Rents are rising, supply is scarce - and yet many people want to rent a new home in 2025. Whether moving to the city, starting a new family or starting university, those who are prepared will find the right apartment faster - and protect themselves from legal and financial pitfalls. Here you can find out what tenants need to know now.
1. rental market 2025: fierce competition - especially in Vienna and Salzburg
The Austrian rental market will remain tight in 2025, especially in urban centers:
Vienna
- Rents continue to rise in Vienna, particularly in districts close to the city center such as Wieden, Neubau and Josefstadt.
- In peripheral locations (e.g. Favoriten, Floridsdorf), prices remain more stable, but supply is scarcer.
- Despite slightly falling interest rates, the rental market is booming - many people are currently unable or unwilling to buy.
Salzburg
- Rental apartments will also be in high demand in Salzburg in 2025, especially in central districts such as Aigen, Nonntal and Maxglan.
- The average rent here is around €18.30/m², with a continuing upward trend.
- Existing apartments with low operating costs are particularly sought after - especially by students and commuters.
Tip: Use flexible criteria (e.g. peripheral locations, smaller spaces, sharing models) to increase your chances.
2. understand the rental agreement: Rights & obligations
Depending on the building and type of tenancy, different regulations apply according to the Tenancy Act (MRG). Important to know:
- Full range of application: Old buildings, subsidized apartments - with rent restrictions & protection against dismissal
- Partial application: Loft conversions, extensions
- Outside the MRG: New buildings from 2002, detached and semi-detached houses
should be contractually regulated:
- Time limit: at least 3 years (in writing)
- Security deposit: max. 6 gross monthly rents
- Indexing: mostly consumer price index
- Additional costs: Heating costs, operating costs, administration costs
Important: Without a written time limit, the contract is deemed to be for an indefinite period.
3. house hunting: Where you have good chances in 2025
- Online portals: willhaben.at, immowelt.at, immoscout24.at
- Brokers: offer inspected properties, but commission is payable
- Private networks: Friends, family, company intranet, Facebook groups
Tip: Create an application folder with proof of salary, registration form and a short letter of motivation.
4. inspection & tenancy agreement check
Pay attention to:
- Condition of the apartment (e.g. windows, heating, mold)
- Equipment (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, floor coverings)
- House rules, neighbors, general parts of the house
- Heating requirement according to energy certificate
Tip: Take a second person with you to the viewing - for a more objective impression.
5. moving in & handover: a legally secure start
Please note when moving in:
- Handover protocol with photos (meter readings, damage, equipment)
- Deposit only handed over against written confirmation
- Have all keys receipted (master key, cellar key, mailbox key)
Tip: Report defects immediately in writing - preferably with photos.
Checklist: Rent an apartment in Austria in 2025
- Realistically calculate the rental budget (incl. BK & indexation)
- Define region, size, equipment
- Prepare tenant self-disclosure & documents
- Check rental advertisements regularly & respond quickly
- Have the rental agreement checked (observe MRG!)
- Deposit handed over correctly (max. 6 BMM)
- Create handover protocol (incl. photos)
- Register electricity, gas, internet
- Change your place of residence (registration form!)
- Observe house rules and operating cost regulations
- Clarify deadlines & termination regulations
Key Takeaways
- Rents will rise in 2025, especially in Vienna & Salzburg
- MRG must be observed: Fixed term, deposit, protection against dismissal
- Check & document contract carefully
- Good preparation significantly improves your chances
- Handover protocol protects against later problems
Conclusion: Rent an apartment cleverly - get off to a stress-free start
In 2025, it will take patience and know-how to find a new home. But with good preparation, sound knowledge and a clear roadmap, you can secure a new home quickly and with legal certainty.
