It's relatively easy and straight forward to buy property in Austria and every EU citizen has the right to do so, with some restrictions. In some areas (for example the Tyrol) it is only possible if you make it your permanent place of residence. In other areas (including locally, St. Wolfgang and Bad Ischl) it is possible to establish secondary residence.

Firstly, when you have found a property that suits your requirements, you make a formal offer in writing. The UK culture of making an offer differs to the Austrian culture where the offer is legally binding. The offer document is a preliminary contract in which you will find all the significant details about the property, the purchaser and the seller, as well as listing all costs involved in buying the property. Once this offer document has been signed by both the purchaser and the seller, no-one else can buy the property - i.e. (and once again) this offer document is binding.

An important note here is that if either the purchaser or the seller withdraws once the above document is signed then they will be obliged to pay costs which include the Estate Agent's commission and action for breach of contract (and more!).

Of course, assuming all is well, the details are passed to a solicitor who draws up the contract of purchase and forwards you a copy (also available in in English). You can go through this contract in your own time and if you should have any questions whatsoever, we or the solicitor will be available to answer them at any time. As soon as any queries or discrepancies have been sorted out, an appointment will be made for the signing of the contract of purchase. Normally this can take place two weeks after the offer document has been signed. The signing of the contract is done at the solicitor's office in the presence of a notary or directly at the notary's office. René Hafner (Managing Director) and Debbie Graf (Translator) will of course be present to help with any last minute questions.

You will be informed of a trustee account number from the solicitor to which the purchase price and the ancillary expenses (3.5% land acquisition taxes, 1% land registration fee, 3.6% estate agent's fee, 1.8% solicitor's fee and approx. 500 Euros cash expenditure for the notary's and the translator's fees) are to be transferred by the completion date. This means that the money must be in the trustee account by the agreed completion date. The solicitor subsequently ensures that the purchaser has unencumbered title and that the property is registered in the land register. After about four weeks you will be registered in the Austrian land register as the owner of the property. Roughly speaking, this means that within about 6 weeks of signing a formal offer, you are the legal owner of your dream property in Austria.

Should you have any questions or require more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Service charges/maintenance fees (if applicable):
This monthly payment will vary according to the size and type of property. However these fees cover the running costs (overheads) of the apartment and include heating, water, rubbish collection, caretakers fees, any exterior repairs or decoration that may be necessary, the buildings insurance and the garden maintenance.