Buyer guide · Austria
New-build residential property in Tyrol and the Innsbruck region.
Buying property in Austria works differently from the UK, the Netherlands or the US: land-transfer rules are set by each federal state, a trustee handles the money and ownership only passes with the entry in the land register. This guide explains the process, the rules for foreign buyers and the costs – and shows which new-build property we currently have for sale in Tyrol.
The basics
An Austrian property purchase has three pillars: the purchase contract, the trustee and the land register (Grundbuch). The contract is drawn up by a notary or a lawyer, who usually also acts as trustee (Treuhänder): the purchase price is paid into a trust account and released to the seller only once your ownership is secured.
Legally, you become the owner with the entry in the land register – not with the signature. Before that entry, Tyrol also checks whether the acquisition complies with the state’s land-transfer law (Grundverkehrsgesetz). For new-build property bought from a developer (Bauträger), the Bauträgervertragsgesetz (BTVG) adds a layer of protection: payments are linked to construction progress or secured in another way set out in the contract.
Foreign buyers
In principle yes – but the rules depend on your citizenship. Property law is a matter for the federal states, so what follows describes the situation in Tyrol.
Citizens of the EU and the European Economic Area are generally treated like Austrian citizens when buying property. In Tyrol, the transaction usually still has to be declared to the land-transfer authority (Grundverkehrsbehörde) – including a declaration on how the property will be used.
For buyers from outside the EU and EEA – including the United Kingdom since Brexit – acquiring property generally requires approval from the Grundverkehrsbehörde. Approval is not automatic: the authority assesses each case individually, and factors such as a residence permit and use as a main residence can play a role.
There is no blanket guarantee for any nationality. Have your individual situation checked by a notary or lawyer before you commit.
Permitted use
Tyrol distinguishes clearly between how a home is used. This matters more than in most other European regions – and it decides which property is right for you.
The home where your life is centred and where you are registered with your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz). This is the standard use for new-build apartments.
A second home used for work, training or similar everyday purposes (Nebenwohnsitz). This is not the same as a holiday home.
A home used for holidays, weekends or leisure is only permitted in Tyrol where the property is specifically designated for it. New holiday-home designations are heavily restricted. Using an ordinary residential apartment as a holiday home is not permitted and can lead to fines and enforcement.
Our apartments are offered for residential use, not as holiday homes. Municipalities in Tyrol may also levy a charge on homes that are left empty for long periods.
Purchase costs
On top of the purchase price, some costs are fixed by law and others depend on the contract. We deliberately do not quote a total percentage – it depends on the property, the financing and the fees you agree.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) | 3.5 % of the purchase price | Set by law |
| Land register fee (Eintragungsgebühr) | 1.1 % of the purchase price | Set by law, for registering ownership |
| Contract, trustee & legal costs | By agreement | Fee of the notary or lawyer – ask for a quote in advance |
| Financing costs | Depends on the lender | Only with a mortgage; the registration of a mortgage costs 1.2 % of the loan amount |
| Broker fee | Only where applicable | Only if a broker is involved; capped by law – check the individual property page |
Financing
Austrian financing can be possible for foreign buyers, but there is no standard answer. Banks decide case by case, and the main factors are:
We do not arrange loans. Talk to an Austrian bank or a licensed credit adviser early, ideally before you reserve a property.
Where to buy
Nine federal states, each with its own land-transfer rules. Demand is concentrated in Vienna, Salzburg and Tyrol – and in the Alpine regions, where building land is scarce.
The heart of the Austrian Alps. Much of what international buyers find under “Austrian Alps property for sale” is here – but Tyrol also has the strictest rules on holiday homes. For everyday living, it offers mountains, a strong economy and good infrastructure.
Innsbruck is Tyrol’s capital, a university city with an airport and motorway links to Germany and Italy. Inside the city, new-build property is scarce and expensive; the towns of the surrounding Inn valley in the district of Innsbruck-Land are the natural alternative.
Developer
MCE Baukonzepte is a Tyrolean property developer based in Hall in Tirol, a few minutes east of Innsbruck. We develop selected residential projects in the Innsbruck region and sell the apartments directly.
For international buyers, that means one contact from the first enquiry to handover – in English, German or Dutch.
About MCE BaukonzepteCurrent property
Our current new-build apartments for sale in Austria – at the moment in Tyrol, in the Innsbruck region.
Visualisation
Step by step
Compare location, size and use – and check that the intended use is permitted.
Floor plans, building specification and price list; for new builds also the payment plan.
Your notary or lawyer checks the contract, the land register and the land-transfer requirements.
Signing of the contract; the trustee handles the purchase price and the registration.
Payment into the trust account – for new builds in instalments according to the BTVG.
Entry in the land register and handover of the completed apartment.
FAQ
Yes, in principle. EU and EEA citizens are generally treated like Austrians; buyers from other countries usually need approval from the land-transfer authority of the federal state. In Tyrol, every transaction is checked against the Tyrolean land-transfer law.
Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals. Buying property in Tyrol therefore generally requires approval from the Grundverkehrsbehörde, which assesses each case individually. It is not automatic – have your situation checked before you reserve a property.
EU and EEA citizens do not need Austrian residency to buy. If you want to live in the apartment, you register it as your main residence. For non-EU buyers, a residence permit and the intended use can be relevant to the approval.
Fixed by law: 3.5 % property transfer tax and a 1.1 % land register fee. On top come the fees for contract and trustee, financing costs if you take out a mortgage and – only where a broker is involved – a broker fee.
It can be possible. Austrian banks decide individually based on equity, income, residence status and the property. Speak to a bank or credit adviser early.
Only if it is specifically designated as a holiday home (Freizeitwohnsitz). Ordinary residential apartments in Tyrol may not be used as holiday homes. Our apartments are offered for residential use.
The Grundbuch is the public register of all properties and rights, kept by the district courts. It shows the property, the owner and any charges such as mortgages. You become the legal owner only once you are entered there.
Largely, yes. Documents can be exchanged digitally, and you can sign via a power of attorney or have your signature certified by a notary abroad (with an apostille where required). A personal viewing before you buy is still recommended.
We mainly develop apartments. Our current project in Volders, however, can also be bought as a whole – all three units together, around 173 m² of living space with balconies, terraces and a roof terrace, for use as a single-family home. If you are looking for houses for sale in Austria, ask us about this option.
Orientation only – not legal, tax or financial advice.
Tell us what you are looking for. We will send you the documents for our current property – without obligation.