Selling commercial real estate successfully
Realize the full value of your commercial property - with the leading partner for professional transactions.
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Expertise, Experience, Excellence
Mastering complexity with confidence
Selling a commercial property is a complex transaction that demands deep expertise in each segment - whether it’s a mixed-use building, multi-family home, hotel, office, logistics, or retail space. Successful marketing requires foresight, strategic planning, and discretion. It’s about accurately assessing market value and engaging the right circle of qualified buyers. As a globally connected and locally rooted partner, we manage this process for you, guiding you personally every step of the way.
Exclusive Market Access
We leverage our global network to give you access to a financially strong, international pool of buyers.
Informed Decisions
We support you with market analysis and years of expertise to optimize your investment strategy.
Reliable Execution
We guide you personally, confidently, and with complete discretion through the entire process to a successful conclusion.
Six Steps to Success
Our sales process
Strategic advisory
A personal consultation is the foundation of every successful transaction. Together, we define your individual goals, analyse the optimal time to sell, and develop a tailored, data-driven strategy for marketing your commercial property. Our services also include non-binding advice on portfolio optimization and lease value management.
Accurate valuation
Our experts don’t just provide an estimate for your property. Based on thorough market analysis, comparable properties, and a detailed assessment of your asset’s potential, we create a reliable data foundation. This allows us to determine a realistic, market-oriented asking price for your property.
Holistic marketing solutions
Our bespoke marketing strategy includes high-quality property brochures, data-driven target audience analysis, and strategic positioning of your commercial property - whether discreetly within our network or broadly on the global market. Additional marketing channels are selected individually, tailored to the specific requirements of each property.
Structured property viewings
The viewing phase is a critical part of the marketing process. We manage it reliably and discreetly, minimizing any disruption to ongoing operations. Our experts showcase your property in the best possible light, presenting it convincingly to pre-qualified, vetted prospects - either in your presence or independently.
Proactive reporting
Transparency is the foundation of our partnership. We provide continuous, proactive reporting on all marketing activities, target audience engagement, and the current status of negotiations. This ensures you are fully informed at all times and maintain complete control over the process.
Purchase agreement & after-sales
We manage the entire process through to a successful closing. Our negotiation expertise safeguards your interests. We coordinate the drafting of the purchase agreement with the notary, oversee the property handover, and remain a trusted partner for all contractual matters—even after the transaction is complete.
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What is your commercial property worth?
A thorough valuation is the foundation of every sales strategy. Start with our free online assessment for multi-family buildings, or request a detailed expert analysis.
Your experts in commercial real estate
Our property advisors are more than brokers - they are strategic partners with in-depth knowledge of the local market. This expertise forms the foundation for an accurate valuation of your commercial property. At the same time, they leverage access to our global network to connect your asset with financially qualified buyers. This combination of local excellence and international reach ensures an optimal sales process for your investment or commercial property.
FAQ – Answers to your most important questions
Strategic insight for a successful sale
An investment property is real estate held primarily to generate ongoing income or to achieve long-term value growth (e.g. apartment buildings, residential complexes, office properties, logistics assets). In a narrower sense, commercial real estate refers to properties used predominantly for business or entrepreneurial purposes (e.g. offices, retail, logistics, hotels, production facilities).
A key feature of the Austrian investment market is the Zinshaus (a traditional rental apartment building). Due to Austria’s strict Tenancy Act (MRG), these properties are subject to specific tenancy regulations depending on the year of construction, including rules on rent levels and termination rights. These legal frameworks can directly influence income assumptions and, in turn, property valuation.
The acquisition of land by foreign buyers is regulated at federal state level (Grundverkehr). Depending on the province and the intended use or zoning designation, official approval may be required. In certain scenarios (e.g. clearly business-related use), procedures may be simplified, but there is no general exemption for commercial properties.
