Finding a comfortable place to live is one of the most important steps when relocating to Austria. Austria provides a broad spectrum of homes to fit various needs and budgets whether your relocation is for business, education, or with family. From chic Vienna flats to small rural homes, the Austrian housing market is orderly but can be competitive—especially in big cities. Knowing the workings of the process will help your search to be more successful and seamless.
Available kinds of accommodation
From rental apartments and shared flats to homes and student dormitories, Austria provides several kinds of lodging. Particularly in cities, rental apartments—Mietwohnungen—are the most often used choice. These can be found either furnished or unfurnished; the latter is more usual. Popular among students and young professionals, shared flats (Wohngemeinschaft or WG) are more reasonably priced and offer social contact. Though these are more usually found in suburban and rural areas, you might want to rent a house if you are moving with family or looking for more privacy. Student dormitories (Studentenheime) are typically the least expensive choice available to students and situated near colleges.
Where one should look for a house
Starting your hunt for accommodation is easiest done online. Popular websites including Willhaben.at, Immobilienscout24.at, Bazar.at, and derStandard.at/Immobilien list thousands of rental houses all around. Websites like OEAD Housing and Studentenwohnheim.at are handy tools for student accommodation. One further choice is to use a real estate agent (Immobilienmakler). Particularly if you do not know the local language or market, agents can assist you in locating appropriate accommodation. But agents usually charge a commission, which could be up to two months’ rent plus 20% VAT.
Comprehending rent agreements and expenses
You will have to sign a rental contract when renting a house in Austria that details terms including monthly rent, deposit, length, and notice period. Usually between two and three months’ rent, the deposit (Kuntu) is refundable at lease end provided damage is not present. Usually consisting of “Miete,” (base rent) and “Betriebskosten,” (operational expenses), monthly rent covers building maintenance, trash disposal, and water. Although occasionally heating and electricity are included, more usually they are separate and must be set up with utility companies. If you are not fluent in German, you should carefully review the contract or get translating assistance. Review the length of the lease—often three years or more—as well as any termination clauses.
Well-known cities and communities
For students and expats, Vienna, the capital, is Austria’s most sought-after city. While Döbling and Hietzing provide more elegant, family-friendly surroundings, neighbourhoods including Neubau, Mariahilf, and Josefstadt are central and energetic. Though Vienna boasts better public transport and facilities than other cities, rents there are more. Attractive cities with growing expat populations and somewhat more reasonably priced housing markets are Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. For those who want a more sedate way of life yet still enjoy metropolitan conveniences, these cities are perfect.
Legal notifications and registration
Austrian law mandates that within three days of moving into your new flat you register your address at the local Meldeamt (registration office). Meldezatel registration is the process used here; you will need a signed form from your landlord. Many bureaucratic procedures—including opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance, or applying for a residence permit—rely on this registration.
Tips for a smooth search
Here are tips that you should consider when searching for accommodation in Austria:
Start early
Particularly in Vienna and university areas, good qualities are much sought for. Start your search far in advance.
Get your paperwork ready
Landlords might ask for a work contract, copy of a passport, or evidence of income.
Be wary of frauds
Send money only once you have seen the property or signed a verified contract.
Know your rights
Legal protections are rather strong for Austrian tenants. Tenant organizations such as Mietervereinigung can provide legal counsel should you experience unfair treatment.
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