Debrecen4U December 10, 2025

Debrecen supports the renewal of the built environment and the preservation of architectural heritage

The Debrecen General Assembly’s Ownership and Economic Development Committee decided to support 14 of the 15 applications submitted to the 2025 Debrecen panel renovation program (Call for support for the modernization and renovation of multi‑apartment residential buildings resulting in energy savings) at its extraordinary meeting held on December 10, 2025.

At the press conference following the meeting, Viktor Papp, Chairman of the Ownership and Economic Development Committee, emphasized that launching the Debrecen panel program with industrialized technology in 2023 was a sound decision—unique in Hungary and aligned with the local government’s vision—while also supporting the modernization and renovation of smaller brick apartment buildings.

In recent years, neither the state nor the European Union has provided support for the renovation of these properties. Thanks to Debrecen’s strong economic development, however, the city’s budget has grown steadily, allowing more resources to be returned to its residents. A key element of this effort is the panel program. In 2023, the city assembly committed to allocating at least HUF 500 million annually for five years to the implementation of the panel program, ensuring that the program will continue in 2026.

As Viktor Papp emphasized, the program is gaining popularity not only among panel houses but also within residential communities of smaller brick-built apartment buildings. The local government’s aim is to support the renovation of as many properties as possible from the annual budget. In 2025, 15 applications were submitted; one was withdrawn, while the remaining 14 qualified for support. As the committee chairman highlighted, an extraordinary meeting was convened today to expedite the signing of support contracts. Since the launch of the Debrecen panel program, 31 contracts have already been concluded—5 in 2023 and 26 in 2024—and with the additional 14 now approved, the total will soon rise to 45.

Preliminary consultations have already begun with representatives of condominium communities planning to apply in 2026, with the aim of making the application process as smooth and applicant‑friendly as possible. Each year, the calls for proposals are adjusted and refined based on the feedback and perspectives gathered during these discussions, fostering stronger cooperation and partnership. A recent example is the introduction of support for modernizing heating systems in apartment buildings with single‑pipe installations, which represents a new element of the program.

Joint reflection and the ongoing refinement of the call benefit condominium communities, property owners, and the city as a whole, addressing both energy‑efficiency and urban‑aesthetic priorities.

Viktor Papp noted that in 2026, the city will be able to publish the call for applications for the annual panel program once the municipal budget has been approved. He emphasized that reaching the application stage is not an easy process for condominium communities, as it requires extensive preparation followed by a considered majority decision. To support this, Debrecen assists municipally owned properties, condominiums, and those managed by Cívis Ház Zrt. by ensuring the availability of own funds and, in the case of loans, repayment coverage. He also highlighted that winning condominium communities benefit from the involvement of the chief architect’s office at the design stage, while the local government provides free technical inspection services carried out by qualified professionals. He stressed that these measures demonstrate the city’s commitment to doing everything possible to modernize and improve the energy efficiency of panel buildings and multi-apartment residential properties.

He encouraged residential communities and condominium representatives to apply for the panel program, noting that many apartment buildings—often constructed 50–60 years ago and never comprehensively renovated—could be made more energy‑efficient, visually appealing, and modernized. Upgrades such as elevators are especially vital for residents of ten‑story buildings. Indeed, most applications submitted under the program focus on elevator renovation or replacement. It is hoped that these condominiums will also be able to lay the groundwork for further modernization projects in the future.

Viktor Papp highlighted that, alongside efforts to modernize the built environment, the Municipality of Debrecen is equally committed to preserving its architectural heritage. In this spirit, the Built Heritage Renovation Program supports the restoration of patinated, locally protected buildings—such as the century‑old apartment house at 10–12 Szent Anna Street, situated at the corner of Szent Anna and Batthyány streets.

Source: debrecen.hu | Photo credit: Facebook Széles Diána