Austria is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for real estate buyers and investors due to its stable economy, a high standard of living, scenic nature and surroundings, its excellent environmental conditions, a well-developed transport system, as well as plenty of opportunities for education and employment. In this article, we will discuss the main features and advantages of property acquisition in Austria for relocation, its investment potential, and we will identify the most promising areas and developments from the perspective of residential use and a profitable investment.
Austria is consistently ranked in the top 10 countries with the best living conditions, so the purchase of real estate will be an ideal choice for those who appreciate a comfortable living environment. According to the portal Numbeo, in the Quality of Life Index by Country 2023, Austria ranked seventh out of 84. On the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) in 2022, Austria ranked 8th out of 180.
Until 2019, the Austrian capital of Vienna was the leader in the ranking of cities by quality of life from the international consulting firm Mercer for 10 consecutive years. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, the publication of new rankings has been suspended. In 2022, Vienna was named the world’s most comfortable city to live in for the third time in the annual ranking compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which is the research and analysis unit of the British media company The Economist Group. The survey is based on an analysis of five aspects, which include stability, infrastructure, health and education systems, culture and the environment.
The key advantages of Austria and its capital Vienna include:
Unsurprisingly, the population of Vienna and Austria as a whole, is growing every year. At the beginning of 2022, nearly 1,931,600 people lived in Vienna, with 32.2% comprising foreigners. By 2028, the number of Viennese is expected to exceed 2,000,000, and by 2030, 2,200,000. In early 2023, the Austrian government announced the simplification of obtaining a work permit for foreign professionals who are not EU citizens. The implementation of this reform will also increase the influx of new residents, boosting the demand for both purchasing and renting real estate in Austria.
Over the past 3 years, the cost of housing in Austria has been growing steadily. According to statistics from the Austrian National Bank, housing prices in 2020, 2021 and 2022 rose by 7%, 11.8% and 10.4% respectively. Therefore, investing in Austrian real estate allows you to not only to save money in the face of a global crisis, but also to generate a lucrative income with the help of the subsequent resale or lease of real estate.
As revealed by the statistics from the European Union Eurostat, at the end of 2021, only 54.2% of the population of Austria lived in their own homes, while the remaining 45.8% were tenants. In addition, amidst year-round tourism in Austria, short-term rentals continue to thrive.
According to globalpropertyguide.com, in Q3 2022, the average ROI for Vienna was 2.89%, ranging from 1.27% to 4.14% for different neighbourhoods and property types. In Graz and Salzburg, the average ROI is 3.75% and 2.90%, respectively.
- NBD! If you’re planning to buy a property in Austria to generate a rental income, it’s important to consider the area, surrounding infrastructure, type of property and other factors that affect the amount of potential income. In order to choose the property with the highest prospects of profitability, it is recommended to use the help of experts.
In Austria you can buy off-plan and completed properties, as well as commercial units within the secondary market and exclusive properties in historic buildings.
We have compiled a selection of the most attractive projects for both private use and investment, which can be found below:
Werder Six is a modern residential complex within the upscale segment, located in a late 19th-century building at Werdertorgasse 6 in the heart of Vienna. Originally it was the school where Stefan Zweig studied. Today, the historic building and its new extension, situated in a verdant courtyard, houses 50 premium residences, namely apartments and penthouses with landscaped balconies and loggias, ranging in size from 49 sq. m to 152 sq. m. It is worth noting that first floor apartments also have access to private gardens. Residences are equipped with French windows and oak parquet floors, as well as air conditioning and a smart home system. Digital concierge service and underground parking for 50 spaces will make your stay in the complex even more enjoyable .
Anger am Brunnen is a new community currently under construction in Hollabrunn, Lower Austria. The 6-home community is surrounded by lush gardens, cycling paths and social facilities, and is located just 35 minutes’ away from Vienna. The development includes 59 one to five-bedroom apartments of 60 sq. m to 150 sq. m, and includes a garden or a terrace. The premium residences will have heated floors, built-in closets and fully equipped kitchens with built-in appliances from high-end brands. The green design is one of the key principles of the project, with solar panels and a charging station for electric cars, while the heating and hot water systems will run on wood pellets.
THE AMBASSY PARKSIDE LIVING is an ultra luxurious residential complex in Vienna’s Landstraße in the Diplomatic Quarter. Three types of apartments are on offer, ranging in size from 50 sq. m to 190 sq. m, called SMART, FAMILY and AMBASSADOR. All types of residences come with terraces, balconies or gardens and are distinguished by their low energy consumption. The units feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with a built-in sunscreen, whilst select residences boast a view of one of Vienna’s signature landmarks; St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Residents are granted privileged access to plenty of amenities, including a private movie theater and lounge, a meeting room, underground parking, secure bicycle storage, and a Premium Concierge service.
The average price of real estate in Austria depends largely on the area, the property size and a number of other factors. The most expensive and luxurious real estate is located within the central area of the capital called Innere Stadt, where the average price per sq. m is EUR 20,987. The second and third most expensive places by the average price per sq.m. can be found in the 4th district; Wieden (EUR 10,639) and the 19th district; Döbling (EUR 90,750). The most affordable options can be found in the 16th district called Ottakring (EUR 4,948) and the 20th district; Brigittenau (EUR 4,731).
The average price per sq.m. in compact apartments with an area of up to 50 sq.m. varies between EUR 3,825 in the 17th district of Hernals compared to EUR 17,497 in the 1st district of Innere Stadt. The most budget-friendly options can be found in Brigittenau (EUR 4,193 per sq.m.), and the most expensive in Innere Stadt (EUR 16,521). Residential estates with sizes between 81–129 sq.m. are sold from EUR 4,521 per sq.m in the 12th Meidling district to EUR 16,947 in the Innere Stadt. Spacious residences with living areas of 130 sq.m. or more can be purchased for prices ranging from EUR 4,017 per sq. m in Ottakring to EUR 25,333 in Innere Stadt.
As for other popular federal districts of Austria, in Salzburg, the average price per sq. m. ranges from EUR 4,218 to EUR 10,747, whilst in Tyrol prices are from EUR 3,709 to EUR 16,942.
Vienna houses 23 districts which offer a variety of options, from prestigious central locations to more budget-friendly suburbs:
The Innere Stadt is the center of the city with many historic landmarks that make the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most popular landmarks of the 1st district are St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the religious monument; Wiener Pestsäule and the Austrian National Library. The Volksgarten, which is one of Vienna’s most beautiful parks, is also located here. The Innere Stadt is the most prestigious district with the highest prices for both buying and renting property.
The 3rd district of Landstrasse is one of the busiest areas in the central part of the city with a well-developed transport network. There are many historic landmarks that draw tourists to the area, including the Academic Theater, the famous Palais Schwarzenberg, the Konzerthaus and many more. On top of that, it is known for housing a high concentration of offices and industrial businesses.
The 22nd district of Donaustadt is the largest and youngest district of Vienna, in which more than half is made up of green areas. The district boasts a well-developed transport infrastructure, including 2 subway lines and a railroad. Numerous offices and factories of large companies, as well as the headquarters of international organizations are located here. Now in Donaustadt, there are multiple affordable residential properties being built. This area is highly popular with families with children due to the wide range of English-speaking educational institutions.
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