Many Dutch people who often go on holiday to Austria dream of buying real estate there. Who wouldn't want a beautiful house in the mountains with a magnificent view? People often think about buying a second home during holidays in the country. Do you want to buy a house or emigrate to Austria? Have you also thought about an affordable moving company? Then read on for more tips & tricks.
Real Estate in Austria
When you look at the latest offers of houses in Austria you will also see that there are many holiday homes that the Austrians offer. Real estate agents also offer real estate, but these are almost always for a permanent residence. How exactly does the buying process work in Austria and can you buy a house there as a Dutch person?
As a Dutch citizen, are you allowed to buy a house in Austria?
Even if you live in the Netherlands for most of the year, you can still buy a holiday home in Austria. Even if you want to buy an apartment and emigrate there, this is not a problem. This is of course because both countries are member states of the European Union (EU) and it is therefore easy to buy a house in another member state.
Are there rules when buying a house?
It is not difficult to buy a house in Austria, but you do have to adhere to certain rules. In Austria it is also very important that you look at the relevant state of the country, because each state can have different special rules. With rules you can think of, for example, the destination of the property. This is of course very important, because they want to know whether you want to use it as a holiday home, rent it out or whether you want to live there permanently.
Special regulations in areas
There are also special regulations for buying apartments in certain areas. Special rules may also apply to renting.
What zoning plans does Austria have?
Austria has 3 different zoning plans for houses:
- Second home
- Main residence
- Used
Second home residence
Under this zoning plan, you may use the home yourself as a holiday home, you may permanently reside in the home and rent it out, but you are not obliged to rent out the home.
Main residence
With this zoning plan, you are not allowed to use the house as a holiday home yourself, but you are allowed to live there permanently and it is also allowed to rent out the house permanently. These are always houses for Austrians themselves who live there or for example for Dutch people who emigrate to Austria.
Exceptions
Of course there are always exceptions, but it is good to know that this zoning plan almost always excludes the use of the home as a holiday home.
Used
With this zoning plan, you are not allowed to permanently inhabit the home yourself, but you are also not allowed to use it as a holiday home. You are also not allowed to rent out the home permanently. However, you are obliged to rent out the home for shorter periods of time. These homes are of course always holiday homes.
Taking out a mortgage in Austria
When you buy a house in Austria, an Austrian bank will finance your home. Of course, you have to pay attention, because the conditions and the process are different from what you are used to in the Netherlands. In almost no other country in the world is the process for applying for mortgages the same.
Renting out the property and taxes
Many Dutch people wonder whether they have to pay extra taxes when they rent out their home in, for example, an Austrian resort to holidaymakers. The answer to this is yes. You pay taxes on the income you get from this. The percentages for this are different and depend on various factors.
Get help
For more information on this topic, it is best to consult an Austrian real estate agent. They often help Dutch or foreigners in general as buyers. They can tell you more about this thanks to their expertise.
Ambiguities
In case of any ambiguities, it is important that you make proper enquiries about this. Feel free to contact an Austrian bank or broker, because you don't want anything to go wrong. They will be happy to help you with their services.
Finally..
As you have read, buying a house in Austria is a little different than buying a house in the Netherlands. You also have to take into account the area where you buy the house and the seasons. In a certain area, you will soon be able to rent out your house in the winter, but not in the summer. Zell am See, for example, is popular in the winter and many Dutch people will be found on the slopes there, but in the summer this is of course not the case.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any other questions regarding emigration to Austria? We would like to refer you to the other articles on our website.
