted to announce that Inter Relocation is one of the founder sponsors of Tuesday Night Rodeo, a country-rock band closely related to the well-known Irish-Hungarian band, Paddy and the Rats. We talked to the expat guitarist with Tuesday Night Rodeo, Terry Etheridge. He has had an amazing musical career in his own right and his story really does read like a wild rodeo ride.

Budapest’s Newest Expat Rock God - Tuesday Night Rodeo

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

In no particular order:

  • Active
  • Quirky
  • Productive
  • Positive
  • Outgoing

How did your career begin?

That fated day, back when I was a kid watching ‘Top of the Pops’.

Suddenly Marc Bolan and T-Rex appeared on screen, (for those who don’t know Marc Bolan, he  ‘invented’ Glam Rock, a road that David Bowie was too soon follow and start his career).

Earlier my father had asked what I wanted for Christmas, it was easy, “I want a guitar, I want to be like him”. My father agreed, but assured me it would be a “5 minute wonder”.  I do remind him on occasion, just how long that 5 minutes has been!

You lived in plenty of places, including Japan. Which is your favourite part of the world?

Favourite has to be here in Budapest, otherwise I wouldn’t have settled here. She’s a beautiful city with the charm of a town. I still have so many places I wish to see, I adore the Far East.

What was the reason you came to Hungary?

I tripped over Budapest via a friend who was spending sometime here. Came first for a weekend, then another and another; as my love affair with the city grew I started to learn more about Hungary too. Now, I wouldn’t swap her for anything.

Who inspired you the most, who were your role-models in your life?

Mum & Dad are, of course, my role models. Inspiration? Anyone who crafts what they do well, it’s not about success, but about having the passion to love what you do.

What was your biggest success in your personal life?

I have played with some great artists, been involved in big projects, hit the charts in the UK and Japan, but my greatest success is still being here today wanting to make music.

I’ve seen failure too and seen fantastic musicians give up because it wasn’t working out for them, I wasn’t ever going to let the failures outweigh the success.

Why did you choose music as your profession?

I have done other things in my time, but they have all been based in and around entertainment. I think, if possible, you should love what you do.

How did Tuesday Night Rodeo start?

It all started with a bunch of great musician friends sitting down for a beer. At some point in the evening someone suggested that, as we had never played together, we should one day book a rehearsal studio and jam, just for some fun.

A shout went up about ‘doing something different’ and another replied ‘what about Country Rock?’  It was agreed.

Interestingly, that rehearsal never happened, instead we started writing and recording.

A follow up meeting was arranged to name the band at The Caledonia Pub and Patrick, the owner, kindly decided to sponsor the meeting with a bottle (that became 2) of Jack Daniels. The word RODEO kept coming back across the table… by the end of the last glass, it was agreed to put TUESDAY NIGHT in front of RODEO…  basically because, it was late, we’d had too much to drink and its was a Tuesday evening.

Budapest’s Newest Expat Rock God - Tuesday Night Rodeo

Will you introduce your fellow band members?

The Band consists of 2 members of PADDY & THE RATS. Sam on Fiddle and Banjo and Joey, who is my song writing partner in TUESDAY NIGHT RODEO, on guitar. PADDY & THE RATS are currently on a European Tour supporting the American band IGNITE.

They are playing to major crowds (2000+) here in Budapest and are the most downloaded/viewed Hungarian band outside of Hungary.

Steve is the drummer, he is well known on the music circuit and amongst Hungarian musicians. Steve does a lot of sessions as well as playing in Guns n’ Roses tribute band.

What were the most significant life-events in your career?

That has to be releasing my first single, which was in Japan.

As a young musician you believe you are the best thing since sliced bread.

In the run up to that release, under the direction of my then management and record label, came the realisation that this is a job, it involves a lot of hard work and absolute dedication.

There are thousands of amazing artists out there; some of whom will or have gone onto do great things. You have to have self-belief, but respect for what else is out there.

What do you do to switch off?

Now that’s an interesting question, believe it not, there’s no greater way for me to relax than by picking up a guitar. Somehow I manage to separate the work from the hobby.

What’s your biggest goal?

To keep making music!

 

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