How to buy property in Österreich
A practical guide for buyers (including foreigners): step-by-step process, purchase costs, annual taxes, financing and quirks in Österreich. Informational, verified August 2026 — not legal advice.
Can foreigners buy?
EU citizens buy freely. Non-EU need approval from the state land-transfer authority; Tirol/Salzburg restrict secondary residences even for EU buyers.
The process, step by step
- 1Offer via the agent (Kaufanbot — binding!)
- 2Contract drafted by a lawyer/notary (Treuhänder escrow)
- 3State approval if required
- 4Payment via escrow
- 5Grundbuch registration
Purchase costs (on top of the price)
| Transfer tax | 3,5% |
| Land-registry entry | 1,1% |
| Agent (capped) | max 3% + TVA |
| Lawyer/notary | ~1–2% |
Annual taxes: Modest Grundsteuer.
💶 What it costs to buy a €200,000 home in Österreich
What it really costs you, with taxes, notary and registry included — estimated from the country's rules, before you talk to a notary.
| Resident | Non-resident / second home | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | €7,000 | €7,000 |
| Land-registry entry | €2,200 | €2,200 |
| Agent (capped) | €0 – €7,200 | €0 – €7,200 |
| Lawyer / notary | €2,000 – €4,000 | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Estimated final price | €211,200 – €220,400 | €211,200 – €220,400 |
Indicative estimate from the country's public rules; rates differ by region and by your situation. Not tax advice.
Financing as a non-resident
Strict KIM rules: ~20% minimum down, repayments under 40% of income.
Quirks that surprise buyers
- ⚠️ A signed Kaufanbot binds you — never sign one casually
- ⚠️ For flats, check the building's repair reserve (Rücklage)
- ⚠️ Secondary residences in alpine areas are often banned — check FIRST
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in Österreich as a foreigner?
- EU citizens buy freely. Non-EU need approval from the state land-transfer authority; Tirol/Salzburg restrict secondary residences even for EU buyers.
- What costs and taxes do I pay when buying in Österreich?
- Transfer tax: 3,5%; Land-registry entry: 1,1%; Agent (capped): max 3% + TVA; Lawyer/notary: ~1–2%. Modest Grundsteuer.
- Can I get a mortgage in Österreich as a non-resident?
- Strict KIM rules: ~20% minimum down, repayments under 40% of income.