Austria – Finding Property to Rent

Where do most expats rent in Austria, and why are these areas popular?

The large majority of newcomers settling in Austria gravitate towards the country’s principal cities, where employment prospects are stronger and social infrastructure more developed. Vienna is the overwhelming first choice, though Graz, Salzburg, Linz, and Innsbruck each have sizeable, established foreign communities.

As Austria’s capital, Vienna draws expats from around the globe, and for good reason. Its exceptional public transport network, outstanding healthcare system, low crime rates, and cosmopolitan character make it one of the most liveable cities in the world. Its reputation for quality education, career opportunities, and cultural richness only adds to its appeal.

Vienna is a city defined by its districts — each Bezirk carries a number and a name, and your choice of neighbourhood will shape your day-to-day experience considerably. Below is a brief guide to the districts most frequently chosen by newcomers:

• 1st District (Innere Stadt): The historic heart of Vienna, home to landmarks such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. While luxury apartment developments have emerged behind preserved historic frontages, rental availability is limited and prices are the highest in the city.
• 2nd District (Leopoldstadt): An attractive option for internationally-minded renters who want central living without the steep price tag of the 1st District. It borders the Danube and benefits from strong public transport connections.
• 6th, 7th & 8th Districts (Mariahilf, Neubau, Josefstadt): Mariahilf suits expats who want to settle in quickly — it blends long-term locals with newer arrivals in a generally family-friendly environment. Neubau (7th) has a distinct creative and cultural character and is a favourite among young professionals.
• 13th & 19th Districts (Hietzing and Döbling): These districts are home to several well-regarded international schools and nurseries, making them a natural draw for families relocating from abroad. Houses rather than apartments are more readily available here, and there are numerous attractive parks in the vicinity.
• 18th District (Währing): Währing is notable for hosting the American International School Vienna, the Vienna International School, and the University College of Teacher Education Vienna. The combination of good schools, a suburban atmosphere, and accessible green spaces makes it particularly appealing to families and educators.
• 5th District (Margareten): A residential neighbourhood characterised by leafy streets, elegant Viennese architecture, and a relaxed café culture. Rents here are more moderate, with one-bedroom apartments typically ranging between roughly €1,500 and €2,200 per month (as of 2025).

Beyond Vienna, Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its Baroque streetscapes and commitment to sustainable transport, consistently ranking among Austria’s most environmentally progressive cities. Graz, the country’s second-largest city with a population exceeding 440,000, is a natural draw for students owing to its dense concentration of universities and enjoys a milder climate thanks to its southerly position — though it is considerably less international in character than Vienna, which can be a drawback for newly arrived expats.

What are the main property rental websites in Austria?

Most property searches begin online, with the large portals willhaben.at, immowelt.at, and immobilienscout24.at forming the core of the market. Both local residents and new arrivals rely on these platforms. Below is an overview of the most widely used sites:

• willhaben.at: Austria’s biggest general classifieds and property website, with more rental listings than any other platform. It includes private landlord advertisements as well as agency listings — look for “Provisionsfrei” (commission-free) entries if you want to avoid agency fees. The site operates primarily in German.
• immobilienscout24.at: The Austrian branch of a prominent pan-European property network, ImmobilienScout24 provides comprehensive listings alongside neighbourhood insights and rental price data. Anyone familiar with equivalent platforms in Germany will find it immediately recognisable.
• immowelt.at: A major rental portal with a broad inventory covering all Austrian cities. The interface is primarily in German but is straightforward to navigate with a browser translation tool.
• derstandard.at/immobilien: The property section of Der Standard, Austria’s leading quality daily newspaper. Alongside Willhaben and ImmobilienScout24, it is one of the three platforms most consistently recommended for apartment searches in Vienna.
• HousingAnywhere: A platform designed specifically for international movers and students, with listings available in English. It is one of the go-to specialist sites for foreigners used alongside the mainstream Austrian portals.
• Spotahome: An international lettings platform offering Vienna listings with virtual tour functionality, available in English — a practical option for those who want to begin their search before arriving in Austria.

If your German is limited, navigating local property portals can feel daunting, but it remains very achievable. Browser-based translation tools help considerably, and it is worth memorising a handful of key terms before you start: “Kalt” (rent without utilities), “Warm” (rent inclusive of utilities), “Altbau” (pre-war building), and “Neubau” (modern construction) will come up repeatedly.

Are there letting agencies or relocation agents for expats in Austria?

