Property templates and checklistsAustria

Reviewed October 28, 2026. Not legal advice. Have a notary or lawyer check your case before you sign.

Buying

1
Make a written offer (Kaufanbot)
The buyer signs an offer, often on the agent's form. It binds the buyer for the period it states. If the seller accepts in time, the sale is binding.
2
A drafter writes the contract
A notary or a lawyer (Vertragserrichter) drafts the purchase contract (Kaufvertrag). The law does not require a notarial deed.
3
Certified signatures and consent
The land register (Grundbuch) accepts the contract only with certified signatures and the seller's express consent to the registration (Aufsandungserklärung).
4
Price into a trust account
The drafter usually acts as trustee (Treuhänder). The buyer pays the price into the drafter's trust account.
5
Transfer tax and filing
The drafter self-assesses and pays the 3.5% real estate transfer tax and files the application with the land register.
6
Ownership on registration
The buyer becomes owner only on registration in the Grundbuch. The drafter pays the seller after the buyer is registered.
7
Permit for non-EU buyers
Buyers who are not EU or EEA citizens usually need a permit or a confirmation under the land transfer law of the federal state (Bundesland).

Main law: The Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) governs most flat leases.
MRG in full: Older rental buildings. The cap is usually the Bundesland's reference rent (Richtwert). A fixed term cuts it by 25%.
MRG in part or not at all: In part: newer buildings, many owner-occupied flats. None: houses with up to 2 units, holiday homes, some short lets.
Fixed term: Must be in writing. Since 1 January 2026, at least 5 years if the landlord is a business, 3 if not.
Tenant's notice, fixed lease: After the first year, 3 months' notice to the end of a month.
Landlord's notice: Only through the court, for a reason the MRG lists.
Indexation (MRG flats): Since 1 January 2026, once a year on 1 April. Inflation above 3% counts only by half (Mieten-Wertsicherungsgesetz).
Agent's fee: The tenant pays it only if the tenant hired the agent.