Skip to content

Accommodation

In Vienna, the housing landscape offers diverse options, each subject to different regulations. For instance, “Altbau” apartments, cherished for their historical charm, fall under rent control measures. Understanding these regulations is crucial for navigating the city’s housing market. If you want to read more about it, visit this article by Metropole for a comprehensive guide into your rights and the laws safeguarding tenants in different types of accommodations.

Where to find accommodation

Here are some websites where you can find accommodation:

A popular Austrian online marketplace that includes a dedicated section for real estate. It’s an excellent platform for finding long-term rentals and purchasing properties. Real state marketplace in Austria. It provides a comprehensive database of properties for long-term rent and sale. Global housing platform offering primarily room rentals. It’s ideal for those seeking flexible or temporary accommodation. Global platform well-known platform for mainly short-term accommodations. It offers a variety of options, including private rooms, entire apartments, and unique stays, making it suitable for newcomers to experience different neighborhoods before settling in. Real estate section of the Austrian newspaper Der Standard. It provides a range of property listings for sale and rent. Specialised in student dormitories, offering rooms or apartments, it is perfect for short-term or long-term stays.

Focuses on student housing offering from a classic single apartment to a small apartment for couples or shared apartments – and a comprehensive range of leisure activities.

Common terms you should know when reading listings

When reading real estate advertisements in Vienna, it’s essential to understand common terms and details provided in the listings. Here’s a guide to some key information and commonly used terms:
    • Miete (rent):  A popular Austrian online marketplace that includes a dedicated section for real estate. It’s an excellent platform for finding long-term rentals and purchasing properties.
    • Hauptmiete/Untermiete (Main Lease/Sublease): Specifies whether the property is available for the main lease or sublease.
    • Kaution (Security Deposit): The amount you need to pay upfront as a security deposit. This is typically equivalent to one to three months’ rent.
    • Provision or Maklergebühr (Brokerage Fee): This is the fee charged by a real estate agent. In Vienna, it is usually covered by the landlord for rentals, but for purchases, it might be split between the buyer and seller.
    • WG (Wohngemeinschaft): Shared apartment or flatshare.
    • Zimmer (Room): The number of rooms in the apartment. Bedrooms and living rooms are both counted.
    • Küche (Kitchen): Specifies whether the kitchen is furnished. “Einbauküche” means a fitted kitchen is included.
    • Bad (Bathroom): Indicates the number of bathrooms in the property.
    • Lage (Location): Describes the neighborhood or specific area where the property is situated.
    • Verfügbar ab (Available from): Specifies the date from which the property is available for move-in.
    • Einzug (Move-in): Refers to the date when you can move into the property.
    • Ablöse (Takeover): In some cases, if the previous tenant leaves behind furniture or other items, they may request a payment for these, known as Ablöse.
    • Neubau/Altbau (New Building/Old Building):

      Indicates whether the property is in a newer or older building. Altbau buildings often have more character with higher ceilings and decorative features, and are rent controlled.

Tips and tricks

    • Start early: Start your search well in advance to secure the best options, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons.
    • Start with a short-term rental for exploration: If you’re unsure about the city or your preferred district, consider temporary accommodation initially to give yourself time to explore and make a well-informed decision before committing to a long-term lease.
    • Research the different districts: Explore the different districts in Vienna to find the one that aligns with your lifestyle. Each district has its own unique charm and atmosphere.
    • Explore the neighbourhood on foot: If you can, take the time to explore your potential neighbourhood on foot. This allows you to discover local shops, cafes, and hidden gems as well as have a better feeling of the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
    • Check the public transport and  services available: Consider proximity to public transportation as well as the availability of essential public services like healthcare, schools, and supermarkets in the vicinity.
    • Understand the different apartment and the legal aspects of each of them: Familiarise yourself with different rental types, such as Altbau (old buildings) and Neubau (new buildings), each with its own characteristics and regulations. Understanding Austrian rental laws and ensuring you know your rights as a tenant will help you navigate any potential issues more smoothly.
    • Use social media to find local groups of expats: Join expat and local groups on social media platforms and forums to gain more insights and recommendations from people who have already experienced the housing market in Vienna.
    • Visit before deciding: If possible, visit the properties before making a decision. This will allow you spot any possible problems, so you can deal with them early and prevent unexpected issues later on.
    • Ask for recommendations: Tap into your network or workplace for recommendations on reliable real estate agents, housing platforms, or trustworthy landlords.
    • Improve as much as possible your language skills: While many Viennese speak English, knowing some German phrases can be beneficial when dealing with local landlords and agencies.
    • Research student housing options: If you’re a student, explore housing options provided by universities and student dormitories. They often offer affordable and convenient solutions.
    • Make it fun:

      Turn apartment hunting into a fun adventure, you can bring a friend along for a second opinion and turn it into a mini exploration. Take breaks between visits to grab a treat at local cafes or explore nearby parks. Making it a lighthearted and enjoyable experience can not only alleviate the stress of decision-making but also make the process memorable and entertaining.

Districts of Vienna

Delve deeper into the history, monuments, atmosphere, and find which district suits you best. You’ll discover detailed insights into Vienna’s districts, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.

Learn more