Graz Real Estate: Apartments, Houses and Land in Styria's Capital

Graz is the capital of Styria, with a UNESCO-listed old town, several universities and a large student population that keeps rental demand steady. The city is compact and bike-friendly, with trams as the main public transport. Murinsel, the Schlossberg hill and the district around Lendplatz and Gries are familiar names to visitors.

Buyers include families relocating for work, investors targeting student flats, and people who want an Austrian base that is cheaper than Vienna or Salzburg. Trains to Vienna take about two and a half hours.

Rules for non-EU citizens vary by federal state. In Styria, buying land or a home as a non-EEA national normally requires approval from the land transfer authority, and holiday-home purchases are particularly restricted. EU and EEA citizens generally face fewer hurdles, but check your own situation.

• Purchase costs typically include around 3.5% land transfer tax, roughly 1.1% for the land register entry, notary or lawyer fees and agent commission of up to 3% plus VAT.
• Contracts are normally drawn up by a notary or lawyer, who also manages the escrow.
• Tenanted flats can carry rent-regulation rules that limit income.

Read our Austria buying guide, financing page and Austria market analysis.

Vienna and Salzburg are the better-known markets, though neither is near Graz. Neusiedl am See is in Burgenland, a different region. Browse the national Austria listings for more.