Renting And Housing In Austria 2021
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Introduction
When looking into renting a property in Austria, you likely get a few options. You may also look into contents insurance and how to use a homestay network in the country. Also, housing tends to be of a high standard, while many places are unfurnished when they are sold.
Have you been planning to move abroad? Organizing an international relocation is not something you should do on your own in 2021. As an expat, we understand what you need. This way, we’ve come up with the essential services to help fasten the process of finding the right apartment in Austria.
Besides, there are several types of housing houses/apartments in Austria. For example, studio flats, cottages, houses in the mountains, wood-built lodges, and many others. So, if you need somewhere to stay, this expat guide is what you need. We also cover the rental rules, rental contracts, and utility bills.
Seekers of a more relaxed way of life who have been making Austria for decades are on the right platform. This small, central European country is known for extended summer vacations and short workdays. For those emigrants dreaming of spending the warmer months in Austria, you’ll enjoy the lifestyle.
However, we will walk you through the rental process in Austria. Aside from this fact, you’ll understand some certain facts about the housing department in the country. Now, you don’t need to worry about what it takes to rent an apartment in Austria anymore, as we’ve got you covered. Read further to know more!
Living In Austria Expat Guide 2021
In today’s modern world, Austria has much to offer adventurous expats. But, like anywhere in the world, you must know what living in Austria would cost before relocating to the country. And if you’re thinking about renting an apartment in the country, there’s certainly a lot to consider.
A place for Quality Of Life
Overall, the quality of life in Austria is high, as the country was placed 2nd in the 2020 global study. Aside from this fact, Austria also ranks highly when it comes to women’s rights, press freedom, and human right. Between the clean alpine air, efficient public transport, and high-quality education, Austria is certainly impressing its citizens.
Excellent Transportation
The educational system in Austria is of a high standard. They offer pre-school and free universal basic education. In fact, students can even choose between vocational and academic schools in the country. Uniquely, all Austrian and EU students can access public universities in Austria, unlike unknown foreigners.
Crime Rate in Austria 2021
Austria is an incredibly safe country. The crime rate is low and violent crime is even scarce. Also, the country usually has less than 100 murders per year in the whole country. So, while moving to this country, ensure you have enough funds to bear the cost of living and expenses.
Excellent Outdoor Activities
Living in Austria may have you imagining yourself as a citizen. If you enjoy being outdoors, this is the right place. You will find great activities, including mountain climbing, forest hiking, swimming in icy lakes, and many other activities, to mention a few. And in winter, you’ll want to practice snowboarding.
Food and Drink in Austria
Traditional Austrian cuisine is among the best comfort food in the world. This country cuisine is based on meat, and you’ll enjoy different kinds of noodles here. Some of their wonderful dishes include; Tafelspitz, Liptauer, Selchfleisch, Erdapfel salat, Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, etc.
Climate and Location
If you’re a European, it might not be a big change traveling to Austria. This is because; the country has a temperate climate zone which is similar to other European countries. However, sun lovers can easily travel to the south because Italy is just so close to Austria. Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy the winter season in this country, you’ll need to do some outdoor activities especially skiing and snowboarding.
Austria Natural Beauty
From stunning landscapes to incredible cultures, the benefits of living in this country cannot be overemphasized. You’ll enjoy the Alps, responsible for the most incredible nature pieces such as swamps, hills, and other dramatic features.
Cost of Living in Austria
While preparing to rent an apartment in Austria, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living. Balancing your budget is also important, no matter your choice of lifestyle. Therefore, it pays to do a little research on the short and long-term costs associated with living in Austria before you begin the process.
To help give you an idea of the cost of living in Austria, this guide outlines the general cost of living, wages and salary, healthcare cost, study cost, leisure activities, and the transport cost in Austria as of 2021. Without further ado, let’s quickly look at the following cost of living analysis in Austria.
Today’s Housing Cost in Austria
After you might have secured a visa to this country, another thing to consider is the housing cost. Also, you should expect the amount of housing to be pretty high in major cities. Besides, check different prices of a one-bedroom apartment, two-rooms, and more before making your decision.
In Austria today, the rent for a single-room apartment may run between €300 and €1,000, depending on your chosen location. Now, the good news is that most people spend less of their monthly income on accommodation. This is because; the Austrian government is committed to giving affordable housing.
In addition, property prices in Austria range significantly depending on the size, amenities, and other factors you want. Meanwhile, in Vienna alone, the average price of a property per square meter is about €5,539 to a whopping €14,500 per square meter for expats who want to reside in the First District.
Today’s Cost of Domestic Bills in Austria
Utility bills in Austria vary depending on the kind of unit you’d love to purchase and the size of your apartment. If you bundle your utilities such as electricity and gas, many utility providers will give you a discount. On the whole, you should be expecting to pay between €150 and €270 for an average utility cost in Austria.
However, it should be noted that utility bills are calculated based on the size of your apartment rather than the unit you’ve consumed. For example, Austrian households pay up to 10 to 91 USD depending on the speed and needs. Overall, the faster the internet connection in Austria, the higher you pay.
