“Buying a house in Provence is not without its complications.”

Outline of the situation in Austria

Sorry, but I can’t resist dealing with taxes.

Peter Mayle described in his book that all property in France costs more than its advertised price. An unlucky buyer could end up paying as much as 15 % on top of the price, as he has to pay the property price, government fees, legal fees and the agent’s commission.

If unmovable property (land and buildings) is transferred in Austria, the acquirer has to bear the following expenses:

(On basis of the agreed acquisition cost)

Property transfer tax (if not purchased from a closely related person) 3,50 %
Land register fee 1,00 %
Fees of the notary public ( approx. ) 2,00 %
Agent’s commission incl. VAT 3,60 %
Total 10,10 %

If land is debt-financed additional fees arise.