The Austrian rental market is largely agency-driven, meaning most flats are let through registered estate agents. Many newcomers find that using an agent is well worth the cost — not only does it remove the language barrier, but a good agent brings genuine local market knowledge that can save time and prevent expensive mistakes.

Several agencies and relocation specialists have built strong reputations within the expat community:

• Recom Relocation: A Vienna-based consultancy focused on guiding international arrivals through the Austrian rental process, including explanations of tenancy law, contract terminology, and the residence registration procedure.
• Crown Consulting: Crown Consulting assists with property searches as well as residence permit registration and broader relocation support.
• Immototal: A European real estate agency based in Vienna that concentrates on luxury rentals — flats, houses, and land plots — across Austria.
• Knight Frank Austria: The Austrian arm of the global property consultancy, Knight Frank is well established in the premium residential and commercial letting market.
• ecoplus International (for Lower Austria): ecoplus International has received positive mentions from newly arrived expats for its introductory guidance on the Austrian property market, its recommendations for useful housing platforms, and its support in facilitating communication with estate agents.

A significant legal reform took effect on 1 July 2023. Under the newly introduced “Bestellerprinzip” (procurer principle), the party who engages the agent is the one who must pay the commission — in practice this is usually the landlord. Tenants are only liable for the commission if they personally instruct an agent to find them a property. Importantly, the fee does not become payable until the tenancy agreement has been signed, meaning no money should change hands with an agent before that point.

Commission is subject to statutory caps: for fixed-term contracts of up to three years, the maximum chargeable is one times the gross monthly rent plus 20% VAT; for contracts running longer than three years or open-ended tenancies, the cap is two times the gross monthly rent plus 20% VAT (as of 2025). Always confirm the current figures with official sources or a qualified letting professional.

What other ways can expats find rental properties in Austria?

Beyond the major portals and letting agencies, a range of alternative channels can be valuable — particularly if you are searching from overseas or need somewhere to stay on a temporary basis while you settle in.

• Facebook groups: Communities such as “Expats in Vienna,” “Vienna Expats,” and “Flats & Rooms Vienna” are active spaces where landlords and outgoing tenants post listings, frequently in English. These groups can be a useful source of sublet arrangements and short-term rental options.
• Subletting (Untermiete): Subletting an already-let room or flat is lawful throughout Austria. Given that standard leases run for three years, it is not unusual to find a tenant with a year or two remaining on their contract who is happy to hand it over directly — sometimes with basic furnishings included.
• Short-term rentals as a stepping stone: Taking short-term accommodation while looking for a long-term home allows you to explore different neighbourhoods before committing to a multi-year lease, and is generally more cost-effective than extended hotel stays.
• Corporate relocation services: Major employers — especially international corporations, multinational firms, and UN-affiliated organisations in Vienna — often include housing assistance as part of relocation packages. If you are moving to Austria for work, establish early on whether your employer provides this kind of support.
• Expat forums and community websites: Online expat communities are a rich source of neighbourhood recommendations, candid assessments of landlords, and practical advice on negotiating leases and dealing with challenges specific to Austria. Sites such as Expat.com Austria and Expat Arrivals Austria host active discussion forums.
• University housing offices: Students and academics should be aware that the OeAD-Housing Office offers fully furnished accommodation throughout the academic year and during the summer period.

What should expats expect from the rental application process in Austria?

Securing a rental in Austria — particularly in high-demand cities like Vienna and Salzburg — is a competitive process in which landlords routinely have multiple applicants to choose from. Being well prepared and ready to act promptly is essential.

1. Search and shortlist: Begin with the main portals and agency websites to build a shortlist of properties that fit your budget and requirements. Bear in mind that certain periods are especially competitive — September in particular, when the start of the academic year brings a surge of students into the market.
2. Attend viewings: Desirable properties in busy areas attract interest rapidly. Viewing in person — or arranging a virtual showing if you are still outside Austria — is strongly advisable before submitting any application.
3. Prepare your documents: A standard application requires proof of identity, your Austrian visa if applicable, and either evidence of employment or a student ID, all to be submitted through your agent to the landlord. You will typically also need three recent payslips (Lohnzettel) from a European employer as proof of financial standing. Previous landlord references may additionally be requested.
4. Submit a rental offer (Mietanbot): The standard letting process follows five stages: searching, applying, submitting a rental offer (Mietanbot), signing the lease (Mietvertrag), and taking possession of the property. The Mietanbot is a formal written statement of your intention to rent — once countersigned by the landlord, it carries legal force.
5. Sign the lease: Review your lease thoroughly and arrange a professional translation if needed. It is important to understand whether you are entering a primary tenancy (Hauptmiete) or a subletting arrangement (Untermiete), since primary tenancies carry significantly stronger legal protections.
6. Register your address (Meldezettel): All residents in Austria are legally obliged to register at the local registration authority (Meldebehörde) within three days of moving into a property. This registration — recorded on the Meldezettel form — is a prerequisite for almost every subsequent bureaucratic step in the country.

