5 Apartments to Rent in Linz, Spallerhof

Renting an apartment in Linz is a challenge for many people—whether families, singles, or professionals. The third-largest city in Austria offers a dynamic housing market with a variety of rental apartments: from a compact studio for singles to a spacious family apartment. Those looking to rent an apartment will find in Linz both modern new-build projects with high living comfort and charming period apartments.

• Rising demand and prices: Around 213,000 people live in Linz—the rental prices for real estate rose by about 10% in 2024 and currently average €13–14 per m².
• Varied apartment types: From 1-room apartments to 3-room family flats—especially popular are 2-room apartments of 50–60 m².
• Modern amenities: New builds often offer underfloor heating, a balcony or loggia, barrier-free access and underground parking spaces—often including a fitted kitchen.
• Attractive districts: Urfahr, Froschberg and the SolarCity in Ebelsberg offer good quality of life—districts like Spallerhof score with subsidized new builds.
• No broker fee for tenants: Since July 2023 the Bestellerprinzip applies—tenants generally no longer pay broker fees, making the apartment search cheaper.

Linz is growing—the population has steadily increased in recent years (around 213,000 residents live in Linz)—and with that the demand for rental apartments is also rising.

The supply on the housing market is varied: Apartments are offered in different price ranges by private landlords, cooperatives and the city.

In recent years rental prices have increased significantly (in 2024 alone about +10% compared to the previous year). Currently one pays in Linz on average about €13–14 per square meter of living space.

This makes living cheaper than in Vienna or Salzburg, but Linz is catching up price-wise. On real estate portals like Lystio you can find new apartment listings in Linz every day—a thorough property search is worthwhile to find the right home.

Rental apartments in Linz exist in all kinds of property types and sizes. The classic flat on a floor in a multi-unit residential building is the most common—this can be a period apartment with high ceilings or a modern apartment in a new complex.

In addition, you will find special apartment types such as ground-floor apartments (often with a private garden or terrace), attic apartments with a view or maisonettes over two floors. Depending on the building there are differences: older houses often have traditional floor plans, while new-build projects offer open layouts and more comfort.

Regarding apartment sizes, 2-room apartments are particularly popular in Linz—ideal for singles or couples, usually around 50–60 m² of living space. Smaller 1-room studios ("Garçonnières") of about 30–40 m² are found mainly for students or commuters, while 3-room apartments (approx. 70–90 m²) and larger units are interesting for families.

Besides square meters, the room layout is also important:

• Modern apartments often rely on an open living-dining area with an integrated kitchen.
• In classic period apartments, however, the kitchen and living room can be separate.

This is how apartments in Linz are typically laid out:

• Typically each apartment has an entrance hall (anteroom), a living room, bedrooms and, depending on size, additional living spaces (children’s or study rooms).
• An bathroom—often with a bathtub or a shower—and a separate WC are common.
• Additional storage is also practical: almost every apartment has a small storage room inside the flat and its own cellar compartment in the building.

Modern rental apartments in Linz score with varied equipment that provides high living comfort. Many new-build apartments in Linz feature underfloor heating, which provides even warmth. In existing apartments a central heating system (district heating) is often installed—in both cases heating costs and hot water are partly already included in the operating costs.

Almost all larger residential buildings above the 3rd floor have an elevator (lift), which is particularly important for families with strollers or older residents. New housing developments also pay attention to accessibility, i.e. step-free access and sufficiently wide doors.

Sought-after features also include outdoor spaces at the property: a balcony or a protected loggia extend the living space outdoors. Ground-floor apartments often instead have access to a small garden or private garden.

Listings indicate whether an apartment has a balcony, loggia, terrace or garden—such extras increase quality of life. Additionally, many properties offer practical communal rooms, such as bicycle storage in the cellar and drying rooms for laundry.

Comfort for car owners is also considered: underground garages with reserved parking spaces are standard in many new builds, sometimes even with stack parking systems to accommodate more cars. A dedicated parking space (whether in an underground garage or above ground) is a major advantage, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.

Most rental apartments are usually rented out with a fitted kitchen, so no separate kitchen installation is necessary. Finally, connected connections (for internet, TV, etc.) are self-evident in modern apartments—perfect if you occasionally want to work from home.

The quality of living in Linz strongly depends on the location—rental prices, surroundings and connectivity differ significantly by district. Whether central city life, a quiet family neighborhood or living close to nature on the city outskirts: in Linz everyone can find the right residential area. At the same time the city scores with well-developed infrastructure and an efficient public transport system.

Linz is divided into various districts, each with its own character. In the city center you live very centrally—however, rents there are highest and green spaces are rare.

In addition, the following Linz districts are popular:

• The district Urfahr north of the Danube is also in demand; it combines student life (due to the university) with quiet residential areas on the Pöstlingberg.
• In the west are neighborhoods like Froschberg and Bindermichl, which offer a family-friendly environment with lots of greenery and older residential complexes.
• In the south are Kleinmünchen and Ebelsberg/Pichling with the modern SolarCity—here you live a bit outside but enjoy a quiet environment close to nature (lakes, Traun-Danube floodplains).
• The district Spallerhof has also gained in attractiveness: new residential complexes with subsidized rental apartments have been built there, which particularly attract young families.

Transport and infrastructure in Linz are well developed. Public transport includes trams and buses that regularly connect all districts—ideal for getting around without a car. Linz is also well connected to the surrounding area via motorways (A7, A1) and federal roads, which makes commuting easier. Linz also has a dense network of cycle paths along the Danube.

In most residential areas there are shopping facilities for daily needs (supermarkets, pharmacies) as well as schools, doctors and leisure facilities within reach. Parks and recreational areas (e.g. the Danube bank, Bauernberg Park or Lake Pichling) offer opportunities for sports and relaxation right on your doorstep.

Rent and additional costs usually consist of the base rent (basic rent) and the operating costs. Additionally, depending on the heating system, monthly heating and hot water costs can be incurred (e.g. with central district heating).

Listings often state a total rent (“total burden”), which includes operating costs and possibly heating costs—expenses for electricity or internet are not included.

When signing a rental contract the following one-time costs may apply:

• Security deposit: up to three months’ rent as a security payment, refunded when the apartment is returned in proper condition.
• Broker fee: up to two gross monthly rents.
• Since July 2023 the Bestellerprinzip applies: only the person who hires the broker pays—usually the landlord—so tenants generally do not incur brokerage fees.

Tip: In general, you should carefully check the rental contract to see which costs are included in the rent (such as operating costs or a heating flat rate) and which must be paid extra.

• Linz is the third-largest city in Austria: Around 213,000 inhabitants live in Linz.
• Average rents: Currently one pays in Linz on average about €13–14 per m² of living space. Renting is thus cheaper than in Vienna or Innsbruck, but prices in Linz have risen significantly in recent years.
• New residential complexes under development: Modern rental apartments are continually being built in districts like Spallerhof. Recently, for example, 25 barrier-free, subsidized apartments (47–79 m²) with loggia or private garden, lift, underfloor heating and underground parking were completed there.
• Major housing providers: Many rental apartments in Linz are managed by non-profit developers such as WAG, GWG or EBS. These subsidized apartments are often cheaper but require eligibility and registration (for example via the EBS housing registration).
• No broker fee for tenants: Since the introduction of the Bestellerprinzip in 2023 most rental apartments in Linz are commission-free, so tenants generally do not have to pay a broker’s commission.