Vienna’s irresistible mix of classical beauty, high quality of life, and market stability attracts thousands of international property buyers each year. If you're considering buying property in Vienna as a foreigner in 2025, you’ll find the process both structured and relatively accessible - especially compared to other European capitals. This guide walks you through the steps to buy real estate in Vienna, including legal requirements, purchasing stages, property taxes in Vienna for foreigners, financing, and unique aspects of foreign investment in Vienna real estate.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Vienna in 2025?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Vienna. But the process varies depending on your nationality.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: You have the same rights as Austrian nationals. You can freely purchase property - whether it’s an apartment, house, or land - in your own name. No special approval is needed from the city or federal authorities.
Non-EU citizens: You will need permission from the Vienna Land Commission (the "Magistrat"). This is a legal step to ensure foreign ownership aligns with Austrian interests. Fortunately, in 2025, the process has been simplified, especially for citizens of OECD countries. Buyers from countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and others now face minimal hurdles. As long as the property is not agricultural or in a restricted border zone, approval is typically granted within 3 to 6 months.
Tip: Approval is a formality for most residential purchases - rejections are rare. Still, you should factor in this timeline when planning your transaction. For an in-depth breakdown of restrictions in other regions of Austria, see our step-by-step guide for non-residents. For most residential purchases - rejections are rare. Still, you should factor in this timeline when planning your transaction.
Buying Property in Vienna via a Company
Some non-EU buyers opt to purchase real estate through a company registered in the EU. If the company is legally based in Austria or another EU country, it can buy property as an EU entity - bypassing the personal permit requirement. While this strategy is legally valid, it brings added costs, corporate tax reporting, and setup fees. For most individual buyers, direct ownership is simpler.
This approach is more common in regions of Austria where foreign individuals face significant restrictions or are outright barred from buying property. In such cases, the property is acquired through an EU-based company - as long as over 50% of the shareholding is held by EU/EEA residents (which satisfies local land commission requirements). This workaround is not typically necessary in Vienna but is worth noting for buyers interested in other Austrian provinces with stricter rules.
How to Buy Property in Vienna Step by Step
This is your how to buy property in Vienna step by step breakdown:
1. Find a Property and Make an Offer
Once you’ve chosen a flat or house, you'll sign a Kaufanbot (purchase offer). This is a binding preliminary agreement. A small deposit is typically made at this point.
2. Hire a Notary or Lawyer
All transactions in Austria must go through a notary or real estate attorney. They draft the final contract (Kaufvertrag), handle the escrow, and submit documents to the Land Register. Hiring someone bilingual is highly recommended if you don’t speak German.
3. Sign the Purchase Contract
You and the seller sign the contract — often in person, but power of attorney is possible if you’re abroad. At this stage, the remainder of your down payment (earnest money) is transferred into an escrow account managed by the notary.
4. Get Magistrate Approval if You’re Non-EU
The notary submits your application for purchase permission to the Vienna Magistrat. You may need to prove your identity, visa/residence status (if applicable), and that the land is not restricted. Applications are reviewed for compliance with Austrian law. Investment or personal-use purchases are both typically accepted.
5. Transfer Funds to Escrow Account
The full purchase amount must be wired and held in escrow. Austrian notaries are strict about anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, so you’ll need documented proof of funds.
6. Register Ownership in the Grundbuch
After approval, the notary registers your ownership with the Austrian Grundbuch. This step legally makes you the owner. You’ll pay a 3.5% property transfer tax and a 1.1% registration fee — part of the real estate fees and costs in Vienna.
7. Receive Keys and Take Ownership
Once payment is secured and registration is confirmed, you’ll receive the keys. Congratulations — you now own a home in Vienna!
Taxes and Fees When Buying Property in Vienna
Besides the purchase price, you should budget approximately 10% extra for fees — a breakdown of closing costs when buying in Vienna includes:
3.5% property transfer tax (stamp duty)
1.1% land register fee
Notary/lawyer fees: usually 1–2%
Realtor commission (if used): 3% + 20% VAT (standard in Vienna)
Annual property tax (Grundsteuer): very low, typically below 0.2% of assessed value
These costs of buying property in Vienna 2025 apply equally to Austrian and foreign buyers. You can also explore our full comparison of property prices and taxes across Austria Average Apartment Prices in Major European Cities (2025 Update).
Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Austria?
Mortgage for foreigners in Austria is available - but with conditions:
EU citizens generally have access to the same financing options as locals.
Non-EU buyers might face stricter terms: lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios (typically 50%), more documentation, and sometimes the need for a local representative.
Most Austrian banks require:
Proof of income and assets
Bank account in Austria
Possibly residency or strong financial/legal ties to Austria
As of 2025, interest rates for home loans in Austria 2025 range between 3% and 4%. Many foreign buyers choose to pay in full or finance the purchase from their home country. For a broader view on how foreigners are financing property purchases in 2025, check out our Where to Buy Property in Europe Under €100,000 in 2025.
Does Buying Property in Austria Grant Residency?
Buying property in Austria does NOT grant you residency. This is a crucial distinction:
EU citizens can reside freely in Austria.
Non-EU buyers need a valid residence permit if they wish to live in Vienna beyond 90 days (e.g., via work, family, self-employment, or the Red-White-Red Card program).
There is no "golden visa" in Austria based solely on property investment.
You can use the property for holidays or long-term rental, but you cannot reside permanently without a permit. These are key residency rules for property owners Austria. You can also explore how different countries handle residency and ownership in our No More Golden Visas? What Real Estate Buyers Are Doing in 2025.
Can You Rent Out Property in Vienna as a Foreigner?
Vienna has strict rules regarding short-term rentals (like Airbnb):
Registration is required if you intend to rent out short-term.
Some buildings prohibit short-term lets via their owners' associations.
If you plan to rent out, check the zoning laws and building regulations in advance.
Income from rentals is taxable in Austria under a progressive tax system based on net profits (after allowable expenses). Austria has tax treaties to avoid double taxation - important when considering tax implications of buying property in Austria. Find out more about other European cities with high Real Estate Yield in Europe in our article on Real Estate Yield in Europe: Cities With Over 6% ROI.
Extra Tips for Buying Real Estate in Vienna
Request the Energieausweis (energy performance certificate) - it's mandatory in property transactions.
Review the building’s finances and reserves if buying in a multi-unit building.
Most documents and contracts will be in German. A certified translation or bilingual legal support is essential.
Take advantage of the 14-day consumer protection period - you can cancel the agreement if full documentation was not provided upfront. For more legal considerations when buying in Croatia, see our How to Buy Property in Croatia as a Foreigner in 2025.
Is Vienna a Good Place to Invest in Property in 2025?
Stable market with long-term upward trends
Low crime rate and reliable legal system
No special taxes on foreign buyers
Solid rental demand, especially for well-located apartments
Transparent property records through the Grundbuch
In 2025, Vienna real estate market for foreigners remains one of Europe’s most attractive, safe, and sustainable options for property investment.
Final Thoughts: What to Know Before You Buy
Buying an apartment in Vienna guide wouldn’t be complete without emphasizing the importance of trusted legal support. Understanding the legal landscape and working with local experts is essential for a smooth transaction - especially for foreign buyers navigating Austria’s real estate system. For insights into investment strategies and emerging trends, see our breakdown of Beating inflation with real estate: the best performing cities in Europe.
For more details on Austrian property laws, foreign ownership rules in Austria, visit our Austria guide in the Countries section. We break down taxes, legal options, and purchase process for property in Vienna step by step.