TL;DR: The minimum WEG reserve for 2026 will increase to €1.12 per square meter of usable floor area. Owners in Vienna and Salzburg will pay slightly more as a result, but will benefit from better provisions for renovations, transparent reserve planning, and a lower risk of future special assessments.
People who own a condominium usually focus on rental income, operating costs, or the property’s value. Mr. Berger from Vienna-Donaustadt was no exception. His 60-square-meter condominium is rented out, the rent comes in on time, and there haven’t been any major problems so far.
However, at the last homeowners' meeting, one topic was discussed at length: the Minimum WEG Reserve Fund for 2026.
„Why are the reserves going up again?“ asked Mr. Berger. Many property owners in Vienna and Salzburg are currently asking themselves the same question. After all, operating costs are rising, while at the same time there is talk of renovations, energy efficiency, and rising construction costs.
In fact, the next statutory adjustment to the minimum allocation to the reserve will take effect in 2026. The statutory minimum allocation will be 1.12 euros per square meter of usable floor space per year. In practice, this amount is usually collected monthly through a billing statement from the property management company.
But what exactly does the reserve fund cover? Why does it increase regularly? And what rights do apartment owners have with respect to the property management company?
In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about Minimum WEG Reserve Fund for 2026 – explained in an easy-to-understand way and illustrated with a real-world example from Vienna.
What exactly is the WEG minimum reserve for 2026?
As Mr. Berger reads through the documents for the owners' meeting more closely, he notices that while many owners make regular contributions to the reserve fund, they have little idea what the money is actually used for.
The reserve fund is a joint fund set aside by the homeowners' association. Its purpose is to finance future maintenance and renovation work on the common areas of a property.
These include, for example:
- Roof Renovations
- Facade Renovations
- Elevator Repairs
- Renovation of Technical Systems
- Pipe and Duct Rehabilitation
- Energy Efficiency Measures
- general maintenance work
The Condominium Act requires homeowners' associations to establish an adequate reserve fund. Since the amendment to the Condominium Act, a statutory minimum reserve amount has also been in effect.
Especially in the case of older buildings, having sufficient reserves can determine whether necessary renovations can be financed without difficulty or whether special assessments will be required later on.
Why will the minimum WEG reserve fund increase to €1.12 per square meter in 2026?
Mr. Berger still remembers that the reserve was significantly lower a few years ago.
The reason lies in the law itself. The statutory minimum rate is adjusted for inflation every two years. The consumer price index serves as the basis for this adjustment. The starting point for the calculation is €0.90 per square meter. For the year 2026, this results in a statutory minimum amount of 1.12 €/m².
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber is responsible for publishing the new minimum amount as required by law. The frequently cited figure of 1.13 €/m² results from alternative rounding of amounts that have already been adjusted; however, it does not correspond to the calculation method specified in the law.
For Owner This means that the adjustment is not made arbitrarily, but follows a clearly defined legal framework.
Why is this important right now?
In Vienna in particular, pressure on homeowners’ associations is mounting. Many apartment buildings date back to the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s. At the same time, energy-efficient renovations and decarbonization measures are becoming increasingly important. In Salzburg, too, many homeowners’ associations are facing similar challenges.
A sufficient reserve provides the financial foundation needed to plan necessary investments for the long term.
What does this increase mean for homeowners, specifically?
Mr. Berger would like to know what the actual financial implications of the new regulation are.
For a typical condominium with utility values comparable to the living area, the following picture emerges. It should be noted that the actual allocation of the reserve fund is generally based on utility values. These may differ from the living area alone.
Sample Calculation: Minimum WEG Reserve for 2026
| Apartment size | Reserve Fund 2024 (€1.06/m²) | Reserve Fund 2026 (€1.12/m²) | Additional costs per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 m² | 53,00 € | 56,00 € | +3,00 € |
| 60 m² | 63,60 € | 67,20 € | +3,60 € |
| 80 m² | 84,80 € | 89,60 € | +4,80 € |
| 100 m² | 106,00 € | 112,00 € | +6,00 € |
For Mr. Berger, the adjustment means only a few euros in additional costs per year.
