Austria is one of the best places that expats can set out to experience on tour abroad. If chance allows it, living in Austria can prove to be one full of great adventures and an interaction with a host of incredible people ( both locals and expats alike). Austria can be described as the epitome of idyllic destination that anyone can find greatly attractive. The country stands out thanks to its stunning alpine peaks. This country boasts of cities that are not just beautiful, but also elegant and historic.
Finding the right housing in this German-speaking country can be quite a big hurdle. However, with the right guidance, you can actually find the right house and apartment in Austria. What makes this special is its progressive housing schemes. They are affordable and come with great taste.
In Austria, everyone is free to enjoy affordable housing, thanks to the Austrian government. It spends a lot of money pumping it into the housing sector. No wonder Vienna asserts itself as having exceptional social housing systems.
Understanding the rental process in Austria
During any rental process what matters the most is finding the ideal house that you can call home. The Austrian rental system aid in finding that place you can call home. The rental process involves either subletting or working with real estate agents.
Real estate agents
Most rental properties in Austria are usually under real estate agents. They have expertise in every kind of property in a given area. Allowing them to help you get the right house means involving some fees. Your apartment search with an expert to guide you will help you find the right house pretty fast.
Subletting a house in Austria
Subletting in Austria involves long-term leases. Three years is the minimum time you can rent a property. What makes this deal superb is the landlord cannot increase the rent within those three years. However, you can still opt out of the property after being in it for at least a year. You must give a three-month notice though.
Laws and regulations guiding housing and rental in Austria
To say that Austria is a beautiful country would be an understatement. Austria is one of the most exotic countries in the world. It is home to a lot of alluring destinations. That is one of the reasons why many people visiting the country never want to leave.
Having said that, when looking for a property to rent in Austria, you must be conversant with the country’s housing laws and regulations. You will be surprised to note that Austria has one of the most complex housing systems you will ever find.
As a foreigner, you must be a legal resident who has resided in the country for a minimum of five years. That qualifies you for subsidized housing. In addition, financing of buildings in Austria is mostly by the public and not the government.
Interestingly, Austrian property laws normally protect the tenant. Rent control does not go beyond free-market levels. The laws when renting in Austria do not only protect the locals but also expats. With an Austrian visa and proof of employment, it should be straightforward to rent in Austria.
Housing is a basic right in Austria. It is through this concept that social housing came to place. As a result, embracing low-income households. Those living in subsidized housing do not pay the same amounts. It differs significantly. The best part is the provision of essentials like gym facilities, swimming pools, and children’s playground.
Is it better to rent or own in Austria?
The idea of renting or owning when living in Austria is not new. Many have examined the idea for a long time and have yet to decide. But the question is, do you want to keep paying rent or rather own a home? Probably we should look at these two scenarios and see which one takes the day.
Renting
Most residents in Austria rent their homes. The weight of households renting outweighs those who have purchased homes. The reason why people opt to rent is that it seems like a convenient option. Others don’t want to have homes especially those in constant motion. Because flexibility is the language they understand, they choose to go for a one-year lease agreement.
It is funny how renters feel that renting is pocket-friendly. Because maintenance and repairs are not part of the deal, many go ahead to rent. What they don’t know is landlords don’t get money from their pockets for maintenance. It is the rent money that caters to maintenance and repairs.
With renting you will continue paying rent all your life. This means you will not have the house as your home. This is a great challenge. It is better to incur costs in a house that you will eventually call yours in the long run. You will also pay for usual utilities like electricity which may be a bit costly.
Owning a home
There is something exciting about having a home. Knowing that the mortgage plan you are taking will make you a homeowner. Homeownership in Austria has been on the rise since 2018. People are choosing to have their households than wait for selfish landlords who are always increasing rent.
Owning a home is a long-term financial investment. This is a one-of-a-kind commitment! To own a home means you must have a mortgage plan. This plan requires some deposit to cater for maintenance costs and others. Expats are also at liberty of purchasing a house in Austria. If you are looking to buy a property in Austria, work with professional real estate agents.
The bottom line is the two options are all viable. What makes the difference is what you want in the long run. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Finances also play a key role in making this kind of decision.
