🇦🇹 Austria

Buying Property in Austria: A Guide for Foreign Buyers

Apartments in Austria cost from €6,800 to €6,800 per m² across the cities we track. Expect to pay another 8–11% of the price in taxes and fees.

Can foreigners buy property in Austria?

EU buyers free; non-EU buyers may need a permit

EU/EEA citizens buy on the same terms as Austrians. Non-EU buyers generally need approval from the land transfer authority (Grundverkehrsbehörde) of the federal state; rules vary by state and are stricter in Tyrol, Salzburg and other tourist areas.

Tax ID you'll need: Steuernummer (from the tax office, if needed)

How to buy, step by step

  1. 1Check land transfer (Grundverkehr) rules for your federal state
  2. 2Make a written purchase offer (Kaufanbot), which is binding once accepted
  3. 3Appoint a lawyer or notary as escrow agent (Treuhänder)
  4. 4Sign the purchase contract with notarised signatures
  5. 5Pay the price into escrow and pay transfer tax
  6. 6Ownership is registered in the land register (Grundbuch)

What it costs

A 60 m² apartment in Vienna at the average €6,800/m² costs about €408,000. Purchase taxes and fees add roughly €32,640–€44,880. Full breakdown of Austria property taxes and costs.

Vienna€6,800/m² · gross yield 3.2%

Mortgages and residency

Approx. 50–70% LTV for non-residents, and Austrian lending rules generally require at least 20% own funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Austria?↓
EU/EEA citizens buy on the same terms as Austrians. Non-EU buyers generally need approval from the land transfer authority (Grundverkehrsbehörde) of the federal state; rules vary by state and are stricter in Tyrol, Salzburg and other tourist areas.
How much are buying costs in Austria?↓
Typically 8–11% of the purchase price for a resale apartment, including transfer tax, notary or legal fees and registration.
How much does an apartment cost in Austria?↓
Average prices range from €6,800/m² to €6,800/m² across 1 cities; in Vienna a 60 m² apartment costs about €408,000.
Can non-residents get a mortgage in Austria?↓
Approx. 50–70% LTV for non-residents, and Austrian lending rules generally require at least 20% own funds.
Property prices in Austria →Apartments for sale in Austria →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: Brandauer Rechtsanwälte: Grunderwerbsteuer Österreich 2026.