Our expertise includes:
Zinshäuser & residential complexes (classic income-generating investment assets)
Office properties (from single-tenant buildings to business parks)
Logistics & industrial real estate (warehouses, operational facilities)
Retail & commercial properties (retail parks, prime high-street assets)
Hospitality & tourism real estate, including serviced apartments
Special-purpose properties (e.g. healthcare, student housing, data centres)
The right time to sell a property depends on several factors that should be carefully weighed against each other:
Capital gains tax (ImmoESt): Since 2012, profits from property sales in Austria are generally taxable. Certain exemptions may apply, such as the principal residence exemption or the developer/manufacturer exemption.
Rental yield vs. interest rate environment: When bond yields rise, property prices typically come under pressure. A stable interest rate environment, like the one we are currently seeing, provides greater planning certainty for buyers.
ESG requirements and refurbishment needs: In light of the Renewable Heat Act (EWG), thermally upgraded properties with modern heating systems are achieving significantly higher sales prices.
Portfolio optimisation: Selling can be a strategic move when you plan to reinvest in asset classes with stronger growth and development potential.
A private sale can avoid brokerage fees, but in the commercial real estate sector it is often far more demanding:
An opaque market: Many high-value transactions in Austria take place off-market. Without an agent, sellers typically lack access to institutional investors, foundations, and family offices.
Income-based valuation and DCF modelling: Valuing commercial real estate is highly complex. Incorrect assumptions around vacancy risk or deferred maintenance can lead to significant price reductions.
Legal certainty: A structured transaction process—supported by specialised lawyers or notaries through an escrow arrangement—and full compliance with Austrian brokerage regulations help protect both parties and ensure a secure closing.
To ensure a smooth and professional Due Diligence process, the following documents are considered standard:
Current land register extract (including a review of easements and encumbrances)
Cadastral map / zoning plan (site and location plan)
Permit for the operating facility (Betriebsanlagengenehmigung) – essential for commercial properties
Energy performance certificate (in accordance with the Austrian EAVG)
Rent roll and lease agreements (including classification under the Austrian Tenancy Act MRG)
Operating cost statements for the past three years
Proof of the maintenance reserve fund (for residential properties)
In Austria, a fully tax-free sale of a commercial property is generally not possible. Since 2012, profits from property sales are typically subject to real estate capital gains tax (ImmoESt) or, in the case of legal entities, corporate income tax (KöSt).
Business assets: If the property is held as part of business assets, the gain is treated as operating income and taxed accordingly under corporate income tax (KöSt).
Transfer of hidden reserves: Under Section 12 of the Austrian Income Tax Act (§ 12 EStG), it may be possible—under certain conditions—to transfer hidden reserves from the sale of a property to a new property investment (similar to a replacement acquisition), allowing the tax payment to be deferred.
Principal residence exemption: This exemption generally does not apply to commercial properties, unless the asset is a mixed-use building with a substantial private residential component.
In principle, property sales in Austria are exempt from VAT under Section 6 (1) 9 (a) of the Austrian VAT Act (UStG). In practice, however, sellers often choose to opt into VAT. Common reasons include:
Input VAT adjustment: If you have claimed input VAT within the past 20 years—for construction, acquisition, or major refurbishments—you may be required to repay a proportional amount to the tax authorities if the sale is VAT-exempt.
Option to charge VAT: To avoid this repayment, it is possible to opt for VAT at 20%, provided the buyer will use the property almost exclusively for VATable business activities.
Transfer of a going concern (GiG): When an entire business unit is transferred, the transaction may qualify—under certain conditions—for a non-taxable reporting procedure.
*The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Despite careful research and preparation, the author/publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or quality of the information provided.
The information provided in this article is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Despite careful research and preparation of the content, the author/publisher assumes no liability for the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or quality of the information provided.
Our Off-Market Services
Not every commercial property belongs on the open market. For high-value assets, operating businesses, or situations demanding the utmost confidentiality, a discreet marketing strategy is the superior choice. We present your property exclusively to a handpicked, pre-qualified, and financially strong buyer network from our global connections. This approach safeguards your asset’s value, prevents market overexposure, and enables efficient, targeted negotiations.
Let’s talk about your investment
Every successful sale begins with a confidential, strategic conversation. Our advisors look forward to understanding your individual goals and presenting a tailored sales strategy for your property in a personal consultation.
