Law & Taxes
Real Estate Transfer Tax in Austria 2026: Purchases, Gifts and Inheritance
3.5 Percent or Progressive Rate? How Acquisition Types, Property Value and Previous Transfers Affect Austrian Real Estate Transfer Tax.
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Apartment Smaller Than Agreed: Purchase Price Reduction in Austria
Which floor-area figure applies, how is the reduction in value calculated, and which documents are helpful? A guide for buyers dealing with missing square metres.
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Real Estate Valuation in Austria: How Much Is Your House or Apartment Worth?
Which factors determine a property’s value? Learn about valuation methods, important documents and the limitations of an initial price estimate.
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Purchase Offer and Preliminary Agreement in Austria: Binding Effect, Reservations, and Withdrawal
Purchase Offer, Preliminary Agreement, or Reservation: Find Out When a Binding Obligation Arises, Which Reservations Matter, and What to Check in the Event of Withdrawal.
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Law & Taxes
Buyer-Pays Principle for Commercial Real Estate: Who Pays the Commission?
Does the buyer-pays principle also apply to offices, retail premises, and warehouses? The role the type of use plays and what you should check before entering into a brokerage agreement.
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Real Estate Agent Commission in Transactions Involving Ownership Interests: Own Transactions and Close Relationships
When does an ownership interest rule out a real estate agent’s commission? A clear explanation of how to distinguish an own transaction, an economic connection, and the required disclosure of close relationships.
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Law & Taxes
The Land Registry Consent Declaration in Austrian Property Purchases: Why Careful Review Matters
The "Aufsandserklärung" (land registry consent declaration) determines whether a transfer of ownership can actually be recorded in the land register. This article explains its structure, common pitfalls, and typical errors when reviewing this declaration in an Austrian property purchase.
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Buying
Closing Costs in Austria: What Really Adds Up When Buying Property
Real estate transfer tax, land registry fees, notary and agent commission: anyone buying a property in Austria pays noticeably more than the purchase price alone. This guide explains the amount, timing and savings potential of these additional costs.
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Financing
KIM Regulation 2026: What Applies Now to Real Estate Financing?
The KIM Regulation shaped mortgage lending in Austria for years. Here's an overview of what applies since it expired, which rules banks apply today, and what buyers should watch out for in 2026.
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Law & Taxes
Foreign Landlords in Austria: Tax Liability and Double Taxation Treaties Explained
Anyone living abroad who rents out a flat or house in Austria is subject to limited tax liability here. This article explains the basics, double taxation treaties and typical pitfalls at a glance.
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Law & Taxes
Fixed Price in Construction Contracts: When Are Extra Costs Allowed Despite a Fixed Price?
A fixed price in a construction contract sounds like security, but it doesn't protect against every additional claim. This article explains when extra costs are legally permissible despite a fixed price and what builders in Austria should watch out for.
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Law & Taxes
Right of Way by Prescription: When Neighborhood Paths Become a Legal Claim
Anyone who has used a path across someone else's land for decades eventually wonders whether that use has created a legal right. This article explains the requirements, evidence, and typical points of dispute around acquisitive prescription in Austria.
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Renovation & Construction
Energy Efficiency in Renovation: What Really Matters Today
Rising energy prices and new regulations are changing how houses are renovated and valued. A practical overview of measures, costs, and subsidies in Austria — for anyone planning concretely rather than just reading buzzwords.
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Law & Taxes
Broker Liability in Property Purchases: False Statements, Defects, Damages
Anyone who buys a property and later discovers misleading information quickly asks: is the broker liable for that? This article maps out the legal basis, its limits, and typical scenarios.
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Renting
Fixed-Term Leases 2026: The Five-Year Trap in Detail
Fixed-term leases seem flexible, but they hide deadline traps for both landlords and tenants. Knowing the rules of the Austrian Tenancy Act (MRG) helps avoid costly mistakes around renewal, termination, and rent.
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Financing
Equity, Loan Payment, Term: How to Plan Your Property Financing
Equity, monthly payment and loan term together determine whether property financing is sustainable. This article lays out the connections in plain terms and shows what matters when planning a purchase in Austria.
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Law & Taxes
Real Estate Agent Regulation: The Documents and Costs You Should Expect
What the Real Estate Agent Regulation (Immobilienmaklerverordnung) means for buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in Austria — from disclosure obligations through the agency agreement to commission levels. An overview before engaging an agent.
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Law & Taxes
Real Estate Broker Contracts in Distance Sales: Right of Withdrawal and Commission-Free Purchase
Buying or selling property through a broker online? Distance sales contracts follow stricter rules than traditional broker agreements. Withdrawal rights, commission-free terms, and disclosure obligations carry significant financial and legal consequences — this guide clarifies what you need to know.
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Law & Taxes
Enforcing House Rules in Apartment Ownership: Resolution, Evidence and Injunction
A house rule is only effective if it has been properly adopted and consistently enforced when violations occur. We show how property managers and apartment owners must proceed — and which mistakes trigger costly legal disputes.
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Law & Taxes
Foreign Company Purchasing Real Estate: Land Transfer Law, Representation and Registration
When a foreign company wants to purchase an Austrian property, special rules apply: the Land Transfer Act (Grundverkehrsgesetz), representation requirements, and register checks must be observed. This guide shows you what to watch for and how to avoid delays.
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Financing
Sale and lease back in real estate in Austria: Unlock liquidity while continuing to use the property
Sale and lease back can provide owners with quick access to capital without removing the property from their business or personal use. Key factors include the lease agreement, pricing structure, and tax implications.
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Law & Taxes
Real Estate in Insolvency in Austria: Opportunities, Risks and Procedures
When owners or companies become insolvent, a property can quickly turn into an asset for liquidation. Anyone looking to buy, sell or lease should understand the procedures, responsibilities and typical pitfalls.
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Short-Term Rentals in Austria: Rules, Opportunities, and Pitfalls for Owners and Tenants
Short-term rentals in Austria are legally and practically more complex than traditional rental agreements. Anyone renting out or renting a furnished property on a temporary basis should clarify zoning regulations, house rules, taxes, and contract details in advance.
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Buying
Real Estate Purchase Agreement in Austria: What Really Matters – from Offer to Land Register.
The purchase agreement is the legal core of every real estate transaction in Austria. Understanding the process, typical clauses, and associated costs helps avoid costly misunderstandings.
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Law & Taxes
Real Estate Capital Gains Tax in Austria: How Much Tax Is Actually Due When Selling a Property?
Anyone selling a property in Austria often needs to account for real estate capital gains tax (ImmoESt). Key factors include the acquisition date, type of use, applicable exemptions, and well-prepared documentation.
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