Buying an apartment: Why the first occupancy premium is rising

The surcharge results from the increasing Construction costshigher energy standards than in the existing building (here the gas heating may have to be replaced first, the energy certificate shows worse values) and tax depreciation options.

New buildings are therefore more expensive to purchase – but landlords can also charge higher rents for new buildings because these are usually not capped by law.

This so-called Initial occupancy surcharge continues to rise, according to a current survey by the broker network Remax Austria. It goes without saying that new apartments and also completely renovated apartments are more expensive than those with visible traces of the previous residents.

However, the surcharge for “new” based on the purchase price per square meter has changed over the years, according to Remax. From 31.9 percent in 2021 to 36.5 percent (2022) and 41.3 percent (2023) to 46.1 percent (2024) and even almost 50 percent (48.8 percent) in the previous year.

While a square meter of existing living space cost an average of 3,612 euros in Austria in 2025, you have to pay 5,375 euros for a square meter in a new building.