Apartments for Sale in Vienna: Districts, Prices and Rules for Foreigners

Vienna has 23 districts (Bezirke), numbered outward from the 1st, the historic centre. The first district is the most prestigious and expensive. The 2nd to 9th districts surround it and combine cafes, universities and good public transport. The 3rd (Landstraße), 4th (Wieden) and 7th (Neubau) are popular with young professionals. The 13th (Hietzing) and 19th (Döbling) are leafy, villa-rich and upscale. The 21st and 22nd, across the Danube, have newer developments and more space, and the 10th to 12th and 15th to 17th have lower prices.

A key Viennese distinction is between Altbau (pre-1945 buildings with high ceilings, ornate details and sometimes rent-regulated tenancies) and Neubau (newer construction with lifts, balconies and parking). Altbau charm commands a premium, although heating costs and building repairs can be higher.

Austria permits EU and EEA citizens to buy property freely, while non-EU citizens usually need approval from a state authority, and rules differ by federal state. In Vienna, non-EU buyers need a permit from the land transfer commission, which is granted in many cases for residential purchases but can take time. Always check with a lawyer or notary.

Purchase costs add up to around 8 to 10 per cent of the price, including a 3.5% real estate transfer tax, a 1.1% land registry fee, notary or lawyer fees and agent commission, which is regulated and often 3% plus VAT from the buyer for residential sales. Austria has no wealth tax. Our Austria buying guide, Austrian mortgage page and Austria market analysis give more.

Viennese apartments carry monthly operating costs (Betriebskosten) and a repair reserve (Rücklage) for the building, which are separate from your utility bills. Ask for the last three years' accounts. Rental yields in Vienna are modest, and Austrian tenancy law is protective of tenants, especially in pre-1945 buildings with regulated rents. Newer buildings and freely agreed rents are usually more attractive to investors.

Heating is often district heating or gas, and the energy certificate (Energieausweis) should be shown in the listing. Check the lift, roof and façade condition; a major renovation decision by the owners' meeting can bring a large bill. Public transport is excellent and inexpensive, which reduces the need for a car and parking space.

For alternatives, consider Graz, Salzburg, Klosterneuburg just north of Vienna, the ski town Kitzbühel and the lake town Neusiedl am See. Note that Kitzbühel has strict holiday-home restrictions. See the Austria hub or use the valuation tool on a specific price.