Power of Attorney for a Real Estate Sale
When buying or selling property, it can happen that the seller or the buyer cannot be present in person at the signing. In these cases, a power of attorney (PoA) allows someone else to act on your behalf and represent you in the transaction.
When do you need a power of attorney?
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If you are abroad,
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If you cannot attend the lawyer’s or notary’s office in person,
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If you prefer to delegate the entire process to someone you trust.
What should a power of attorney include?
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Full details of both the principal (you) and the authorized person (the attorney-in-fact),
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Exact identification of the property (address, lot number, ownership share),
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Clear statement of authority: what the representative is allowed to do (e.g. sign the sale and purchase agreement, represent you before the land registry),
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Place and date of signing.
Since January 15, 2025, it is also required that the PoA explicitly states that the representative may:
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sign the title transfer documents on behalf of the principal, and
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appoint a lawyer to handle the land registry procedure.
How long is a power of attorney valid?
A PoA remains valid until revoked, unless a specific expiry date is written into the document.
If the PoA is issued abroad
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It must be authenticated at a Hungarian consulate or provided with an Apostille,
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With the launch of the new e-land registry system, notarization will also be required.
Good to know
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The purchase price or the other party’s details don’t have to be mentioned, but it can be useful.
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A PoA for property transactions must be prepared before a lawyer or notary.
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If you are abroad, remote authentication (“távellenjegyzés”) can also be an option.
