1 Parking to Buy in Salzburg

An owned garage or parking space in Salzburg is much more than just a place to park the car – it is a piece of security and comfort in a city where parking spaces are scarce and sought after. Those who buy a garage benefit from a fixed parking spot that protects the vehicle from weather, theft and damage while at the same time making everyday life significantly easier.

Especially in central urban locations, where parking spaces are rare and expensive, purchasing a garage represents a durable investment. Attractive opportunities also exist in the surroundings of Salzburg, whether for personal use or as a profitable investment property with stable rental income.

• Why is buying a garage worthwhile? An owned garage in Salzburg not only provides a fixed parking spot in a frequently tense parking situation, but it also protects the vehicle from weather, theft and vandalism, increasing everyday comfort.
• How much does a garage or parking space cost? Prices vary greatly: while simple parking spaces in the surrounding area can already be purchased in the low five-figure range, purchase prices for rare underground parking spaces in central Salzburg are significantly higher.
• Where are garages particularly in demand? Parking spaces in the densely built-up inner-city districts of Salzburg are especially sought after, as parking options are scarce there, while single garages or carports are more frequently available at moderate prices in the surrounding area.
• What types are available? Buyers can choose between underground parking spaces, enclosed single garages, carports or outdoor parking spaces, with each variant offering different advantages in terms of protection, security and comfort.
• What equipment is important? Crucial are sufficient dimensions for modern vehicles, a sturdy and lockable door – ideally electrically operated –, good lighting and an electrical connection that can also be used as a charging option for electric cars.
• How suitable is a garage as an investment? Garages and parking spaces are considered attractive investments because they can be rented out easily in demanded locations and can generate a solid return thanks to low maintenance costs and stable rents.
• What legal aspects should you pay attention to? Important are the form of ownership – whether with its own land register entry or as part of a condominium ownership structure –, the operating costs or reserves incurred and the question of whether VAT and incidental purchase costs must be taken into account when buying.
• How do you find suitable offers? Garages are best found via real estate portals with the filter “Garage/Parking space” or through local brokers and developers’ projects; due to high demand, you should act quickly to secure a spot.

In Salzburg, the parking situation is often tense, especially within the city. Searching for parking in inner-city areas becomes a test of patience for many drivers, because parking options are scarce and sought after. Those who own a fixed parking space therefore enjoy clear advantages. An owned garage protects the vehicle – from weather conditions such as snow and rain, but also from theft and vandalism.

Car owners particularly appreciate in winter not having to scrape ice off in the morning because their car is in the garage. In addition to protecting the car, a garage offers additional space for bicycles, tires or other items that you want to store securely.

The real estate situation makes garages and underground parking spaces in Salzburg an attractive niche. Salzburg is a sought-after location – the location plays a major role. In central areas of the city, private garages are rare and correspondingly valuable. Therefore, it can make sense for residents in the center to buy a garage if the opportunity arises. Commuters who drive into the city daily can also benefit from having their own parking space to be able to park stress-free.

Some buyers also view garages as a capital investment. In a popular region like Salzburg, the number of registered cars is steadily increasing, which raises the demand for secured parking space. A parking space or garage can be rented out and thus generate ongoing income. Due to the easier management (no complex tenancy law as with apartments) and low maintenance costs, garages are popular with investors. In short: buying a garage in Salzburg means investing in comfort and security – whether for personal use or as part of a real estate portfolio.

Not every garage is the same, and when buying it is worth paying attention to the features. A central criterion is size: Is the garage large enough for your vehicle? Modern cars (especially SUVs or vans) often require more space in length, width and height. Make sure that the entrance height and width are sufficiently dimensioned. An additional space for shelves or for storing bicycles can also be a plus.

Another aspect is the equipment itself. Does the garage have a sturdy, lockable door – ideally with remote control or electric drive? A well-lit garage with an electrical connection is advantageous: lighting increases safety and an electrical connection allows, for example, charging an electric car or operating an automatic door.

In times of increasing e-mobility, a prepared charging option can be a valuable feature. In a communal underground garage there is often ventilation and a fire alarm system, while in a single garage on private property such points must be considered individually.

