Investment property: Austria
Austria is a stable market anchored by Vienna, the Alpine resorts, and one of Europe's most robust systems of property rights.
Access for non-EU buyers, however, is restricted: a foreign purchase requires approval from the provincial land transfer authorities, and the rules differ significantly between federal states. In Vienna approval is realistic, while in Alpine regions like Tyrol and Salzburg the market is nearly closed to non-residents, especially for second homes. Austria has no golden visa: buying property grants neither residency nor citizenship, and Austrian residence permits are issued on separate grounds subject to quotas. This is a market for conservative capital, not quick deals.
We start by assessing feasibility: in which federal state and in what format your purchase is possible at all. We then select the property, run legal due diligence, manage the approval procedure and the transaction, and advise on ownership structure - buying through a company sometimes changes both access and the tax picture. If an Austrian residence permit is also under consideration, we lay out the grounds and quotas honestly and coordinate both processes. We make no return promises: Austria is chosen for reliability, not speed of growth.
Purchase approval for non-EU citizens
A non-EU citizen can buy a flat or house in Austria, but in almost every state approval from the land transfer authority is needed before entry in the land register. Vienna has one of the most liberal regimes: the city office reviews the application, usually in 6-12 weeks. In practice a residence permit and a clear reason to buy help: a home to live in rather than speculation.
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
Buyer and owner taxes
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Real estate transfer tax | 3.5% of the price |
| Land register entry | 1.1% of the price |
| Annual property tax | a fraction of a percent of an outdated assessed value, usually small |
| Tax on sale gains | 30%; the main home is exempt under conditions |
| Inheritance and gift tax | none, but acquiring property this way incurs transfer tax of 0.5-3.5% |
More on our Austria taxes page.
What we do
- We check the rules of the state where the property is and the chances of approval.
- We prepare the land transfer authority application with a justification.
- We support the contract before a notary or lawyer and the land register entry.
- We calculate the 3.5% and 1.1% taxes and running costs.
How the deal works
- An offer and a check of the land register extract.
- A contract before a notary or lawyer, who often holds the buyer's money in a trust account.
- Land transfer authority approval for a non-EU citizen.
- Paying the 3.5% and 1.1% taxes and the land register entry.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy property in Austria?
Does buying property give residency in Austria?
Where do we start?
Can a non-EU citizen buy a flat in Austria?
What taxes apply to buying property in Austria?
Does Austria have inheritance tax?
What tax applies when selling property in Austria?
How long does purchase approval take in Vienna?
Who handles a property deal in Austria?
Which property in Austria fits your goal?
We work through the rules for foreign buyers in your chosen Austrian state, shortlist properties and review the documents. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
Free consultation