Property Market in Austria

In recent years, a combination of a strong U.S. dollar, political uncertainties at home, and soaring property and living costs have prompted many Americans to look beyond their borders for real estate opportunities. Europe’s Alpine region has become a particularly attractive destination for property buyers from the United States. In the last year, Domus Global has been receiving many inquiries from property buyers and concluded several successful transactions, mostly in Austria.

European ski resorts offer distinct advantages over many North American counterparts. These include significantly larger ski areas with more kilometers of slopes, superior infrastructure, and notably lower prices for ski passes, dining, and services. In America, the size of a ski resort is often measured in square kilometers, which typically means skiing on the same mountain with similar views again and again. This can become rather monotonous compared to Europe, where diverse mountain slopes offer skiers fresh scenery at every turn, along with charming villages nestled along the way — perfect for enjoying delicious local food. The Alpine region’s gastronomic scene, especially the gourmet food available right on the slopes, is world-renowned. Additionally, convenient proximity to major airports and the charm of nearby historic cities enhances the appeal.

Skipass prices comparission for season 2025/26:

Austria stands out for its exceptionally high building standards paired with property prices that remain affordable compared to the U.S. market. For instance, consider the ski resort of Sölden in Austria, famously featured in a James Bond film. Real estate prices here are substantially lower than in Aspen, Colorado, while the Dolomites in Italy boast even more accessible property prices, offering tremendous value. We offer newly built ski apartments in smaller resorts starting at around 300,000 EUR — meaning you could purchase four or five of them for the average price of a single garage in New York City or Miami.

Austria’s real estate market benefits from well-managed rental services generating attractive returns between up to 8%, plus the potential for property appreciation. Tax incentives, including VAT refunds, further enhance the investment appeal. Austria’s stable governance and efficient public services provide a secure environment that many investors value highly.

Both Italy and Austria enforce strict building regulations, preventing issues like ghost towns commonly seen in some French ski resort areas. However, potential buyers should note that in Austria, non-EU citizens face restrictions on property purchases. Typically, only EU passport holders can purchase a property in Austria although options exist for higher value properties to facilitate investment. Italy offers fewer such limitations, providing more straightforward opportunities for international buyers.

Additional factors driving interest include the seamless integration of American ski pass programs like Ikon and Epic, which cover prominent Alpine resorts, making access from the U.S. easier than ever.

This year, we’ve had the pleasure of helping several buyers from the U.S. and Canada find their dream property. Thanks to our personalized service, many were able to choose — or even complete their purchase — with just one visit, or comfortably from home in North America, making the process simple and stress-free.

We in Domus Global believe, that with their unique lifestyle advantages, strong investment potential, and a market that warmly welcomes international buyers, the European Alps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Americans eager to expand and diversify their property portfolio.

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