Why is renting often better than buying in Vienna?

Vienna has some of the strongest tenant protections in the world, including rent control (Richtwert) for older buildings (Altbau). Renters enjoy low costs and indefinite contracts, while buyers face high purchase prices and significant upfront fees (~10%).

What are the 'Kaufnebenkosten' (Purchase Fees) in Vienna?

Buying property in Austria is expensive due to fees. Expect to pay ~10-12% on top of the purchase price: 3.5% Transfer Tax (Grunderwerbsteuer), 1.1% Registration Fee, ~3.6% Broker Fee, and ~1-3% Legal/Notary fees.

Is 2025 a good time to buy property in Vienna?

With rental yields hovering around 3.5% and mortgage rates similar at ~3.5%, the financial incentive to buy is weak. Unless you are buying a new build for long-term residency, renting and investing the 20% down payment + 10% fees in the stock market often yields superior wealth.

🇦🇹 Vienna Edition

Vienna 2025: The "10% Fee Trap" of Buying

⚠️ Warning: Buying costs 10% in upfront fees. See why the "Vienna Model" and Rent Control make renting a powerful wealth builder.

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