The majority of Hungarians are familiar with and value the family and housing initiatives included in Hungary’s new economic action plan, according to a survey conducted by the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS). The research highlights significant public backing for key measures, including permanent 13th month pensions and doubled family tax benefits.
The survey, conducted at the end of last year, found that three-quarters of respondents were aware of the major elements of the action plan. The rural home renovation programme and the permanent 13th month pension were the most recognized, with 77 per cent familiarity. Additionally, 76 per cent knew about the introduction of the workers’ loan, and 73 per cent had heard of the doubled family tax benefits.
Other initiatives, such as the 5 per cent interest loan for first-time homebuyers, housing support from employers, and the use of pension savings for housing purposes, were recognized by two-thirds of respondents. Measures like the expansion of student residence spaces and the extension of the 5 per cent VAT rate on new properties until 2026 were less well-known, with awareness levels at 60 and 55 per cent, respectively.
‘Nearly all respondents agreed that every effort should be made to improve housing conditions’
The study noted that awareness was highest among those directly affected by the measures. For example, 82 per cent of rural residents and 83 per cent of parents were aware of the rural home renovation programme, while 94 per cent of seniors knew about the permanent 13th month pension. Married respondents were the most informed about the worker’s loan and doubled tax benefits, with 80 per cent awareness.
Nearly all respondents (93 per cent) agreed that every effort should be made to improve housing conditions. Nine out of ten felt more student accommodation spaces were necessary, and 87 per cent viewed home ownership as essential for starting a family. The permanent 13th month pension was seen as providing greater security for seniors by 86 per cent, and 85 per cent stressed the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for young workers and students.
Among the surveyed measures, the permanent 13th month pension (79 per cent approval) and the creation of new dormitory spaces (78 per cent approval) received the strongest support. Additionally, 75 per cent endorsed the doubling of family tax benefits, with this figure rising to 90 per cent among large families.
The findings also underscored a notable sense of mutual support between younger and older generations. Nine out of ten seniors viewed initiatives like low-interest loans for first-time homebuyers and new dormitory spaces as beneficial. Meanwhile, 70 per cent of 18-29-year-olds considered the permanent 13th month pension to be a positive and necessary measure.
The KINCS survey paints a clear picture: Hungary’s economic action plan enjoys widespread recognition and approval, particularly among those directly impacted by its policies. The results signal a strong public mandate for these initiatives, which aim to strengthen family life and improve living standards across the country.
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