The legal framework of building

The layers of legislation

The sector’s framework act

Act C of 2023 on Hungarian architecture (Méptv. for short) is the framework for the sector. It sets the basic concepts of building regulation, the requirement of architectural quality, the authority system and the basis of professional practice.

One practical consequence is that from 1 October 2024 the building inspection authority ceased to exist; its tasks are carried out by the building authority, because performing them requires the same professional competence.

The procedural decree

Building authority procedures and inspections are governed by government decree 281/2024 (IX. 30.). It replaced the earlier decree 312/2012 (XI. 8.), which was repealed.

This is one of the most important things to know in this topic: most of the accounts available online and in professional material still cite the old decree.

The construction code

Government decree 191/2009 (IX. 15.) covers construction activity: the content of the construction documentation, the responsible technical manager, the construction log, the duties of the participants.

The professional practice decree

Government decree 266/2013 (VII. 11.) covers professional activities in and connected with building: design and expert qualifications, their conditions, and liability insurance.

General building requirements

The OTÉK, government decree 253/1997 (XII. 20.) on national settlement planning and building requirements — this says what the building itself has to be like.

What else applies

• Fire safety: decree 54/2014 (XII. 5.) BM (the OTSZ) and Act XXXI of 1996.
• Construction products: government decree 275/2013 (VII. 16.) and the EU construction products regulation.
• Energy: decree 9/2023 (V. 25.) ÉKM, which replaced the earlier 7/2006 TNM decree.
• Local regulation: the local building code of the municipality.

How to read this

These layers work together: the act gives the framework, the government decrees the procedure and the content, the OTÉK and the local code the building, and the sectoral legislation the individual requirements.

Knowing one of them is not enough on a project — the practical obstacles arise at the intersections.

This is not legal advice

The summary above reflects the state of the legislation cited as at September 2026. The text in force is available in the National Legislation Database; on a specific matter the position of the acting authority governs.