Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Property in Vienna

In Austria, the estate agent’s commission on a property sale is capped at 3% of the purchase price plus 20% VAT, i.e. 3.6% of the purchase price in total. This commission is paid by the seller and is included in the agent’s service package.

At Vires Real Solutions we work with transparent terms – we discuss the exact costs in a free initial consultation with no obligation whatsoever.

The seller’s commission is the estate agent’s commission that the seller (vendor) of a property pays to the appointed agent. In Austria it is capped at 3% of the purchase price plus VAT. It is the consideration for the full marketing, buyer management and transaction support provided by the agent.

In some cases a double commission is agreed, whereby both buyer and seller each pay a commission – this is legally permitted and must be communicated clearly. You can find more about our seller packages here.

Our free property valuation is genuinely free of charge and without obligation. There are no hidden fees, no contractual commitment and no pressure to sell. We provide you with a well-founded market assessment that you are free to use.

Whether or not you decide to sell afterwards is entirely up to you. Our aim is to give you an honest basis for your decision.

The valuation is based on comparable prices of similar properties in terms of location, condition, size, fittings and current market data. Professional agents additionally use tools such as PriceHubble for data-driven market analysis.

Vires Real Solutions offers a free property valuation – with no obligation and a realistic market assessment based on current transaction data from Vienna.

Under Austrian property law, “Verkehrswert” and “Marktwert” denote the same thing: the price that could be achieved in ordinary business dealings through a free purchase and sale. The term “Verkehrswert” (fair market value) is frequently used in expert or legal contexts, whereas “Marktwert” (market value) is more common in everyday language.

The two terms are therefore synonymous. The distinction becomes relevant in a court expert’s report or in inheritance and divorce proceedings.

A professionally managed property sale in Vienna usually takes between 2 and 6 months. The exact duration depends on location, condition, pricing and the current market situation.

With realistic pricing, high-quality property brochures and the right target audience, this timeframe can be shortened considerably. Find out more about the sales process here.

To sell a property in Vienna you need, among other things: a land register extract, energy performance certificate, building plans, building specification and, for freehold flats, the condominium ownership agreement and current service-charge statements. For let properties, the tenancy agreements must also be provided.

We help you fully compile all documents – from the first conversation through to the notary appointment.

Yes, in Austria a valid energy performance certificate is a legal requirement when selling a property. It must be available at the notary appointment at the latest and handed over to the buyer. If the certificate is missing, fines of up to 1,500 euros may apply.

Vires Real Solutions supports you in commissioning a certified energy performance certificate provider and clarifies how long any existing certificate remains valid.

At the notary appointment, the purchase contract is certified by a notary or lawyer and signed by buyer and seller. The notary verifies the identity of both parties, explains the content of the contract and handles the payment via escrow.

The new owner is then registered in the land register – only then is the transfer of ownership legally complete.

Selling a freehold flat in Vienna takes place in several steps: valuation, compiling the documents, professional marketing, viewings, price negotiation and the notary appointment. Particular points such as pre-emption rights within the owners’ association or existing mortgage charges should be clarified in advance.

Vires Real Solutions guides you through every step – from the first assessment to handover. Get started for free now.

When selling a property in Austria, real estate capital gains tax (Immobilienertragsteuer, ImmoESt) of 30% on the profit (sale price minus acquisition costs) usually applies. Exemptions apply to a main residence (if occupied for at least 2 years continuously, or 5 of the last 10 years) and to self-built properties.

In addition, the buyer pays property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) of 3.5% and the registration fee of 1.1%. Seeking tax advice before the sale is advisable in every case.

A protection zone (Schutzzone) in Vienna is an area designated in the urban development plan in which the existing resident population and the historic building fabric are given special protection. In protection zones, stricter requirements apply to demolition, conversion and changes of use.

For property sellers this means: refurbishment projects must be planned carefully. However, the preservation status can also secure the value of the property and attract investors seeking long-term stability. Read more in our property blog.

A Zinshaus is a multi-unit residential building used mainly for letting and traded as a whole – that is, not divided into individual freehold flats. In Vienna, Zinshaus buildings are regarded as a classic capital investment with stable rental income and long-term appreciation.

Whether an investment is worthwhile depends on location, tenancy situation, refurbishment needs and financing terms. Vires Real Solutions advises you comprehensively on Zinshaus investments in Vienna.

In an off-market sale, a property is not advertised publicly but placed discreetly with selected prospective buyers through the agent’s network. This protects the seller’s privacy, avoids public pressure on the price and specifically targets solvent buyers.

Vires Real Solutions has an established network for off-market transactions in Vienna. Get in touch if discretion is a priority for you. Contact us now.

Generally, spring and autumn are best for selling a property, as buyer demand is then particularly high. More decisive than the season, however, is your own life situation and realistic pricing.

With professional marketing, high-quality photos and a clear appeal to the target audience, a successful sale is possible in any season. Have your property valued for free now.