Buying a flat

Owner-occupied flat (Eigentumswohnung)

Owning a flat in Vienna means that you own a specific part of an entire property (Gesamtliegenschaft). The purchase of a flat has to be registered in the land register (Grundbuch). We recommend that you consult a notary public or lawyer in this subject matter. When buying a house or a flat you should calculate additional costs of approximately ten percent of the purchase price for lawyers, taxes, real estate agents and financing.

The exact size of your flat and the size of the common areas, which you have to share with your neighbours, are outlined in the land register (Grundbuch). Important rights and duties are specified in a joint contract (Gemeinschaftsvertrag). This contract regulates which costs you have to cover when things in the building need to be repaired. It also specifies, amongst other things, your voting rights within the housing community.

If you wish to acquire a property in Vienna as a non-citizen of the European Union, you need a permit from Municipal Department 35 - Immigration and Citizenship MA 35. This department is the competent property transfer authority (Grundverkehrsbehörde) in Vienna.

Contact

• Municipal Department 35 - Immigration and Citizenship Fachbereich Einwanderung Business Immigration Office - MA 35 (German)
  (immigration office for first applications)
• 1200 Vienna, Dresdner Straße 93 / Block C
  Public transport information
• Phone: +43 1 4000 35272
• E-mail: businessimmigration@ma35.wien.gv.at
• Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 am to 12 noon. Extended opening hours on Thursday, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm