Mar 25, 2022 / INVESTMENT / BUYING PROCESS

Who can buy ski property in Austria?

Exceptional culture, beautiful architecture and of course a legendary alpine region that is home to some of Europe’s most loved ski fields - it’s no wonder Austria is at the top of many people’s dream locations.

This type of popularity is not without risk though, and the Austrian authorities are all too aware of the possibility of overdevelopment, or allowing swathes of second homes that sit vacant and lonely for much of the year. To counter this, a series of measures exist to manage ownership and preserve the character and authenticity that is so appealing. 

Who can buy property in Austria

For the last twenty years, EU nationals have been able to buy property in Austria. Those who are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), so Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway also enjoy this freedom, as does Switzerland. Restrictions will still apply around holiday homes, just as they do for Austrian citizens.

What happens if my home country is not part of the EU or EEA? 

If you live in a third country, then there are more restrictions on where you can buy. Third country citizens cannot buy property in Vorarlberg, Tyrol or Salzburgerland. All is not lost though - other provinces offer a foreigner’s purchase permit, or will allow sale to a non-EU national after the property has been on the market for a certain period of time. Cases are determined on an individual basis, and rules vary from province to province. 

Are there any exceptions? 

If you intend to set up a company that will offer significant social, economic or cultural benefit to a province, you may be allowed to purchase outside the usual rules. Again, these benefits have to be demonstrated and the final say lies with the province that you’re seeking to buy in.

What if I’m a non-EU citizen, but I have a residence permit in an EU/EEA member state? 

In this circumstance a special permit is likely to be granted, without demonstration of special interest. 

Where can I buy property in Austria if I’m not an EU/EEA citizen? 

You may be thinking your chances of owning your own ski property in the Austrian alps are slim but don’t despair. Whilst something like this home in Tirol is only available to EU/EEA citizens there are other options. While areas like Carinthia lack the prominence of areas around Tirol and Salzburg, they have a lot to offer those seeking to buy. Resorts like Grossglockner Heiligenblut, set at the base of Austria’s highest mountain, the 3798m-high Grossglockner,enjoys stunning panoramas of surrounding mountains in the Hohe Tauern National Park and offers a superb range of skiing. Property in the area includes options like this holiday home in Gerlitzen, set in an idyllic location and available with no restrictions on usage. Gerlitzen itself is a perfect spot to enjoy the Austrian dream - there are breathtaking views of Slovenia and Italy, 42km of pistes to explore and some superb cross country trails to enjoy. Carinthia is a great year round resort, with superb spas at Goldech, kitschy tourist attractions like carriage rides at Petzen and acres of breathtaking scenery to enjoy. 

A Gerlitzen holiday home

Property Alert Service

It will come as no surprise to learn that property in Austria is sought after - and those without EU/EEA citizenship need to be on the ball to secure their ideal space in the Austrian alps. SnowOnly have access to property from agents throughout the area, as well as homes from private sellers. Our property search system makes it easy to find what you need, and if you join our property alert service, you’ll be first to know when your piece of mountain paradise comes to market.