The dream of living by the water

Living by the water is more in demand than ever. Austria is not only known for its majestic mountain landscapes, but also for its breathtaking waters. From glistening mountain lakes to turquoise alpine lakes, our federal states offer a diverse range of waterfront living options.

In recent years, interest in properties near lakes and water has increased significantly. The latest ranking by the London-based travel guide start-up ‘BeachAtlas’ even states that Zell am See is one of the 100 best beaches in the world. More and more people are longing for a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Living by the water offers an oasis of calm that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. The search for a dream property by a lake or river can sometimes be very time-consuming and difficult. The experts at Engel & Völkers know what to look out for when realising this coveted living space.

Interest in Austria's lakes remains unbroken

From the picturesque shores of Lake Wolfgangsee to the sparkling waters of Lake Wörthersee and Lake Attersee to the enchanting Lake Traunsee and Lake Achensee, Austria is home to a variety of idyllic water paradises. In the Salzburg, Tyrol and Zell am See regions, the wide range of properties on offer extends from properties with direct access to the water to modern flats with magnificent lake views. This makes the property market equally interesting for national and international buyers and has also led to rising demand and significant price increases in recent years.

‘Living on the Upper and Lower Old Danube is also becoming increasingly popular in Vienna. Climate change is contributing to the fact that more and more people are considering the possibility of having a large natural body of water on their doorstep. Properties with existing buildings are particularly popular in Vienna and are being replaced by modern new builds. The possibility of using the property as a second home is contributing significantly to the rising demand,’ says Marijus Gailevicius, Engel & Völkers Vienna.

What to look out for before buying

While waterfront properties offer their residents many advantages, there are local and legal conditions that need to be clarified before buying. The long-term development of the area and possible effects on the property value, such as planned construction projects, infrastructure improvements or environmental changes, should definitely be taken into account. It is also essential to consider flood protection and to research the neighbourhood in detail. Good transport links also play an important role, as shopping and educational opportunities are often more limited in water-rich areas. ‘Different lakes are subject to different legal frameworks regarding the use of their shore areas and the construction of jetties or boat moorings. As property consultants, we carefully examine each location and its situation,’ emphasises Mark Hüsges, Engel & Völkers Salzburg.

Waterfront property: legal and bureaucratic peculiarities

Most Austrian lakes have drinking water quality and only allow the use of electric boats, which makes living by the water not only relaxing but also particularly attractive on the property market. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, properties with lake proximity or access open up a true (water) paradise.

To ensure that the enjoyment of a waterfront property lasts for a long time, it is important to check whether the land and the lake portion are included in the purchase, especially if it is a private lake. This has a direct impact on the running costs, such as expenses for lake maintenance. The current zoning of the property, the possibility of using it as a second home, potential entries in the hazard zone plan or nature conservation requirements should also be clarified in advance. ‘The boundaries of waterfront properties can be complex. Especially when it comes to a lake or river.

It is important to clarify the exact bank boundaries before the purchase and to ensure that all property rights are clearly defined,’ explains Maria Rauscher, Engel & Völkers Alpine Region Tyrol & Zell am See.

Diverse range with different price levels

Water is vital for us humans, both physically and mentally. Properties with access to water enable residents to enjoy a special lifestyle and increase their quality of life. ‘With over 1,200 standing bodies of water, the province of Carinthia attracts both holidaymakers and investors to the region. The four largest lakes Wörthersee, Millstätter See, Ossiacher See and Weißensee are particularly popular. Carinthia offers the right lakeside property for all water enthusiasts,’ explains Hansjörg Lenz, Engel & Völkers Carinthia.

Settling down by a Carinthian lake is a great desire for many people. ‘The price range is diverse and enables everyone to purchase a property on or near a lake, whether it's a property with its own bathing area, a garden or penthouse terrace flat in the first row in Velden or near Lake Gösselsdorf in southern Carinthia. Apart from that, there are a wide variety of lease options, ranging from a simple bathing licence for one season on a private lakeside property to the long-term, 20-year use of a complete lake house with its own jetty and boat mooring with an annual rent of € 200,000,’ continues Lenz.

Benefit from expert tips

As with the search for all types of property, there is no way around being clear about your own wishes and considering possible compromises when looking for a property on the water. Financial planning is just as important: a precise overview of the available capital and a comparison of offers from different credit institutions help to realise the property dream. Subscribing to search requests on internet portals and newsletters also prevents you from missing out on suitable offers. In order to meet deadlines and not overlook anything, it is advisable to consult experienced estate agents such as the Engel & Völkers team. They are very familiar with the offers in all regions and check all important matters, including price and value, legal bases, licences and all necessary legal requirements and regulations.

The Engel & Völkers Austria team will be happy to help you find your dream property.