Austria Property Buying Guide for Non-Residents

Austria has no national ban on foreign ownership, but property law is largely set at state level through land transaction acts. Non-EU citizens commonly need approval from a state land transfer commission, which may require proof of residence, economic ties or a legitimate use of the property. Tourist regions such as Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg are especially strict about second homes and holiday apartments.

EU and EEA nationals generally have an easier path, though they still have to follow state rules on second homes. Vienna has its own procedure and restrictions on certain development land. Prices in Vienna and Alpine resorts are high, with more attainable markets in the east and south. If you want to browse, start with apartments for sale in Austria, houses for sale in Austria or villas for sale in Austria.

1. Establish your citizenship and the state in which you want to buy, then confirm the approval rules for that state.
2. Appoint an Austrian lawyer or notary-led process; many contracts are drafted by a lawyer or notary and checked by both sides.
3. Check the land register (Grundbuch) to confirm ownership, charges and easements.
4. Agree and sign a purchase contract (Kaufvertrag), which may be conditional on state approval where required.
5. Pay the purchase price through a trust account held by the lawyer or notary for security.
6. Pay real estate transfer tax and land register fees, which the notary or lawyer usually calculates and declares.
7. Register the change of ownership in the land register and collect the extract.

Austrian transactions are usually run by a lawyer or notary acting as a trustee. They draft the contract, hold funds, calculate tax, file declarations and apply for the land register entry. Using one professional for both parties is common but you may want independent advice, especially for approvals.

Agents typically earn up to around 3% each side plus VAT on sales; confirm the current legal position. Mortgages for non-residents are available from some banks on conservative terms, outlined in mortgage options in Austria for foreigners, and you can estimate payments with the mortgage calculator.

• Land register extract: owner, mortgages, rights of way and pre-emption rights.
• State approval: confirm if your citizenship and the property type require a permit.
• For apartments: house management accounts, repair reserve and planned works.
• Zoning: whether the plot is building land, agricultural or protected.
• Energy certificate and heating system condition.
• Restrictions on short-term letting in the building or municipality.

Austria's transaction costs are clear and relatively predictable. The ranges below are approximate and can change, so verify with your notary.

Property ownership does not give a right of residence in Austria. Non-EU buyers who want to live there need a residence title through work, family, or other routes, and the Austrian system is selective. Buying a home can sit alongside a permit application but is not a substitute.

For investors, rental yields in Vienna are typically modest compared with Eastern Europe, so compare locations through Austria property market data before committing.

• Assuming a non-EU passport can buy a holiday home in any region.
• Signing a contract that is not conditional on state approval.
• Ignoring repair reserves and upcoming works in older apartment buildings.
• Overlooking short-term letting restrictions.
• Treating a joint lawyer for both sides as independent advice.