At the same time, having sufficient reserves can help avoid having to make large special assessments when major renovation projects are undertaken.
Tip: When purchasing condominiums, buyers are increasingly paying attention to the status of the reserve fund, as it provides insight into future investments and renovation risks.
Read also:
Additional Costs When Buying Real Estate in Austria in 2026
Under what circumstances is it permissible to fall below the minimum reserve fund required by the WEG?
As he continues his research, Mr. Berger comes across a point that many homeowners are unaware of.
The statutory minimum endowment does not apply without exception.
The Condominium Act provides for certain special cases in which a lower threshold may be permitted. These include, in particular:
- exceptionally high existing reserves
- recently constructed buildings
- Comprehensively renovated buildings
- Certain row house and single-family home developments with special contractual provisions
The legislature intended this measure to prevent owners from having to set aside unnecessary capital when sufficient reserves are already available. Nevertheless, the basic rule remains: The reserve fund must always be adequate and take into account the building’s actual maintenance needs.
Why the statutory minimum allowance is often insufficient
After the homeowners' meeting, Mr. Berger speaks with his property management company. It quickly becomes clear that the statutory minimum allocation is merely the lower limit.
Older buildings, in particular, often require significantly higher reserves.
Among other things, the following are crucial:
- Age of the Property
- Condition of the Roof and Facade
- technical systems
- Heating Systems
- Planned renovation measures
- Energy Efficiency Measures
- existing reserves
The statutory minimum allocation represents only the lower limit. The Condominium Act does not prevent owners’ associations from setting aside higher reserves if actual maintenance needs require it.
The actual amount of the reserve required therefore always depends on the specific property.
In Vienna in particular, where many buildings are in dire need of renovation, long-term reserve planning is becoming increasingly important.
What rights do property owners have with respect to the property management company?
At the next owners' meeting, Mr. Berger notes that some owners do not even know how much is currently in the reserve fund.
In this regard, condominium owners have extensive rights to information.
In particular, the property management company should be able to provide information on:
- current level of reserves
- Annual Statement
- Planned conservation measures
- Renovations that have already been approved
- Use of Reserve Funds
- Long-term conservation planning
Condominium law provides that owners may oversee management activities. Transparency is therefore an essential component of proper management.
Checklist for Property Owners
| Checkpoint | Done |
|---|---|
| Current Reserve Balance Announced | ☐ |
| Audited Annual Financial Statements | ☐ |
| Request for Remediation Plan | ☐ |
| Attended the homeowners' meeting | ☐ |
| Resolutions Documented | ☐ |
| Long-term conservation plan in place | ☐ |
Read also:
Rental Management for Condominiums
Why the 2026 WEG Minimum Reserve Requirement Is Especially Important for Investors
Mr. Berger views his apartment as a long-term investment.
Investors, in particular, benefit from a professionally managed homeowners' association and an adequate reserve fund.
Current market trends point to low levels of new construction and a limited supply of new apartments. At the same time, rents continue to rise in many regions. As a result, well-maintained existing properties are becoming increasingly important.
Today, prospective buyers are paying closer attention to:
- Amount of the reserve
- Condition of the Building
- Planned Renovations
- Energy efficiency
- possible special assessments
A solid reserve fund can serve as an important indicator to prospective buyers that the property is being managed with foresight. At the same time, it reduces the risk of future special assessments.
Read also:
Real Estate Sub-Management
How to Prepare for the 2026 WEG Minimum Reserve Requirement
By the end of the homeowners' meeting, Mr. Berger feels much better informed.
The increase in the statutory minimum allocation is modest. What matters far more is whether the reserve fund will be sufficient to cover the building’s actual renovation needs in the long term.
Homeowner Checklist 2026
| Task | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Check the reserve balance | annually |
| Review the annual statement | annually |
| Request a Renovation Plan | annually |
| Attend homeowners' association meetings | definitely |
| Review administrative documents | regularly |
| Keep an eye out for funding opportunities for renovations | ongoing |
Conclusion
The minimum reserve fund requirement for 2026 will increase Austria-wide to 1.12 €/m², providing greater planning certainty for homeowners’ associations. For condominium owners in Vienna and Salzburg, this adjustment means slightly higher ongoing costs; however, it also improves the financing of future maintenance and renovation measures.
