Condominium and operating costs
When buying an apartment you buy shares in a property together with duties in the community. This checklist shows what to clarify about shares, the reserve fund and running costs.
Anyone buying a condominium apartment acquires co-ownership of the property combined with the exclusive right to use a specific unit. The size of the share depends on the parification value. With ownership come rights and duties in the owners’ community as well as running costs and the reserve fund.
This checklist is a guide and does not replace an assessment of the individual case. It helps you clarify the particularities of condominium ownership before the purchase.
Clarify the points with the seller and property manager before the purchase. You can tick off each point; the status is stored on your device. Use the buttons to print or reset the list.
0 of 12 points done
01 Check the condominium
Clarify exactly what belongs to your unit.
02 Operating and reserve costs
Running costs and the reserve fund affect you from ownership.
03 Property management and resolutions
The community decides much by resolution.
What matters legally
Condominium ownership is governed by the WEG 2002. It arises through the condominium agreement and registration in the land register; the co-ownership share depends on the parification value. With the acquisition you join the owners’ community and assume the associated rights and duties.
An appropriate reserve fund must be formed for future expenses (§ 31 WEG 2002). The owners’ community decides on management and major measures by resolution (§§ 28 et seq. WEG 2002). Outstanding contributions and resolved refurbishments can affect the buyer financially; the implications depend on the individual case.
This checklist is a general guide to the Austrian legal position (as of June 2026) and makes no claim to completeness or legal certainty. It does not replace advice in the individual case and is not a finished legal document.
BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
Salzburg law firm for real estate, property and corporate law
Every matter is handled by a coordinated team of lawyers, legal staff and specialists. In property purchase matters we look at the contract, land register, escrow and tax consequences together.
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