The condition of the garage also plays a role. For existing garages you should check whether they are dry and free of moisture damage and whether the roof is watertight (if it is an above-ground single garage). A clean, well-maintained garage is not only more pleasant but also preserves its value in the long term. If necessary, an integrated alarm system or video surveillance can also be a criterion, especially for garages in remote locations.

Finally, buyers should keep an eye on incidental costs and legal framework conditions: Is it a property with its own land register entry? Then, as with apartments, costs such as real estate transfer tax, contract fees and land register entry apply when purchasing.

If the garage is part of a condominium ownership structure (e.g. an underground parking space in a residential complex), monthly operating costs or reserve payments may be incurred. It is therefore worth clarifying in advance which equipment and obligations are associated with the property.

Garages in Salzburg exist in different locations and building types. In the city center, underground parking spaces are typical – either in public parking garages or as part of residential buildings. These underground parking spaces are particularly sought after in central locations.

They are often built as part of new residential projects to provide residents and sometimes external buyers with parking options. For example, in Altenmarkt im Pongau (Lackengasse 297) underground parking spaces are being offered for purchase as part of a new construction project – an indication that such offers are in demand even outside the city.

In residential areas on the outskirts of the city or in smaller towns around Salzburg you will more often find above-ground single garages or carports. These are often located next to single-family homes or in small garage parks. Outdoor parking spaces (open areas) can also be offered for purchase, for example as a marked parking space on a plot. Such parking spaces are usually cheaper than covered garages but offer less protection. A carport represents a middle ground: the car is weather-protected under a roof, but the sides are open.

Demand exists not only in the city but also in the surrounding area. In municipalities like Golling an der Salzach or Bad Vigaun, residents are interested in secure parking options and vehicle parking spaces, for example when there is no room for a garage at the house. In up-and-coming towns like Straßwalchen there are also new residential projects where garages or underground parking spaces can be purchased.

In general: The denser an area is built up and the higher the parking shortage, the more valuable an owned parking space is. Location also determines the price – an underground space in the immediate vicinity of Salzburg’s old town will be more expensive than a garage in the countryside.

• The demand for garages in Salzburg is high. Despite around 130,000 existing parking spaces in the city area (including public areas), private garage spaces are very sought after. Commuters, residents and companies compete for parking spaces – an owned parking space offers a huge advantage here and is often kept for years.
• Purchase prices for garages and parking spaces vary greatly depending on location. In rural regions of the state of Salzburg, simple outdoor parking spaces can sometimes be purchased for under 10,000 euros. In medium-sized locations, for example, an underground parking space in Straßwalchen was recently offered for around €25,000, with prices in the mid five-figure range. In the city center of Salzburg, however, you must reckon with significantly higher purchase prices for a rare private underground parking space. The exact amount depends on factors such as centrality, infrastructural location and supply/demand.
• Garages as an investment: A parking space can often be rented out easily. The achievable rents for an underground parking space in the city of Salzburg are often between approx. €80 and €150 per month, depending on location and equipment. This allows owners to generate a return. It is advantageous that the tenancy law for a garage is less strict than for living space – landlords can more easily terminate a pure garage rental agreement if necessary or adjust the conditions. In addition, an empty garage causes hardly any costs compared to an empty apartment.
• Incidental costs and taxes when buying a garage: When acquiring a garage, similar incidental costs arise as when purchasing an apartment. These include, for example, the real estate transfer tax and notary fees for the land register entry, provided the garage is recorded in the land register as an independent object. If you buy from a commercial developer, the purchase price is in many cases subject to VAT (value added tax) – this mainly affects new construction projects or separately listed parking spaces. If you rent out a garage, the rental income must be taxed; if the parking space is rented separately from a residential property, VAT is generally charged on the rent in Austria. However, if the garage is rented together with an apartment, VAT on the rent is waived because it then counts as part of residential rental.
• Future trend e-mobility: With the rise of electric cars, garages gain an additional aspect of importance. If you own an electric car, you are often dependent on a charging option at home. An owned garage offers the ideal place to install a wallbox (charging station). In Salzburg, some developers already promote the equipping of underground garages with e-charging infrastructure. Buyers who plan ahead therefore pay attention when buying a garage to whether an electrical connection is available or can be retrofitted. This not only increases utility for personal use but also makes the garage more attractive to potential tenants in the future.