Buy a home
3 tasks in suggested order
1. Review and sign the purchase contract
A written purchase contract is normally prepared for an apartment purchase; ownership transfers only once the buyer is entered in the land register.
Before transfer of ownership and the land-register application.
Usually through a notary or lawyer; signatures are certified.
Land-register extract, contract documents, identity details and, where relevant, financing/approval documents.
Before signing, check encumbrances in the land register and ancillary costs.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
2. Handle real-estate transfer tax
Real-estate transfer tax must be handled before entry in the land register; in practice this is often handled by the notary or lawyer.
After the purchase contract and before registration in the land register.
Tax authority; calculation/notification is often handled by the notary or lawyer.
Purchase contract and information needed for the tax calculation.
The tax liability arises with the binding transaction, not only on land-register entry.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
3. Register ownership in the land register
For real estate, you become the owner only when your ownership right is entered in the land register.
After the purchase contract, tax processing and any required approvals.
Competent district court/land-register court; applications are generally filed electronically.
Certified purchase contract and the land-register documents required by the official guidance.
Depending on the property, discharge of encumbrances or official approvals may be needed before registration.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
