Guide to buying a home in Austria 2025

Paula is in her early 30s and has decided to fulfill her dream of owning her own home. She has lived in a rented apartment for a long time, but now she is taking the plunge into ownership. Her goal: a condominium that she can live in herself now and later - if her circumstances change - rent out as an investment property.

On a Saturday morning, she enters a bright apartment. The first impression is strong: "This could be my new home." But Paula knows that there are many decisions to be made between that first feeling and handing over the keys - from financing and legal checks to the purchase process.

This guide shows the steps Paula took on the way to her own apartment and what other buyers in Austria should also look out for.

Why Paula is a Buying a condominium wanted

For Paula, the purchase was not just a financial decision, but also an emotional milestone. Her reasons:

• Security: no more dependence on rent increases or terminations
• Investment: stability and potential for the future
• Freedom of design: you decide on fittings and conversions
• Retirement provision: Living rent-free in retirement
• Flexibility: possibility of renting out the apartment at a later date

Step 1: Paula's needs analysis & budget planning

Before she looks through exposés, Paula makes a clear analysis:

• How many rooms does she really need? (e.g. bedroom plus office for home office)
• Should the apartment be in a central or quiet location?
• What infrastructure is important? (public transportation, shopping facilities, leisure activities)
• Is the apartment suitable for renting out at a later date?

She draws up a list of "must-haves" (balcony, good connections) and "nice-to-haves" (parquet flooring, elevator). This helps her to stay focused during viewings.

Calculate budget

In addition to the purchase price, Paula also takes into account the ancillary costs:

• Real estate transfer tax: 3.5 %
• Land register entry: 1.1 %
• Broker commission: up to 3 % + VAT
• Notary/conclusion of contract: approx. 1-3 %
• Lien registration (for credit): approx. 1.2 %

In addition, it plans expenses for relocation, furnishing, renovation and possible special payments for the reserve fund.

Read more: Additional costs when buying real estate in Austria

Step 2: Paula's financing

Paula has saved up equity, but she can't do without a loan. She pays attention:

• Own funds of at least 20-30 %
• Loan installment maximum 30-35 % of your net income
• Comparison of several bank offers
• a buffer for the unforeseen

We recommend further reading: Real estate financing in Austria

Step 3: Paula's apartment search

Paula visits various apartments and asks herself the same questions over and over again:

• What condition is the property in (roof, façade, windows, pipes)?
• Are there planned renovations or are there already reserves for them?
• How high are operating costs and reserve contributions?
• Does the situation also suit your plans in the long term?

Rental at a glance - safety through E-Check

Paula is also thinking about renting out her apartment in the future. In doing so, she comes across an important issue: electrical safety. This is because landlords are responsible for ensuring that the system works properly.

• A E-check provides clarity and security. Costs: about 150-250 €.
• If the electrics need to be replaced, the costs are as follows, depending on the scope 80-150 €/m².
• Paula's conclusion: It's better to check straight away - it saves trouble and gives tenants confidence.

Condition of the apartment - opportunity instead of risk

During a viewing, an apartment looks worn out at first glance. Paula asks herself: Is it still worth it? The answer: Yes, if the price is right and you plan the renovation costs realistically.

• Apartments in poor condition are usually cheaper to buy.
• Renovation costs are on average 400-800 €/m².
• Paula's insight: if you renovate cleverly, you save on the purchase price and can design the apartment according to your own ideas.

Paula's sightseeing checklist

• What resolutions did the community of owners last pass?
• Are there any encumbrances in the land register?
• What is the condition of the stairwell, cellar and garden?
• Have any major renovations been carried out in recent years?
• Are there any special rights of use (e.g. parking space, garden)?

Paula's aha moment: reserve fund & maintenance costs

For Paula, the reserve fund was a crucial point. In Austria, every community of owners must have such a fund. It finances repairs and renovations to the building - such as the roof, façade or heating.

Paula did a special test:

• Amount of the monthly contributions
• Existing reserves and their adequacy
• Planned investments according to protocols
• Previous special allocations

Tip: Read protocols carefully

While looking through the documents, Paula discovers the minutes of the owners' meeting. Here she finds references to upcoming renovations - a real eye-opener.

• Reserves too low? Then there is a threat later Special payments.
• Expensive renovations may come: Roof from approx. 500 €/m², Windows from 500-800 € per piece, Elevator 60.000-100.000 €.
• Paula notes: "Protocols are an early warning system for cost traps.

Your conclusion: A well-filled reserve fund means security. Contributions that are too low can be expensive later on.

Step 4: Legal review & contract

Before Paula signs the purchase contract, she has everything checked:

• Extract from the land register: Owner, liens, encumbrances
• Use value appraisal: Allocation and shares
• Minutes of the owners' meetings: Information on planned refurbishments and costs
• Community regulations & declaration of division: rights and obligations
• Purchase contract: Review by independent notary

Read more: Condominium ownership & WEG in Austria explained

Step 5: Finalizing the purchase & moving in

After the notarial signing, Paula pays land transfer tax (3.5 %) and a registration fee (1.1 %). With the entry in the land register, the apartment is officially hers. An unforgettable moment.

Your to-do list:

• Reregister electricity, gas, internet
• Take out building insurance
• Create handover protocol with meter readings

Paula's checklists

Purchase process step by step

Criteria when looking for accommodation

Own use vs. renting

Conclusion: Buying an apartment in Austria in 2025

Paula's path to buying a home was intensive, but worthwhile. She has learned how important planning, financing, legal security and a close look at the reserve fund are. Today, she holds the key to her own apartment in her hand - a home that gives her security and leaves many options open for the future.

Your next step with Kroy Real Estate

Whether for owner-occupation or renting - the path to the right apartment is full of decisions. Kroy Real Estate accompanies you right from the start:

• Support with the Choosing the right property
• Specialist knowledge of Legal and safety regulations
• Access to a Proven network of craftsmen for renovations, electrical refurbishments and E-checks

Arrange a personal consultation now and find your ideal apartment in Salzburg and Vienna with us!