The requirement to provide payslips from a European employer can create difficulties for those who have not yet started work in Austria. If you are in this position, a formal employment offer letter, recent bank statements demonstrating adequate savings, or a guarantor may help bolster your application. While holding a local bank account is not always a strict prerequisite in the way it might be in other countries, it will make paying rent more straightforward once you are installed.

What are the typical costs involved in renting in Austria?

Moving into a rental property in Austria involves a range of one-off costs on top of your first month’s rent. Understanding these in advance will help you plan your finances accurately.

Given that the standard lease runs for three years, a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent for each year is common practice — making a three-month deposit the norm. The standard notice period is likewise three months (as of 2025). For confirmation of current legal limits, consult a local letting agent or the Mietervereinigung (Tenants’ Association).

The advertised rent figure is rarely the full picture. You will need to differentiate between the base rent (Nettomiete), operating costs (Betriebskosten), heating charges (Heizkosten), and the 10% VAT applied to residential lets. Electricity, gas, and internet are usually billed separately and contracted directly by the tenant.

In Vienna, the average total rent per square metre including utilities reached approximately €10 in the first quarter of 2025, with the net rent averaging around €7.50/m² and operating costs accounting for roughly €2.50/m². These figures vary considerably depending on the district, building type, and whether the property is furnished or not.

Contents insurance is another cost to factor in — it provides cover against theft and damage to your belongings, and a number of landlords will make it a condition of the tenancy that you arrange this cover before moving in.

What types of rental contract are common in Austria?

There are two principal forms of residential tenancy agreement in Austria, and grasping the distinction between them before committing to anything is strongly advisable.

• Befristeter Mietvertrag (fixed-term contract): A contract with a defined end date — most commonly three years. Rents on fixed-term agreements are often marginally lower. Once the term expires, the contract may be renewed or the tenant will be expected to vacate.
• Unbefristeter Mietvertrag (open-ended contract): A rolling tenancy with no predetermined end date, allowing the tenant to remain in the property indefinitely subject to the terms of the agreement. This type of contract provides the greatest security of tenure but can be harder to obtain in a tight market.

Fixed-term contracts typically run for three to five years. Once signed, early termination is generally not possible without financial penalty unless a break clause was specifically negotiated at the outset. If there is any chance you may need to leave before the contract expires, insist on having a break clause included before you sign.

Austrian tenancy law rests on two key pieces of legislation: the General Civil Code (ABGB) and the Tenancy Act (Mietrechtsgesetz or MRG). The MRG is the more significant of the two for most tenants — it caps rents, strictly defines the grounds on which a landlord may terminate a tenancy, and establishes a series of protections that cannot lawfully be contracted away to the tenant’s disadvantage.

However, the MRG’s full protections are not universal. They apply primarily to pre-World War II “Altbau” buildings containing multiple residential units — a category that encompasses a large proportion of Vienna’s housing stock. Whether the MRG applies to your property in full, in part, or not at all will depend on factors including the year of construction, how the building was financed, and its configuration. Always ask your agent or landlord explicitly which provisions apply to the specific property you are considering.

Rental contracts in Austria are almost invariably drawn up in German. If you are not confident reading legal German, commission a professional translator to review the document before you sign — machine translation is not reliable enough for a legally binding agreement of this importance.

What are the legal rights and protections for tenants in Austria?

Austria’s property law framework is broadly protective of tenants. Rent control provisions apply to a substantial portion of the housing stock, and the legal procedures governing tenancy relationships are clearly prescribed — a marked contrast to more deregulated markets elsewhere in Europe.

The principal laws that tenants should be aware of include:

• Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG): The Austrian Tenancy Act governs rent increases, eviction procedures, contract duration, and a range of other matters central to the landlord-tenant relationship.
• Wiener Wohnbauförderungs- und Wohnhaussanierungsgesetz (WGG): A Vienna-specific law providing additional protections for tenants in the capital, including restrictions on rent increases and rules relating to the renovation of rental properties.
• Konsumentenschutzgesetz (KSchG — Consumer Protection Act): Applicable to all consumer transactions, including tenancy agreements, the KSchG sets standards for information disclosure and prohibits unfair contract terms.

