Tips for Buying a House in Austria
Apr 9, 2024
The Austrian property market is projected to reach over $3.2 trillion in value by 2028. Austria is one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world, attracting thousands of investors yearly. By investing in its real estate sector, you can become a part of its rich history and enjoy all the financial gains along the way.
Buying apartments in major cities such as Vienna is the best investment for those who want to be a part of the Austrian community. Austria provides various benefits to its residents like a stable economy, great location, and high-quality education.
In this article, you will learn about the Austrian market dynamic and why this country is worth your attention when it comes to property investments.
Vienna Is One of the Most Promising Investment Destinations
Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe. The city has a developed economy, a high standard of living, and a rich history and culture. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vienna is the best city to live in. In 2023, it was ranked first in the annual Global Livability Index.
Although property prices in Vienna rose substantially between 2015 and 2021, you still can find lots of property for sale in Austria well below those in other European capitals like London and Paris.
Below we outline the reasons why we think Austria at large is a decent option in terms of real estate investment.
Stable Economy and Developed Industry
The Austrian economy is deemed one of the most stable in Europe. The country relies on a very strong network of export-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The country’s output expanded strongly in the first half of 2022, driven by significant private consumption. The overall growth was estimated at 4.7%.
Austrians enjoy one of the highest GDP per capita in the world—over $58,000. Austria also has an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is one of the lowest percentages among European countries.
The country has a highly skilled labor force and has managed to attract various foreign investments. In particular, it has a $1.6 trillion annual trade relationship with the US, which is one of the largest trade volumes in the world.
The country’s economy is based on high-tech electronics and automotive manufacturing, service sectors like banking and tourism, and agriculture. It creates a demand for labor and raises the standard of living in Austria, which has a positive impact on the real estate market.
Developed Healthcare and Education Systems
The Austrian healthcare system has been steadily included in the top spots by the WHO rankings. The country also has a well-developed education system, with 26 international schools and the University of Vienna being ranked 151st in the best universities worldwide list.
Sophisticated healthcare and education systems in Austria provide a high level of specialist training and a standard of life to its residents. It increases the number of people wanting to move there and, therefore, demand for housing also rises yearly.
Strategic Location in the Center of Europe
Austria’s residents can easily move around the country and quickly reach other European countries with the help of public transport. Austria has a well-developed transport infrastructure, including U-Bahn, airports, railway networks, buses, and trams. Vienna’s airport is the 17th largest in Europe. It has direct flights to more than 190 destinations worldwide.
Important roads like the West Autobahn and Süd Autobahn are connected with Germany’s autobahn and Italian highway networks. The country also has many beautiful places to visit, like the famous Austrian Alps, which provide lots of opportunities for hiking and skiing throughout the year.
The location of Vienna opens up great opportunities for travelers and business professionals. It increases Austria’s attractiveness to investors who are considering buying rental properties.
Since 2020, Vienna has been implementing the VIENNA 2030 — Economy & Innovation strategy of economic and innovative development. It aims to improve the city’s infrastructure, strengthening the status of Vienna as a business location. The strategy identifies six key areas:
- digitalization;
- introduction of smart solutions for an urban lifestyle in the city of the 21st century;
- high-tech healthcare facilities available to every citizen;
- international cooperation;
- implementation of high-tech solutions at industrial enterprises;
- strengthening the image of Vienna as a cultural capital by creating conditions for the development of culture and creativity.
The VIENNA 2030 strategy will make Vienna a more attractive location for living and doing business. It will lead to an increase in the population from the influx of new residents and investors.
Natural Resources, Ecology, and Healthy Lifestyle
Austria is rich in natural resources like forests, mountains, and lakes. This makes it a great place to live and enjoy the outdoors. The country’s clean environment is also a big factor when considering why people would want to buy property in Austria.
Most green areas and parks in Austria are free of charge to visit. Vienna also offers a developed network of cycle paths with a total length of 1,721 km, which is constantly growing.
In Summary
Austria has many prospects for those viewing its property options. From its rich natural resources and infrastructure to constant economic strengthening and healthcare developments — Austria should be out there among the top destinations for those looking to invest in the real estate sector.