Budapest sees increase in vacant premises
The number of vacant commercial properties in Budapest increased in the second half of the year, with many permanent closures -- mainly restaurants or entertainment venues -- due to the pandemic, business daily Vilaggazdasag said.
There are 15-20 percent more vacant retail spaces in the capital than a year ago and there has been a 20-25 percent increase downtown, the paper said, quoting kiberelem.hu data.
But just as with the housing market, retail properties are expected to start making a recovery in 2021. Given the big changes in consumer habits and needs, businesses that lease business premises in good locations and businesses that have responded well to the situation will benefit, the paper said, with those that concentrate on serving the needs of local residents rather than tourists expected to do well.
