Accommodation in Austria

Accommodation in Austria offers limited variety, but new arrivals to the country will be pleased to know that the property market has a comfortable supply. 

In Vienna, you'll typically find older apartments in the classical Austrian style. Further afield, more housing options exist, such as modern luxury apartments and standalone houses.

Types of accommodation in Austria

The type of property available to you will depend largely on where in the country you choose to settle, but most experts choose to move to Vienna. Space is limited in Vienna and most of the accommodation options will be studios or apartments. 

Houses and cottages are more likely found in the suburbs or rural parts of Austria rather than in city centres. Regardless of the accommodation type, the standard is generally high, with indoor heating being a standard feature.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most house-sharing options in Austria will be partially furnished, with items like couches and white-label appliances provided. If you're renting an entire apartment, you'll find that these are often unfurnished. If opting for an unfurnished option, shipping furniture to Austria (especially from within the EU) is viable. There are also plenty of excellent furniture stores around (such as IKEA) where you will find everything you need.

Short lets

Thanks to Austria's budding tourism industry, the short lets market in the country has grown significantly. It's easy to rent short-term accommodation on platforms like Airbnb and Cozycozy, where you can manoeuvre the whole process online. 

You may consider renting short-term housing while searching for a long-term rental. Short lets provide expats with an opportunity to explore Austria's neighbourhoods before committing to a long-term lease at an often cheaper price than traditional hotels. 

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Cozycozy

Finding accommodation in Austria

Renting property in Austria is a reasonably straightforward process, as most apartments are rented through real estate agents. Some months are not ideal for looking for accommodation, such as the beginning of the academic year (September). The influx of students from all over Europe at this time of year stiffens the competition.

Unless you speak fluent German, navigating property websites or classifieds sections of newspapers can be challenging, but it's still possible to navigate the online property portals yourself. Still, most newcomers choose to save time by hiring an estate agent. Not only will an agent help you overcome the language barrier, but they also have an intimate knowledge of the local property market, which will be helpful in finding a property that meets your requirements. They charge up to two months' rent for their services.

Useful links

• ImmoScout24
• Ländle Anzeiger
• Idealista

Renting accommodation in Austria

Renting accommodation in Austria is a fairly straightforward process for expats. The hardest part is generally finding a real estate agent, after which it tends to be smooth sailing.

Making an application

The first step of the rental process is viewing properties and then submitting an application once you have one that you like. To apply for a rental property, you must send your proof of identity, Austrian visa, and proof of employment or student ID to your real estate agent, who will submit these to the landlord or their agent. If your application is approved, you will receive a lease for you to sign. 

Leases

Tenants should read their leases carefully. If necessary, have it translated. You should ensure that you understand the difference between a primary lease (hauptmiete) and a subletting contract (untermiete), as a primary leasehold provides greater legal protections. Leases in Austria usually run for at least three years – people living in Vienna tend not to move often because of the expenses involved in finding and securing a lease. 

Deposits

Deposits for rental property in Austria range between two and three months' worth of rent, but can be higher depending on the size of the property. The deposit is generally charged to cover any potential damage to the unit. It is important to keep the unit and any provided appliances undamaged to guarantee that the deposit is fully returned. We recommend taking a detailed inventory of the property when you move in and out to avoid disputes with your landlord or being unfairly charged for normal wear and tear.

Termination of the lease

Leases can be terminated early after a certain period of time, but a written letter detailing the desire to vacate is necessary. You'll typically need to provide at least three months' notice to your landlord before vacating the property. 

Utilities in Austria

Under normal circumstances, you will be responsible for all of your utility bills. That said, it is possible – and probably desirable – to pay a flat monthly fee to your estate agent that covers your rent and all your utility bills (including broadband internet).

We recommend opening an Austrian bank account before you start setting up your utilities to make the process easier. 

Electricity and gas

The electricity and natural gas markets in Austria are deregulated, meaning you can choose between a regional and private supplier. Many of the electricity providers in the country also supply natural gas to those who are connected to the network. 

The easiest option is to remain connected to your regional suppliers, but many Austrians prefer using private suppliers as they provide more flexibility in terms of tariffs. Some of the most popular private suppliers include aWATTar, Verbund, and Energie Steiermark. 

To set up an account with one of these companies, you can reach out to them online, telephonically or in person with your proof of identity (passport or residence permit), proof of address (rental agreement), your Austrian bank account details, and your meter number. The meter number can be found on the meter, or you can simply ask your landlord for the number. We recommend beginning the process a few days before moving in to ensure you have a connection. 

Water

Sourced from alpine springs and natural aquifers, the drinking water in Austria is safe and delicious to drink. Residents won't have a choice when it comes to water suppliers, as this is managed by regional authorities. In Vienna, water is supplied by Wiener Wasser while Salzburg's water is treated and managed by Salzburg AG – Wasserwerke. 

Similarly to electricity, you must contact your regional authority with your contact information, proof of identity, residence, and meter reading to set up your water account. Depending on your municipality, there may also be a site inspection and a connection fee. 

Bins and recycling

Individual municipalities in Austria oversee waste management and recycling, and collection schedules vary across the country. Austria emphasises recycling and separating waste at the source to enhance its recycling efforts.

Typically, organic waste is placed in green bins, paper products must be disposed of in red bins, plastic waste is relegated to yellow bins or bags, and residual waste is placed in black bins. There are also designated containers for glass. In addition to curbside collection, you can find public drop-off points for recyclable waste. It's also easy to request collection for bulk or hazardous waste. 

Internet

Austria's internet infrastructure is excellent, reaching even the rural areas in the country. It's important to do your research and find out about different suppliers before signing a contract. You should consider the speed on offer and what you intend to use the internet for when choosing a supplier. 

Some of the most popular internet service providers (ISPs) in Austria include Magenta, A1, and Telematica. These companies offer various plans. The most affordable plans typically combine your phone and internet plans. 

Another connectivity fee that some expats may not be used to is the mandatory and fixed broadcasting fee for TV and radio (ORF-Gebühren). Every household in Austria must pay this fee whether they have a TV or not. 

Useful links

• aWATTar, Verbund, and Energie Steiermark
• City of Vienna
• Magenta Telekom, A1, and Telematica