Insights
TAX & BUSINESS
Abolition of the Property Tax Exemption in Vienna
The Vienna Property Tax Exemption Act, which was previously applicable in Vienna, was repealed at the beginning of the year, ending the exemptions it regulated.
The property tax relates to the tax object land. Based on the standard value, the tax office determines the property tax assessment amount, which is then transmitted to the municipalities. The annual amount collected by the municipalities is calculated from the assessment amount multiplied by a municipality‑specific multiplier.
The liable party is the owner or entitled person, with multiple owners or entitled persons being jointly liable. The property tax is – due to federal legislation – collected annually by the municipalities. By virtue of state laws, temporary property‑tax exemptions (limited to building values) can be established.
Previous property‑tax exemption
Until February 2026, a exemption from property tax for up to 20 years was possible in Vienna under certain conditions. Exempt were
Remaining period for already approved cases
Since 24 February 2026, no new applications for exemption can be submitted to the Magistrate of Vienna. All procedures that were ongoing before the repeal of the Vienna Property Tax Exemption Act of 1973 and that have not yet been finally concluded remain in force. Documents that were missing at the time of application or that were subsequently requested by the authority can also still be submitted. The 20‑year period runs for the full remaining duration in cases that have already been approved.
Tip
Property‑tax exemptions are not regulated uniformly across Austria. Checking the regulations of the relevant municipality can provide clarity before any property purchase.
The liable party is the owner or entitled person, with multiple owners or entitled persons being jointly liable. The property tax is – due to federal legislation – collected annually by the municipalities. By virtue of state laws, temporary property‑tax exemptions (limited to building values) can be established.
Previous property‑tax exemption
Until February 2026, a exemption from property tax for up to 20 years was possible in Vienna under certain conditions. Exempt were
- housing‑promoted objects (apartments, offices, premises)
- constructed apartments (new, added, altered, extensions or insertions in already existing structures)
- constructed dormitories
Remaining period for already approved cases
Since 24 February 2026, no new applications for exemption can be submitted to the Magistrate of Vienna. All procedures that were ongoing before the repeal of the Vienna Property Tax Exemption Act of 1973 and that have not yet been finally concluded remain in force. Documents that were missing at the time of application or that were subsequently requested by the authority can also still be submitted. The 20‑year period runs for the full remaining duration in cases that have already been approved.
Tip
Property‑tax exemptions are not regulated uniformly across Austria. Checking the regulations of the relevant municipality can provide clarity before any property purchase.