The real estate market in the western basin of Lake Balaton

While the southern shore of Lake Balaton is a major attraction for tourists, the northern shore is also a major attraction for visitors in search of natural treasures. It is no coincidence that the Keszthely Bay area in the western basin of the Hungarian lake is becoming increasingly popular and more and more upmarket properties are appearing on the housing market.

Keszthely is the capital of the western basin of Lake Balaton and a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists, who can enjoy the world-famous services of nearby Lake Hévíz, discover the city's attractions and swim in Lake Balaton. In addition, the pandemic has increased the value of places close to nature, so more and more people are staying in quiet, rural surroundings, on hikes, in monuments in beautiful nature and in quiet spa resorts with sophisticated services.

Keszthely is also being discovered more and more by visitors, with its magnificent panoramic views of Keszthely Bay, its monuments and charming public squares, not to mention the magnificent Festetics Castle, where Netflix recently filmed the cult series Shadow and Bone. But it's not just the western capital of Lake Balaton that has become a popular destination, neighboring villages such as Vonyarcvashegy, Balatonederics and Gyenesdiás are also growing in popularity, with the Festetics lookout offering a magnificent panorama over Keszthely Bay and the surrounding mountains.

A few years ago, the 'House of Nature' visitor center was opened in Gyenesdiás, showcasing the natural values of the surrounding landscape, and the village boasts one of the oldest wine cellars in Europe, dating back to the 17th century. The spa town is not only famous for its beaches and tranquil surroundings, but is also an excellent starting point for exploring the area, with the natural beauty of the mountains combined with ancient castle ruins and romantic little villages, but also the world of the Witness Mountains (Badacsony, Szent György Hill) and Szigliget, which are within easy reach.

'Gyenesdiás is ideally located right next to Keszthely, the two settlements have even grown together, so those who like the hustle and bustle will get their money's worth, and those seeking absolute tranquillity will too. We are talking about a pleasant, peaceful settlement where you really feel alive. The infrastructure is excellent, there is a wide range of stores and excellent beaches. The town is also easily accessible from Budapest via the highway, and the M76 highway to Zalaegerszeg, which is currently under construction, will also bring Keszthely closer. And for foreigners, Keszthely can be reached quickly via the Hévíz-Balaton airport,' says Andrea Szabó, domestic consultant at Von Poll Real Estate, one of Europe's largest real estate brokerage networks.

The rapid pace of development has also boosted the region's real estate market, not only through a significant turnover in vacation resorts, but also through the construction of sophisticated family homes and villas that can be used multifunctionally, i.e. as seasonal or permanent residences. New builds can meet a wide range of needs, with modern energy efficient heating and cooling systems, modern landscaping, large terraces and in many cases swimming pools. They can also meet luxurious demands, combining the requirements of the 21st century with the latest trends in home decor.

'Gyenesdiás is close to the western border, so more and more foreigners are interested in the real estate market, Germans, Austrians, many of them retirees are settling on the shores of Lake Balaton because they can create a good quality of life in pleasant climatic conditions. In fact, small 'German-speaking' communities have already formed and are actively contributing to the development of the settlements. At the same time, the Balaton region, which is gaining in value due to the epidemic, is also attracting many people from Budapest, either temporarily or permanently. So there are many target groups shaping the local housing market, which is why there is a significant group of buyers interested in high-quality properties in the green belt', Von Poll Real Estate Hungary summarizes the experience.