Housing shortage in Vienna: rental prices rise, new buildings stagnate!

Housing shortage in Vienna: rental prices rise, new buildings stagnate!

Währing, Österreich - Vienna is currently experiencing an urgent shortage of housing that lets rents continue to increase and makes the search for a roof over the head a challenge. As meindezirk.at , only around 10,000 new apartments were completed in the first half of 2025. That is significantly less than in previous years: in 2024 there were more than 12,000 and 2023 even more than 14,000 apartments. The rental sector is particularly affected by this development, since many new construction projects for sale and not for rental are intended.

The increasing demand for rental apartments is obvious. Interested parties rush to the few offers that are available, which is also reinforced by the uncertainty regarding the rental price brake and possible market intervention. As a result, more and more people have their own home entitlement because rental prices skyrocket. The new buildings mainly take place in outskirts such as Donaustadt, Floridsdorf, Favorites and Liesing. Structural possibilities are rare in the central locations, since there are hardly any vacant gaps and expandable attic floors.

Current market developments

The numbers speak a clear language: demand increases, but the vacancy rate remains low. This fueled the interest in condominiums, which are also highly in demand. Buyers act quickly and determined to secure a suitable home. Forecasts indicate that rents will increase by an average of 7.3 % in 2025, while condominiums can expect a price increase of 2.4 %. Unfortunately, there is no relaxation on the housing market in the medium term, since the new construction activity cannot continue to meet the actual need.

Current data show that a total of 1,976 rental apartments in Vienna are listed on various real estate portals, which at first glance offer attractive offers. For example, a 2-room apartment in Leopoldstadt at a price of 1398 euros, and a 4-room apartment in Wieden for 2813.14 euros. These prices can be a very nice chunk for many households and show how high the pressure on the rental market is, especially in popular districts like this. Immowelt.at has a detailed overview of the current offers.

The search for the perfect home

The different searches search show a mixed landscape:

• 1-room apartments: 205 results
• 2-room apartments: 860 results
• 3-room apartments: 531 results
• 4-room apartments: 193 results
• 5-room apartments: 29 results

Objects such as the loft in favorites are particularly outstanding at a rental price of just over 2500 euros, which was built in 2025 and comes up with a roof terrace and modern furniture. The prices vary significantly depending on the location and equipment, which is also reflected in the numerous inquiries per apartment.

With one eye on the price trends and the increasing offering situation, it is clear that the search for an apartment in Vienna is anything but easy. A healthy competition for the best offers is emerging, while hopes for soon improvement in this tense living situation take a back seat. Interested parties should take a look around the relevant platforms to maybe take the right bargain. Further interesting information and price comparisons can be found on Immopreise.at