Purchase of Real Estate in Austria
Purchase of real estate in Austria by non-EU nationals is restricted. Jurisdiction in matters of real estate transactions remains with the competent provincial governments (Amt der Landesregierung - see link list below) in which the property is located. In general, real estate purchases by non-EU foreigners are either prohibited or have to be approved by a governmental commission. In order to find property for sale it is advisable to contact either a real estate office or to look through newspapers of the respective province for advertisements. Below you find information about the relevant regulations of the Austrian Federal States including contact persons (in German only).
All real estate transactions in Austria have to be recorded in the real estate registers (Grundbuch), kept at federal district courts. Purchase of real estate is subject to a purchase tax of 8 percent of the value. A property tax of approx. 0.5 percent and a real estate tax of approx. 0.8 percent are levied annually on the assessed value of the real estate. Detailed information on this kind of taxation is best obtained from the local revenue offices (Finanzämter) in Austria.
For further information on real estate agents contact the following associations:
Fachverband der Immobilien- und Vermögenstreuhänder
(Austrian Federal Guild of the Real Estate Trustees)
Schloßgasse 13/2.3
A-1050 Vienna
Tel: +43-1-522 2592, Fax: +43-1-522 2592-33 Email: office(at)wkimmo.at
Österreichischer Verband der Immobilientreuhänder
Favoritenstrasse 24/11
A-1040 Vienna
Tel: +43-1-505 4875, Fax: +43-1-505 4875 18 Email: office(at)ovi.at
Provincial Government Websites
Links:
The following links will take you to detailed information on housing and rented accommodation in Austria:
- HELP-Service (Information on Housing)
- EURES - Living and Working Conditions Database / Finding Accommodations
