Second homes for international buyers in the Zell am See region

Attractiveness of the Zell am See region

The Zell am See region is known for its breathtaking scenery and wide range of leisure activities. Lake Zell, surrounded by majestic mountains, offers numerous activities such as golfing, swimming, sailing and hiking. In winter, the surrounding mountains are transformed into first-class ski resorts. This unique combination of nature and recreational opportunities makes Zell am See an ideal place for a second home.

Advantages of a second home in the Zell am See region

A second home in Zell am See offers international buyers the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty, cultural heritage and year-round recreational opportunities. Second homes are generally a scarce commodity in the Zell am See region. Here are the most important points:

• Zoning as a second home area only properties in specially designated second home areas can be used as second homes.

• Key date second homesthese are homes that were used for vacation, weekend or other leisure purposes before March 1, 1993. These are usually older properties.

If one of the two conditions is met, the Salzburg Land Transfer Act does not apply to the legal acquisition, nor does the Salzburg Spatial Planning Act apply to the subsequent use of the property. In Salzburg, you are normally obliged to either use a property as your main residence or, in the case of tourist properties, to rent it out for tourism purposes. A secondary residence, on the other hand, can be used as desired, which allows flexibility and freedom of use.

The purchase of a generally higher-priced second home buys legal security. This security, combined with the attractive location and the wide range of possible uses, makes a second home in Zell am See particularly desirable.

Legal framework

When purchasing a second home in the Zell am See region, certain legal conditions must be observed:

• EU foreigners and nationals EU citizens and citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) are treated the same as nationals in terms of property law. This means that the restrictions on basic movement do not apply to them. If a resident, EU or EEA citizen or a corresponding legal entity wishes to acquire a secondary residence, the necessary certificate of secondary residence dedication is obtained from the local authority by the person drawing up the contract. This certificate is a prerequisite for the execution of the legal transaction in the land register. There are no further restrictions in this case.

• Third-country nationalsfor non-EU citizens (third-country nationals), such as Swiss or US citizens, stricter regulations apply. The purchase of a property to establish a secondary residence in the province of Salzburg is subject to approval. The land transfer authority can only grant consent if the property is located in a designated secondary residence area and no Austrian or domestic legal entity is willing and able to acquire the property under the same conditions (right of entry).

This legal framework ensures a clear and secure structure for the acquisition of second homes in the Zell am See region, which is particularly important for international buyers.

Tax advantages

The purchase of a second home can also offer tax advantages. Austrian tax laws offer foreign owners attractive conditions that make an investment worthwhile. For example, there is no inheritance or gift tax in Austria.

Real estate market

Market overview
The real estate market in the Zell am See region is characterized by high demand and limited supply. This dynamic ensures stable prices and secure investment opportunities. The region offers a variety of property types, including luxury apartments, traditional chalets and modern new builds, which are particularly sought-after

Price trends
Property prices in Zell am See have risen steadily in recent years. This increase reflects the growing popularity of the region. Properties with lake views or close to ski resorts in particular have seen high price increases.

Investment opportunities
International buyers appreciate the combination of nature, leisure opportunities and legal security. The limited availability of second homes and the lack of new designations increase the value of existing properties.

Cultural integration

Integration into the community
International buyers have numerous opportunities to integrate into the local culture of the Zell am See region. Language courses and cultural events provide excellent opportunities to socialize and develop a sense of belonging.

Social events
Local festivals and markets are ideal meeting places to get to know the locals and experience Austrian culture at first hand. Activities such as hiking or skiing together promote integration and a sense of community.

Cultural activities
Zell am See offers a wide range of cultural activities, from traditional music and theater performances to art galleries and museums. These events offer a deep insight into cultural heritage and promote understanding and appreciation of local traditions.

Support from local organizations
There are various organizations and initiatives that support new residents and help them find their feet in the region. This support eases the transition and helps international buyers feel at home quickly.

Networks and communities
The formation of networks and communities, consisting of international and local residents, creates an environment in which new residents can exchange ideas and support each other. These networks promote cultural exchange and integration into society.

Local services and infrastructure

Zell am See offers an excellent infrastructure with first-class health and educational facilities as well as a wide range of shopping opportunities. These factors contribute to the high quality of life in the region.

Healthcare
Zell am See has an excellent healthcare system with first-class hospitals and specialized clinics. Numerous general practitioners and specialists provide comprehensive medical care.

Educational institutions
The region offers a wide range of educational facilities, from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools to vocational schools and further education opportunities. International schools and bilingual programs support the needs of international families.

Shopping facilities
Zell am See offers numerous shopping opportunities, from supermarkets and specialist stores to exclusive boutiques. Weekly markets offer fresh, local produce and contribute to the high quality of life.

Transport links
The region is well connected to the public transport network, with regular train and bus connections. The proximity to international airports in Salzburg and Munich makes it easy for international shoppers to get here.

Leisure and sports facilities
The wide range of leisure and sports facilities in Zell am See offer year-round activities. In addition to the famous ski areas and Lake Zell, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails, golf courses and wellness facilities.

Gastronomy and hotels
A wide range of restaurants and hotels offer culinary experiences from traditional Austrian cuisine to international gourmet cuisine. Luxury hotels and charming guesthouses ensure a pleasant stay.

Case studies and experiences

Experiences of international buyers show that the purchase of a second home in the Zell am See region is often perceived as very rewarding. Daily practice shows that international buyers are quite prepared to pay comparatively high purchase prices for second homes in the Zell am See region. This is primarily due to the legal certainty and the (factual and legal) fact that second homes cannot be increased in principle and that no new second home areas are currently expected to be designated. This scarcity has a strong influence on the value of such properties and therefore makes them extremely attractive.

These real-life examples offer potential buyers valuable insights and show that a second home in Zell am See is a solid and stable investment. Buyers appreciate the combination of legal security and the unique opportunities offered by the Zell am See region.

Tips for buying

Buying a second home in the Zell am See region can be complex. Here are some practical tips for international buyers to make the process easier:

Early advice: due to the complex legal situation in the province of Salzburg, early contact with a proven legal expert is recommended. The Law firm Dr. Kainz is specialized in this field and can help you overcome legal hurdles and make the purchase safe and efficient.

Local real estate agents: Take advantage of the expertise of local real estate agents who know the market and can help you find the perfect property.

Financing options: Find out about different financing options and get expert advice to get the best terms.

By working with experienced professionals like Dr. Kainz Law Firm, you can ensure that your buying process goes smoothly and all legal aspects are covered.

Final thoughts

A second home in the Zell am See region offers numerous benefits, from breathtaking nature to legal security and cultural integration. Potential buyers are invited to discover and experience the beauty and charm of this unique location for themselves.

Get in touch with us

For further information or a personal consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Visit our website or contact us directly to find out more about the possibilities of a second home in the Zell am See region.