The majority of rented dwellings in Vienna fall under the MRG, which among other things imposes a ceiling on the rent that may be charged. The City of Vienna official website provides guidance on tenancy law in English.

Should a dispute with a landlord arise, the following organisations are available to assist:

• Mietervereinigung Österreichs (Austrian Tenants’ Association): Once you have your lease, you can approach the Mietervereinigung for legal guidance, contract reviews, and support in resolving disputes. It is widely considered the most important resource for tenants across Austria.
• Arbeiterkammer (Chamber of Labour): The AK provides free tenancy law advice to employed residents and also offers an online commission calculator to verify whether any agency fees charged to you fall within the legal limits.
• District Courts (Bezirksgericht): Formal tenancy disputes in Austria are adjudicated by the district courts. Many rent-related disputes concerning MRG-protected properties can also be referred to the Schlichtungsstelle — a conciliation body run by the City of Vienna — as a first step before pursuing court proceedings.
• oesterreich.gv.at: The official Austrian government portal provides further information on engaging estate agents and on tenant rights more generally.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners rent property freely in Austria?

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, as well as third-country nationals, are all entitled to rent accommodation in Austria. There are no restrictions based on nationality. The main practical hurdles tend to be documentary — above all proof of income — and the fact that the entire rental process is conducted in German.

What upfront costs should I budget for when renting in Austria?

You should set aside the equivalent of at least three to four months’ rent to cover initial outgoings. This will typically encompass the first month’s rent, a security deposit of two to three months’ gross rent, and — if you personally engaged the letting agent — a commission of up to two months’ gross rent plus VAT for longer contracts (as of 2025). Monthly operating costs (Betriebskosten) will also be added to your base rent throughout the tenancy. Always confirm the current amounts with a local agent or official source, as figures are subject to change.

Are furnished properties common in Austria?

Unfurnished flats are the norm in Austria, and “unfurnished” often means entirely empty — do not expect built-in wardrobes or fitted bathrooms as standard. Partly furnished listings do exist, but fully furnished properties are less common and typically carry a price premium; they appear most frequently on short-term letting or serviced apartment platforms.

How long does it usually take to find and secure a rental property in Austria?

Although the regulatory framework is well defined, the practical reality — particularly in Vienna — is that demand frequently outstrips supply. Attractive properties in popular districts can disappear within days of being listed. Having all your paperwork ready in advance and being prepared to make a swift decision after a viewing will give you a meaningful advantage. From beginning your search to receiving the keys, a realistic timeframe is four to eight weeks.

What is the Meldezettel, and why does it matter?

The Meldezettel is the official document that records your registration of residence in Austria. Every person who moves into a property is legally required to register at the local Meldebehörde (registration authority) within three days of arrival. Failure to do so will make it very difficult to open a bank account, access public services, or complete other essential administrative procedures. Your landlord must sign the Meldezettel before you submit it to the registration office.

What is the difference between Altbau and Neubau properties?

Altbau refers to buildings constructed before World War II, the majority of which fall under the rent-control provisions of the MRG, giving tenants robust legal protection. These properties are often characterised by high ceilings and period architectural features. Neubau describes modern developments, which typically offer better insulation and contemporary amenities but may fall outside the scope of MRG rent controls — leaving landlords with greater freedom to set rents at market rates.

How can I avoid rental scams when searching for property in Austria?

Stick to established platforms such as willhaben.at and immobilienscout24.at, and deal only with registered agencies. Exercise caution with any listing that requests a deposit prior to a property viewing or before a contract has been signed. Remember that agency commission is not legally payable until the tenancy agreement is executed — advance payments to an agent should never be made. If you are uncertain about an agency’s credentials, check its registration with the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO).

Is it possible to negotiate rent in Austria?

For properties within the scope of the MRG — which covers most rented flats in Vienna — statutory rent ceilings apply, leaving limited room for negotiation. In newer builds and premium properties that fall outside MRG regulation, there is considerably more scope to discuss terms, particularly if you can demonstrate financial stability or are willing to commit to a longer contract period. As a general rule, the higher the asking rent, the less competition you are likely to face and the more leverage you may have in negotiations.