Forest as an Investment: Demand Increases Before Christmas

Especially during the Christmas season, the forest is present for many – whether as a supplier of the Christmas tree or as a retreat. But it is also becoming more interesting economically. According to a new IMMOunited analysis, purchases, inheritances, and gifts of forest areas are increasing significantly.

In the last 16 years, over 1.24 billion square meters of forest in Austria changed hands. More than 90 percent of these transactions were made by private investors – the average age of buyers is 48 years.

Burgenland with the Most Forest Transactions

Forest was particularly popular in 2025 in Burgenland: The districts of Oberwart, Güssing, and Jennersdorf lead the ranking of most forest property purchases. They are followed by Südoststeiermark, Oberpullendorf, Braunau am Inn, Zwettl, and Bregenz.

Roland Schmid, Managing Director of IMMOunited GmbH, comments with a wink: "Forest plots are almost becoming the new trend Christmas gift."

Prices Rise – Especially in Salzburg

A look at the square meter prices over the last 15 years shows significant increases: In Salzburg, prices rose by 46 percent, in Vorarlberg by a third, and in Lower Austria by more than 25 percent. Forest is not only romanticized but also appreciated as a stable investment.

Gifts and Inheritances at Record Levels

Gifts and inheritances are also increasing – especially in Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Vorarlberg. Per capita, the chances are greatest here to inherit or receive a forest as a gift.

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