Austria

Real estate websites
STEPS
Check Eligibility
- Non-Residents: Foreigners can purchase property in Austria, but some regions may have restrictions, especially for agricultural land or properties in certain areas.
- Financing: If you plan to secure financing, you'll need to open a bank account in Austria. Some banks may offer loans to foreign buyers, but the terms may vary depending on residency status.
Determine the Budget
- Budgeting: Calculate how much you can afford to spend, factoring in property costs, taxes, notary fees, and other expenses.
- Mortgage: Austrian banks can lend up to 80% of the property’s value. The remaining amount must be covered by your own funds.
Find a Property
- Online Search: Websites like willhaben.at and immobilienscout24.at provide listings for properties for sale in Austria. You can filter by location, price, size, and type of property.
- Real Estate Agents: It is common to work with a local real estate agent (Immobilienmakler), who can help with property selection and negotiations.
View the Property
- Inspections: It is advisable to schedule an inspection to ensure the property is in good condition, covering structural, electrical, and plumbing checks.
- Visiting the Property: If you're not in Austria, you can ask a representative to visit the property or consider a virtual tour.
Make an Offer
- Negotiation: The buyer can make an offer, and negotiations usually follow. Sellers may accept offers lower than the asking price, but properties in sought-after locations may go for the full asking price or higher.
- Contract: If the offer is accepted, a sales contract is drawn up. A deposit, usually around 10% of the purchase price, is often required upon signing the contract.
Complete Legal Formalities
- Property Transfer Tax: A property transfer tax of 3.5% of the purchase price or tax-assessed value is due upon signing the contract.
- Notary: In Austria, a notary (Notar) must authenticate the property sale contract, ensuring its legal validity.
Register the Property
- Land Registry: After signing the sales contract and paying the property transfer tax, the property is registered with the Austrian Land Registry (Grundbuch).
- Insurance: It is essential to arrange property insurance (Hausversicherung) for the home.
Move In
- Once the legal formalities are complete and the property has been registered, you can take possession and move into your new home.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Legal Assistance: Although the process is relatively straightforward, it is recommended to seek advice from a local lawyer to ensure compliance with Austrian property laws and to handle legal matters during the purchase.
- Maintenance and Utilities: Be sure to research ongoing maintenance costs and utility fees, as well as the process for setting up services like water, electricity, and heating.
ADDITIONAL NOTICES
- Property Transfer Tax: A property transfer tax of 3.5% is applicable in Austria, which is due upon signing the sales contract.
- Notary Requirement: In Austria, a notary (Notar) is required to authenticate the sales contract, ensuring its legal validity.
- Foreign Property Restrictions: Some restrictions may apply for foreign buyers in certain areas, especially with agricultural land or properties in specific regions.

In Austria, real estate taxes are regulated by the federal government and local municipalities. The key types of taxes related to real estate in Austria include:

Property Ownership Tax

Property Tax: In Austria, property tax is based on the municipal level, and it applies to both residential and commercial properties. The tax is calculated based on the property’s value (Einheitswert), which is lower than the market value.

  • The tax rate varies depending on the municipality but generally ranges from 0.2% to 0.5% of the property’s assessed value per year.
  • The property tax is paid annually and is typically the responsibility of the property owner.
Real Estate Transfer Tax

The real estate transfer tax is applied when a property changes ownership, such as during a sale or inheritance.

  • The standard tax rate is 3.5% of the property’s purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher.
  • The transfer tax rate may be reduced to 0.5% for the transfer of shares in a real estate company under specific conditions.
Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate

Capital gains tax is applicable when a property is sold at a profit, though exemptions may apply for primary residences under certain conditions.

  • The general capital gains tax rate is 30% on the profit made from the sale of the property (the difference between the sale price and purchase price).
  • For properties owned for more than 10 years, capital gains tax does not apply (except for property sold by businesses).
  • If the property was used as a primary residence for at least 2 years, the sale may be exempt from capital gains tax.
Inheritance and Gift Tax

Austrian inheritance and gift taxes were abolished in 2008. As a result, there is no tax on inherited real estate or real estate received as a gift.

  • However, any capital gains tax will apply if the property is sold after inheritance or gifting.
Municipal Tax

In addition to property tax, some municipalities may impose additional local levies or charges for certain types of real estate, such as for the use of public infrastructure or services.

Income Tax on Rental Income

If rental income is generated from real estate, it is subject to both federal and municipal income taxes. The tax rate depends on the total income and the tax bracket of the property owner.

  • Rental income is taxed as part of the overall personal income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 55% depending on the income level.
  • Property owners can generally deduct related expenses, such as maintenance costs and property management fees, from their rental income.
Note: Tax rates and regulations can vary by municipality, and exemptions or reductions may apply based on specific circumstances. It is recommended to check with local authorities or consult a tax professional for accurate information.
Official
Republic of Austria
CIOC
AUT
Subregion
Central Europe
Borders
CZE
DEU
HUN
ITA
LIE
SVK
SVN
CHE
Capital
Vienna
Area
83 871 km²
Population
8 917 000
Timezones
UTC+01:00
Phone
+43   
Currencies
Euro (EUR €)