Debrecen4U December 13, 2025

Next year, the Built Heritage Renovation Program may continue

Next year, applications may once again be announced to support the renovation of locally protected buildings under the Built Heritage Renovation Program. The city council will decide on the continuation on December 18. The details of the program were presented at a press conference on December 12, 2025, by Viktor Papp, Chairman of the Ownership and Economic Development Committee, and Balázs Vadon, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Urban Development Committee.

Viktor Papp recalled that the Debrecen city council had already decided in April 2024 to announce the call for applications, which supports the renovation of buildings under local individual protection. Currently, 329 buildings are on the local unique protection list, while more than 130 buildings in Debrecen have monument protection. Thanks to the program, two large apartment buildings—at 10–12 Szent Anna Street and 43 Piac Street—are currently under renovation.

“In recent years, HUF 200 million has been available for the program, which operates entirely from municipal funds. This amount is planned to be increased by 10 percent to HUF 220 million in 2026,” emphasized Viktor Papp. “Unlike previous practice, not only residential communities functioning as condominiums and housing cooperatives based in Debrecen may participate in the support program, but also private individuals who own locally protected “cívis” houses or eclectic bourgeois townhouses,” Viktor Papp highlighted.

Within the framework of the application, support may be granted for the renovation of decorative façade elements, the restoration of entire façades, the replacement of doors and windows, and the renewal of roof shelves. The city provides at least 50 percent support for investments, with amounts ranging from a minimum of HUF 50 million to a maximum of HUF 220 million.

Viktor Papp expressed his hope that in the next round of applications, as many submissions as possible will be received and that many will take advantage of the opportunities offered by the support.

At the press conference, Balázs Vadon pointed out that owning a locally protected or listed heritage building is both an honor and a responsibility. Renovating such buildings is a burden in the positive sense, since their costs can be many times higher than those of a conventional building. The Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Urban Development Committee explained that planning is also more complex, as the designer may need to research archival sources. The process includes consultation with the chief architect, a townscape procedure, and coordination with the heritage protection authority. Implementation requires specialized expertise that only contractors dedicated to this field can provide.

“For decades, the leadership of Debrecen has been committed to preserving architectural values. Through the Built Heritage Renovation Program, the city can now directly support the owners of locally protected and listed heritage buildings,” concluded Balázs Vadon.

Applications may be submitted between January 1 and March 31, 2026, by uploading the required documents electronically at https://helyivedett.debrecen.hu.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu