Your questions —
clearly answered
The most common questions on buying, selling, costs, agent commission and second homes in Austria and the Salzburg region — answered plainly. For legal and tax matters, please always check your individual case with a notary or tax adviser.
Buying property in Austria
How does buying a property in Austria work?
After the viewing and agreement on the price, a purchase contract is drawn up by a notary or lawyer (the contract drafter). The purchase price is usually handled via the drafter's escrow account, and the transfer of ownership becomes legally effective through entry in the land register. Until then, a priority notice is typically registered in the buyer's favour. The exact procedure in each case is clarified by the contract drafter — we guide you through every step.
What additional purchase costs arise in Austria?
Typical additional purchase costs include the real-estate transfer tax (3.5 % of the purchase price), the land-register registration fee (1.1 %), the fees for contract drafting and escrow by a notary or lawyer, and the agent's commission. In total these usually come to around 10 % — the exact figure depends on the individual case and should be checked with the contract drafter. We explain the details in our guide.
Can Germans, Dutch or other foreigners buy property in Austria?
EU citizens — including Germans and Dutch nationals — are, in principle, treated the same as Austrian nationals when buying property in Austria. What needs attention are the respective provincial rules (land-transfer law) and the zoning, particularly regarding second and holiday homes. The specific requirements should be checked case by case; we and the contract drafter clarify this in advance. We regularly advise buyers from Germany and the Netherlands — in German, English and Dutch.
What does off-market mean when buying property?
Off-market refers to properties that are not advertised publicly on portals but brokered discreetly to a select circle of pre-registered, vetted prospects. For owners this means maximum confidentiality; for buyers, access to properties that never reach the open market. At Ferstl, pre-registered prospects regularly gain early access to such properties.
Selling with Ferstl
How does selling with Ferstl Immobilien work?
It starts with a personal conversation and a free, market-based valuation of your property. We then prepare the property professionally — photography, floor plans, brochure and, on request, video or a 3D tour. We market it publicly or discreetly off-market, conduct the viewings and negotiations, and accompany you through to signing and handover. You have one dedicated contact throughout.
What is my property worth and how is it valued?
The value results from location, size, condition, fittings and the current market. We value on the basis of comparable sales, regional demand and — for investment properties — the income potential. Only an individual valuation gives a reliable figure, not a blanket price per square metre. With Ferstl this valuation is free and without obligation.
What does an agent bring to a sale?
An agent brings realistic pricing, professional preparation and reach, an existing buyer pool and experience in negotiation and transaction handling — and takes on the time-consuming process of enquiries, viewings and credit checks. That saves time, reduces the risk of mistakes and, in practice, often leads to a better and more discreet outcome, particularly in the higher-price segment.
How long does a property sale take?
That depends on the property, price, location and market and cannot be promised in general terms. Well-prepared, realistically priced properties in sought-after locations tend, in our experience, to find a buyer considerably faster than overpriced or unprepared ones. We are happy to give a realistic estimate for your specific property in a personal conversation.
What it costs
How much is the estate-agent commission in Austria?
The agent's commission is capped by law in Austria. For a purchase or sale the maximum rate is usually up to 3 % of the purchase price per party (plus VAT); the actual amount is agreed by contract. For letting flats, the "commissioning party" principle has applied since 2023: whoever engages the agent generally pays them — usually the landlord. We clarify the specific commission transparently in advance; the statutory rules apply in detail.
Who pays the agent — buyer or seller?
When buying or selling property, the commission may be borne by the buyer, the seller or both sides depending on the agreement — a split fixed by contract in advance is common. For letting flats, the "commissioning party" principle has applied since 2023, under which the party who engaged the agent generally pays. What applies in your case we discuss openly before any engagement.
Is the valuation of my property free of charge?
Yes. An initial market-based estimate of the sale value is free and without obligation at Ferstl Immobilien — personal and discreet. A formal expert appraisal for authorities, a court or a bank is a different matter and is usually chargeable; we point this out in each case.
Second homes in Salzburg
Can you buy a second home in Salzburg?
Whether a property may be used as a second or holiday home depends in Salzburg on the property's zoning and on land-transfer and spatial-planning rules. In many municipalities the new designation of second homes is restricted, which is why existing, appropriately zoned properties are in demand. The intended use must always be checked case by case — we and the contract drafter clarify the zoning status before purchase.
What is the difference between a second home and a holiday home?
Put simply, a second home is a further residence registered alongside the main residence, whereas a holiday home is a spatial-planning term for a dwelling used predominantly for holiday and leisure purposes. The exact definitions and requirements follow from Salzburg's provincial laws and the municipal zoning and must be checked case by case. We help identify which properties suit your intended use.
Is a second home in Salzburg suitable for international buyers?
Yes — the Salzburg region is popular with buyers from Germany, the Netherlands and elsewhere abroad as a location for a second or holiday home, from the city of Salzburg to the lakes and ski resorts of the Pinzgau. What matters is the appropriate zoning and the land-transfer requirements, which we clarify in advance. We look after international buyers in German, English and Dutch.
About Ferstl Immobilien
Where does Ferstl Immobilien operate?
Ferstl Immobilien operates across the province of Salzburg — from the city of Salzburg through the Flachgau and into the Pinzgau with Zell am See, Kaprun, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Maria Alm — as well as the adjoining Alpine region. The focus is on residential, investment and holiday properties in sought-after locations across this area.
In which languages does Ferstl Immobilien advise?
We advise in German, English and Dutch. This means that, alongside Austrian clients, we also regularly look after buyers and sellers from Germany and the Netherlands — from the first enquiry to handover, in their own language.
Does Ferstl Immobilien have several offices?
Yes. Ferstl Immobilien is an owner-run family business with two offices in the region — so we are personally on the ground both in the Salzburg area and in the Pinzgau around Zell am See. You will find the contact details for both offices on our contact page.
How long has Ferstl Immobilien existed?
Ferstl Immobilien has been active in the Salzburg property market as an owner-run family business since 2006. This long-standing experience has built an established network and sound market knowledge of the region, from which buyers and sellers alike benefit.
Your question isn't here?
Whether buying, selling or a free valuation — talk to us personally, in German, English or Dutch.