Would you like to buy a house in Austria in 2026? You’re in the right place because this article provides information about the main formalities and procedures of the acquisition. Both foreigners and Austrians can be represented by our lawyers throughout the property purchase process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can buy properties in Austria? | Both EU and non-EU citizens, except in the cases where restrictions are imposed in specific regions of Austria. |
|
Types of real estate you can purchase in Austria |
– houses, – villas, – land plots, – office spaces as long as these aren't state-owned |
|
Legislation regarding the purchase of properties in Austria |
Real Estate Law in Austria |
| Conditions to buy a house in Austria | Proof of residence in Austria |
| Buying a house in Austria for residency |
Not allowed |
| Content of sale-purchase contract |
– property history and description, – name of the buyer and seller, – price, – taxes, – type of payment, etc. |
| Real estate diligence |
Recommended |
| Real estate transfer tax rate in Austria |
3,5% which must be paid by the buyers |
| Real estate tax in Austria (YES/NO) |
NO |
| Registration duty | Must be paid to the Austrian Land Register |
| Mortgages available in Austria |
Fixed-rate mortgages with finance up to 70% of the value of the property |
| Who pays the real estate agent's fee in Austria? |
Both seller and buyer |
| Representation with a power of attorney |
We represent customers when buying a property in Austria. |
| Do I need to travel to Austria to buy a property? |
NO |
| Reasons to choose our Austrian property lawyers |
– experience in property transfers, – representation with a power of attorney, – legal advice before a property is purchased, – professionalism, – affordable costs |
| Notary fees | Between 1% and 3% rate, calculated on the property price |
|
VAT |
Imposed only for new-built properties in Austria |
|
Real estate agent fees (approx.) |
No more than 4%, plus 20% VAT |
| Property registration fee | 1.1% |
| Mortgage length in Austria |
No more than 30 years, with the possibility to make payments earlier |
| Non-EU citizens and property purchase in Austria |
Extra documents are solicited by the bank if a property is bought through a mortgage. |
| Property price negotiation |
In most cases, the real estate agent can negotiate the property price on behalf of customers interested. |
| Sustainable properties in Austria |
Green real estate property projects available in Austria |
| Online viewing before buying a house in Austria (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Initial deposit | Around 10% of the total price of the property |
| Valuation survey |
Can be solicited by the mortgage provider in Austria |
| Closing the deal |
Right after the sale-purchase contract is signed in front of the notary and the price is paid |
| Extra requirements |
The new owner must go to the Austrian Land Registry and pay a specific fee for property registration. |
| House insurance in Austria |
Recommended |
| Extra legal support | We can act on behalf of foreigners who do not need to travel to Austria to buy a property. |
Table of Contents
Are there any restrictions on buying a house in Austria as a foreigner?
Most foreigners can purchase properties in Austria quite easily, except non-EU/EEA nationals, who need specific approvals and cannot buy second homes.
What types of real estate properties can I buy in Austria?
- Houses,
- Vilas,
- Residencial homes,
- Lant plots,
- Office spaces, etc.
IMPORTANT! State-owned properties cannot be purchased in Austria!
What are the conditions to buy a property in Austria?
- due diligence with the Land Register in Austria is mandatory,
- must have residency in Austria,
- registration duty must be paid to the Austrian Land Register,
- a pre-sale contract is required.
IMPORTANT! It is highly recommended to hire the services of an Austrian lawyer to deal with all the procedures. Notary representation is provided.
Can property prices be negotiated in Austria?
Yes. It is possible to negotiate 5%-10% lower than the initial offer, but everything depends on the owner and his/her willingness to negotiate.
Below you can read an infographic about how to buy a house in Austria:
Is a deposit required when buying a house in Austria?
Yes, in most cases you’ll have to pay a 10% upfront deposit, calculated on the property price in Austria.
Is the property reserved when paying a deposit?
Yes.
What are the required documents to buy a property in Austria?
- Valid IDs/passports,
- Sale-purchase contract,
- Proof of paid fees,
- Power of attorney used by our Austrian lawyers.
What does the sale-purchase contract comprise?
- Name of the seller & buyer,
- Property description,
- Property history
- Property price,
- Payment type (cash, transfer, etc.).
Is a technical inspection required before buying a house in Austria?
Yes, a technical inspection is recommended before buying an apartment/house in Austria.
Where do I sign the sale-purchase contract of a house in Austria?
At a notary, represented by our lawyers in Austria.
Below is a video presentation about how to buy a property in Austria:
Do I need to travel to Austria to buy a house, or can it be done by your specialists?
You can travel to Austria to see the property before purchase, or you can hire the legal services of our law firm in Austria to deal with all the procedures of purchasing a property in 2026.
Are mortgages available in Austria? What are the conditions?
Yes, banks in Austria offer financing up to 80% for residential properties and 60% for commercial ones. Most loans are for up to 20 years.
Can I buy a property in Austria as a company owner?
Yes, legal entities, partnerships, associations, foundations, and other similar structures can purchase real estate properties in Austria.
What is the real estate transfer tax rate in Austria?
3.5%.
What other taxes are imposed on property purchase in Austria?
- registration fee of 1.1%;
- notary fees between EUR 300 and EUR 600;
- 20% VAT rate only for newly built properties,
- authentication fee and expenditures to the notary;
- broker’s commission fee of 3% or 4%, plus 20% VAT.
- stamp duty on the purchase of 0.5 – 1%.
What are the obligations of a property seller in Austria?
To make sure the real estate property can be sold without legal problems.
What are the obligations of a real estate buyer in Austria?
To register as a new property owner and pay the relevant taxes.
Is it hard to buy an apartment in Austria?
No! Our lawyer in Austria with experience in real estate can guide you in purchasing a property in 2026. He or she can do rigorous checks involving the history of the respective property.
Ready to purchase a property in Austria and need legal representation? Check our legal services here and make sure you contact us for an appointment.