To give you an idea of the average cost of living in Austria, check the analysis below for monthly expenses in the most affordable and expensive cities.
| City in Austria | Amount in EUR | Amount in USD |
| Vienna City | 1,900 | 2,300 |
| Innsbruck Town | 1,700 | 1,850 |
| Salzburg City | 1,600 | 1,950 |
| Graz City | 1,500 | 1,800 |
Generally, the living costs are higher in the cities mentioned above. Therefore, you’ll need to consider your budget before planning to secure any accommodation in Austria. For example, Graz is one of the largest cities in Australia that reflected some eye-catching architecture. In fact, it’s also the city of UNESCO world heritage. Alternatively, Linz is cheaper than other popular cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
Travel and Transportation Cost in Austria
As an expat, you should understand that a single trip on public transportation in Austria will cost between 1.80 and 2.50 EUR. On the other hand, journeys on buses or trains in rural areas will cost an average of 2 EUR for every five kilometers. If you drive, you’ll pay a certain amount of money to use the motorways.
Practical Information to Note
Did you know that about 65.5 percent of Austria is made up of parts of the Alps Mountain range? Also, it is around 1,600 feet above sea level, meaning that there’s an ample opportunity to witness epic high-attitude scenery. Additionally, nearly a quarter of the population lives in the capital city of Vienna.
Nonetheless, Austria is made up of nine states, which is also known as Lander. They are from the east to the west, including Vienna, Lower Austria, Vorarlberg, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Tyrol, Carinthia, and Burgenland. Remember, Austria’s country’s code is +43, while the emergency number includes the following.
- Ambulance emergency number = 144
- Police emergency number = 133
- Fire brigade emergency = 122
- General emergencies number in the EU = 112
Why Living In Austria 2021
Whether you’re preparing for a trip or would love to relocate to Austria permanently, it’s crucial that you know the benefits of living and renting an apartment in this country. We have compiled the pros and cons of living in Austria to help you understand the basics of your relocation. Check it out now!
Home to World’s Oldest Zoo
The world’s oldest zoo as of today’s 21st century is located in Austria. The oldest zoo, Tiergarten Schonbrunn, was established in Vienna in 1952, which is the oldest that’s still in operation. Aside from this fact, another historic site in Vienna’s Central cemetery, known as Zentralfriedhof. This resting place is home to over 2.5 million tombs, which is even higher than the city’s current population.
Austria Is a Smoker’s Paradise
This might sound funny to you, but it’s just the fact. Despite numerous attempts to impose a ban, Austria remains one of the European countries known for smoking. Though the rules are set to change this year, but smoker’s joints will remain in the country.
Wine Expats and Social Housing Savvy
Among other countries in Europe, Vienna is known to be the capital city with vast production of wine. Besides, the city’s hills have around 700 hectares of vineyards, and they are dedicated to white-wine grape tress. On the other hand, the social housing system in Austria has a solid reputation.
Home to the Oldest Surviving Restaurant
Research made it know that Austria has the oldest surviving restaurants in Europe. For some time in its history, the restaurant was forced to close down due to Napoleon’s invasion. Afterward, it reopened later, and it’s known to have eleven distinct dining rooms, with the most recent one dating to the 17th century.
Home to the Oldest Original National Flag
If you’re looking for one country with the oldest flags, Austria should be the first on the list. Surprisingly, this national flag is still in use. Derivative of the Babenberg Dynasty coat of arms, the red and the white stripes have been the Austrian symbol since around 976 AD till today’s modern century.
Capital of Classical Music
It’s no doubt that Vienna is considered the capital city of classical music. The Habsburgs’ patronage attracted many 18th and 19th century composers, making the Austrian classical music still appreciated today. Again, it could be considered as one of Europe’s most important classical music centers.
Austria Has a Recognized Leader
When it comes to recognized leaders, Austria still owns first place in sustainable development and environmental protection. The country is one of the most environmentally conscientious countries in Europe, with a recycling rate of about 63 percent of its waste from renewable sources.
Cons of Living in Austria (2021)
Austria is known not only for its economic and social stability but unique cultural etiquette and geographical location. All the advantages mentioned above may attract visitors, but there are many disadvantages to watch out for. And the ability to visit the country while knowing the cons is vital. They include the following;
| Monthly Weather Analysis In Austria | |
| Month(January) | Night 0, Day +3 |
| Month(February) | Night +1, Day +6 |
| Month(March) | Night +4, Day +10 |
| Month(April) | Night +8, Day +16 |
| Month(May) | Night +13, Day +22 |
| Month (June) | Night +18, Day +24 |
| Month(July) | Night +18, Day +18 |
| Month(August) | Night +18, day +26 |
| Month (September) | Night +14, day +20 |
| Month (October) | Night +9, Day +15 |
| Month (November) | Night +5, Day +8 |
| Month (December) | Night 0, Day +4 |
High Taxes in Austria
Be prepared to pay a huge tax rate if you’re planning to relocate to Austria. In fact, the higher your earnings, the higher the amount of tax you’ll pay. Meanwhile, the minimum payments to the state are paid by those who earn from 60 thousand Euros and above. However, the VAT in Austria is 20%, and when you sell real estate, the state takes away 3.5 percent in return.