As Mr. Berger’s example shows, however, the statutory minimum reserve is only the lower limit. The key factor remains whether the reserve is commensurate with the property’s actual condition and future investment needs.
Those who stay regularly informed about reserve fund balances, renovation plans, and property management can protect the long-term value of their property and reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises.
Key Takeaways
- The statutory minimum reserve fund for 2026 is €1.12 per square meter.
- The adjustment is made every two years based on the consumer price index.
- The reserve fund is used to finance future maintenance and renovation projects.
- The statutory minimum endowment represents only a lower limit.
- Vienna and Salzburg have the same statutory minimum rate.
- Owners are entitled to transparent information about reserves and planned measures.
- A sufficient reserve reduces the risk of high special assessments.
- Buyers and investors are paying increasing attention to the status of the reserve fund.
Kroy Real Estate supports property owners and investors
Would you like to know if your homeowners' association has sufficient reserves? Or are you looking for assistance with renting out and managing your condominium?
Kroy Real Estate can help you with:
- Condominium Property Management
- Sub-management for Investor Apartments
- Real Estate Sales in Vienna and Salzburg
- Analysis of Administrative Documents
- Support for Return Analysis
- Consulting Services Related to Condominiums
Contact our team and have your property professionally appraised.
FAQs – Minimum Reserve Fund for Condominium Associations in 2026
What is the minimum WEG reserve fund amount for 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum allocation will be 1.12 € per square meter of usable floor area per year.
Why is the figure of 1.13 €/m² often mentioned?
The legally correct calculation yields an amount of 1.12 €/m² for 2026. The figure of 1.13 €/m² results from alternative rounding of amounts that have already been adjusted.
Will the WEG minimum reserve requirement for 2026 also apply in Vienna?
Yes. The regulation applies nationwide. Vienna does not have its own minimum rate.
Does the WEG minimum reserve requirement for 2026 also apply in Salzburg?
Yes. Salzburg is also subject to the same nationwide guidelines.
Who publishes the new WEG minimum reserve requirement?
The publication is issued by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber based on statutory provisions and changes in the consumer price index.
What can the reserve fund be used for?
For maintenance and renovation work on common areas of the property, such as the roof, facade, elevator, or mechanical systems.
Can the homeowners' association vote to increase the reserve fund?
Yes. The statutory minimum reserve requirement is merely the lower limit. Depending on the condition of the building, higher reserves may be required.
Is it permissible to pay less than the statutory minimum amount?
Yes, in certain exceptional cases provided for by law, such as new construction or exceptionally high existing reserves.
Is the statutory minimum endowment automatically sufficient?
No. The actual amount of the required reserve depends on the condition of the property and future investments in it.
Who oversees the reserve fund?
The homeowners' association oversees the management. Homeowners have the right to information and oversight.
What happens if reserves are too low?
If the available funds are insufficient to cover necessary renovations, additional payments from the owners may be required.
As a property owner, what documents should I review on a regular basis?
Owners should, in particular, review the annual financial statements, the balance of the reserve fund, management documents, owners' resolutions, minutes of owners' meetings, and the renovation plan.
External sources:
RIS – Condominium Act of 2002 (WEG)
Official text of the Condominium Act (WEG) in the Federal Legal Information System.
RIS – Federal Legal Information System
Official legal database of the Republic of Austria containing laws, regulations, and case law.
oesterreich.gv.at – Official Information Portal of the Republic of Austria
Official information on housing, property, and civic affairs.
Office of the Chancellor of Austria
Official information on laws, legislative changes, and the legal framework of the state.
Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK)
Information and explanations regarding the right of residence, condominium ownership, and reserves.
Association for Consumer Information (VKI)
Consumer information on housing, homeownership, and legal issues.
Statistics Austria
Austria's official statistics agency, providing data on housing, construction costs, and price trends.
Austrian Federal Environment Agency
Information on building renovations, energy efficiency, and sustainable management.
