Vacancy in Vienna: Myth or Reality?

In Vienna, there are vacancies in both the residential and commercial and office markets – but the extent varies greatly depending on the segment.

Contradictory Figures in the Residential Sector

According to an analysis by the Momentum Institute, around 104,700 apartments in Vienna were registered without a primary residence at the end of 2023. This corresponds to about 9.7 percent of the total housing stock. However, these figures say little about actual vacancy: Many of these properties are used as second homes, are temporarily vacant, or serve as holiday apartments. A comprehensive, official vacancy survey does not yet exist. Greenpeace Austria estimates the actual vacancy rate in Vienna to be significantly lower: about 3.4 percent (Austrian average: 4.7 percent). The Vienna Greens also assume 80,000 to 100,000 apartments without permanent use. They are calling for political measures, such as a vacancy tax on apartments that remain vacant for more than six months a year, to counter speculative vacancy in Vienna.

Office Space: Demand Remains High

There is also vacancy in office spaces in Vienna, but it remains at a low level. According to data from the Vienna Research Forum, the vacancy rate for modern offices in Vienna was 4.22 percent in the second quarter of 2025. This rate increased by 0.44 percent compared to the previous quarter. Compared to the second quarter of 2024, this represents an increase of 0.69 percent. The submarket Hauptbahnhof had the lowest vacancy rate at 3.07 percent, while the submarket AirportCity Vienna had the highest rate at 7.76 percent, followed by the submarket Donaucity with 5.68 percent. Vienna is thus one of the European cities with a comparatively low office space vacancy rate – despite a continuing trend towards home office and flexible work models.

Vacancy in Vienna Lowest Nationwide

Most figures show: There is currently no substantial, widespread vacancy in Vienna. In the residential sector, the vacancy rate is between three and four percent, and the situation is similar in the office and logistics market: Vacancy remains low, while demand for modern spaces is consistently high. Vienna has one of the lowest vacancy rates nationwide in Austria – both for residential and commercial properties. Politically, the issue remains sensitive: In light of rising rents and a growing population, every unused apartment is coming into sharper focus. Additionally, following a constitutional amendment in 2024, there is now the possibility for federal states to enact their own laws on vacancy taxes. The demand for better recording and regulation of vacancy is therefore likely to gain further importance.

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