Contact
QR code for the current URL

Story Box-ID: 472022

ECOVIS AG Steuerberatungsgesellschaft Ernst-Reuter-Platz 10 10587 Berlin, Germany http://www.ecovis.com
Contact Mr Ulf Hausmann +49 30 31000854

Hungary: Coming Along for the REIT?

Following the lead of most developed economies, Hungary has now introduced Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in en effort to revitalize the local real estate market.

(PresseBox) (Berlin, )
REITs are income trusts that hold portfolios of offices, malls and big-box stores, hotels, apartments or seniors housing. REITs make regular cash distributions like other income trusts and, for over decade, they also rose steadily in price. REITs gained some added appeal when they were largely exempted from income trust taxes in many countries. Hungarian lawmakers are eager to breathe new life into the trading of commercial and residential properties. Creating an REIT would mean exemption from the payment of corporate tax (19 per cent) and local business tax (2 per cent), as well as a lower land purchase tax (down to 2 per cent). REITs should not be seen as a new legal corporate form, but instead rather as a new type of corporate status with a number of privileges attached. Only companies limited by shares can qualify as an REIT by registering with NAV, the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Their equity must equal at least HUF 10 billion;
• Their business activity must be limited to the purchase, sale and rental of own properties and to real estate and property management;
• The percentage of their public float shall be at least 25 per cent;
• A part of the shares equalling the public float percentage shall be listed on the stock exchange;
• Credit institutions and insurance companies must not hold more than a 10 per cent share of the shares;
• 90 per cent of the entity’s dividends must be disbursed.

Although the tax exemption may make REITs an attractive form of investment, the question still arises why they were not admitted earlier and how they may contribute to the revitalization of the real estate market. In other countries, REITs face challenges from both the slowing economy and the global financial crisis. Therefore, how they will perform in Hungary remains to be seen.

Author
Dr. Andrea Juhász LL.M. Eur., Attorney-at-law, Partner of ECOVIS in Budapest

ECOVIS AG Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

About Ecovis
Ecovis is a leading global consulting firm with its origins in Continental Europe. It has over 3,300 staff operating in over 40 countries. Its consulting focus and core competencies lie in the areas of tax consultation, auditing, legal advice and accounting and management consulting services. The particular strength of Ecovis is the combination of personal advice at a local level with the general expertise of an international and interdisciplinary network of professionals. Every Ecovis office can rely on qualified specialists in its back offices as well as on the specific industrial or national know-how of all the Ecovis experts worldwide. This diversified expertise provides clients with effective support, especially in the fields of international transactions and investments - from preparation in the client's native country to support in the target country. In its consulting work Ecovis concentrates mainly on mid-sized firms. Both nationally and internationally, its one-stop-shop concept ensures all-round support in legal, fiscal, managerial and administrative issues. The name Ecovis, a combination of the terms economy and vision, expresses both its international character and its focus on the future and growth.

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.
Important note:

Systematic data storage as well as the use of even parts of this database are only permitted with the written consent of unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH.

unn | UNITED NEWS NETWORK GmbH 2002–2024, All rights reserved

The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.