Comparison Shows Price Madness in Rents in Austria

Apartment rents in Austria have risen much faster in recent years than in Germany or Switzerland. Since the beginning of 2025, they have increased by an average of 3.5 percent in this country, by 1.8 percent in Germany, and by 2.2 percent in Switzerland, according to an analysis by the consulting network Kreutzer Fischer & Partner.

Rents in Austria rose significantly more than in neighboring countries

In the last 40 months, the increase in Austria amounted to 19 percent, while rents in Germany rose by only 6.2 percent and in Switzerland by 7.4 percent.

The main reason for this development, according to experts, is the close link between rents and inflation, which has recently been high in Austria. In Switzerland, landlords can only pass on 40 percent of the inflation, while in Germany, rents are mainly based on regional rent indexes. "The controversial rent control is by no means a burden for landlords," emphasized housing expert Andreas Kreutzer. It rather takes a cue from the Swiss model, albeit in a weakened form.

Condition of apartments deteriorated

However, Kreutzer sees further need for action: While rents in the unregulated market have increased by around 40 percent over the past ten years, the condition of the apartments has deteriorated over the same period. Unlike in Germany, where landlords are obliged to carry out so-called cosmetic repairs, there is no equivalent in Austria. "If the rent is continuously adjusted, shouldn't the condition of the apartment also be regularly updated at the landlord's expense?" Kreutzer asked.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.