Austria’s Dialect Could Be a Problem
The official language and dialects of Austria could be a major problem. Even if you know the language well, its dialect can become complex for an expat. While you’re planning to rent an apartment in Austria, always know that understanding the country’s dialect would help you through the process.
High Prices in Austria
Since the country has a high standard of living, this factor definitely dictates the country’s conditions. And again, Austria is considered one of the most expensive countries among European states. As we have already noted, the level of comfort and services in the country will impress anyone but not suitable to look for an apartment if you’re moving from a country where the average salaries are below 1000 Euros.
Austria Long Grey Winters
The Austria long grey winters can also contribute to other disadvantages of living in the country. Sun lovers, however, may find themselves traveling to the South wherever possible. On the flip side, Vienna is home to long, grey winters and daily maximum temperatures in December and January. Aside from this fact, if you find yourself spending a winter in Vienna, you will need to either wrap up warm or spend a lot of time in the coffee shop.
High Prices for Apartment in Austria
The high prices for apartments in the country are no more a new discussion. Speaking about the cost of living in the country, it depends on your location, size of apartments, and average salaries. So, if you’re going to live in an apartment, there are still ways to save money when you’re not ready to buy one.
Requirements and Documents to Rent an Apartment
As an expat, renting an apartment in Austria is quite straightforward. Meanwhile, you should rent an apartment simply by signing the lease and showing proof of identity in the country. However, you may also be asked for proof of employment letter, driver’s license (optional), or your Austrian visa.
● Subsidized Housing in Austria – This subsidized housing is meant for foreigners that have legally resided in the country for at least five years. While you’re opting for a subsidized apartment in Austria, keep in mind that your eligibility will depend on the following documents.
- The average size of your family
- The size of the flat you’d want to rent
- The housing exposure and your family income (income of all the people living in your household)
● Furnished Flats in Austria – With the high demand for a furnished apartments in Austria, many furnished housing properties are difficult to come by. The average cost of a furnished apartment in Austria’s major cities should be around 1,470 EUR per month.
● Short-Term Rentals in Austria – Short-term rentals in Austria are usually between six months and a year. As rental leases are usually three years long in Austria, apartments for short-term renting could be challenging. More so, if you’re considering finding somewhere to live with a short or flexible contract, you should bear in mind that an average monthly price could be about 1,600 EUR or more.
Furthermore, when it comes to the documents required to rent an apartment, many house owners will tell you to bring your valid passport, Austrian visa, and the reference from your previous landlords. Meanwhile, if you’re staying in Austria for around four weeks or less, you don’t have to disclose any official means of identification.
How to Buy a Property as an Expat
For people coming from the European Union, you don’t need to go through stress before getting an apartment because the process is straightforward. Also, there are virtually no restrictions on buying property. But, some Austrian provinces prohibit purchasing real estate in certain areas.
Nevertheless, third-country nationals are allowed to buy and rent real estate in the country. On top of that, you may be asked to apply for a special permit from the Land Transfer Authorities before you can own land. Again, different provinces have their rules and regulations claiming a special permit for purchase.
Ways/Steps for Buying a House in Austria
Unless you have wealth, possession of a two-bedroom apartment in Austria can be easy. Once you find the ideal property for yourself, you’ll need to go through some processes before acquiring your property. However, you might not have the money to go for the luxury of scouring the Alp but choose the ones available. In a nutshell, below are the processes you’ll likely go through.
Make a Proper Offer of Ownership
Once you find the right property in your favorite location, the next thing is to make a reasonable offer in writing via a real estate agent. Besides, attached to the write-up should be a Kostenaufstellung, a list documenting the relevant transaction costs, including legal fees, registration duty, property transfer, and many others.
Sales Contract/Deposit
Once the seller has agreed on your offer, the next thing is to get a sales contract, including your purchase agreements or drawn-up plan, by an Austrian solicitor. After this contract has been signed, you may need to pay a 10 percent deposit, which will be a safe amount deposited until the payment is complete.
Register Ownership/Registration Period
When the sale is completed, your lawyer should register the transfer of ownership immediately. While you’re doing this, put it in mind that the transfer and registration duties will also need to be paid. Again, always know that the Austrian property registration costs approximately 4.5 percent of the property’s value, and it can take between nine to thirty-two days for your property to be registered.
Conclusion
Find your next home in Austria by reading this expat guide. If you’re not an Austrian citizen, you must have had your legal documents ready and live in the country for at least five years. Considering these factors mentioned above, you’re free to rent or purchase your choice of property/apartment. Nonetheless, check this platform for more updates.
