113 Architecture questions - What subsidies are available for construction?
What subsidies are available in Vienna for the construction of new apartment blocks and what are the requirements for a subsidy?
The state of Vienna supports the construction of residential buildings with various subsidies. The legal basis for this is the Vienna Housing Subsidies and Renovation Act 1989 (WWFSG 1989). In principle, subsidised flats may only be used by beneficiaries. The beneficiary is a person who intends to use the subsidised flat exclusively on a regular basis and whose annual income does not exceed the maximum permissible annual income.
The main subsidy consists of the granting of a provincial loan as a fixed amount. The amount of this loan depends on the size of the property or the type of ownership (rented or owner-occupied flats). In addition to the state loan, there are several other subsidies that can be applied for. The basic prerequisite for the development company submitting the application is, in addition to compliance with the general subsidy requirements for multi-apartment buildings, a positive assessment of the construction project by the property advisory board. A property developer competition is held for residential projects with more than 500 residential units. The Property Advisory Board examines each project according to the criteria of the 4-pillar model:
ECONOMY - The basic requirement of subsidised housing is to ensure the affordability of housing for users. Due to the use of public funding, entry costs, running costs and the contractual design of rental and purchase agreements are prioritised in the assessment. The aim of the economic assessment criteria is to make efficient and optimal use of funds in accordance with economy, cost-effectiveness and expediency.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY - Subsidised housing should be suitable for different uses, user groups and forms of living through versatile floor plans, access and communal areas and outdoor spaces. Attention must be paid to suitability for everyday use and reduction of construction and management costs through appropriate planning.
ARCHITECTURE - The quality of urban planning, architecture, housing and open spaces must be harmonised with the needs of the residents. Contemporary and integrated concepts are expected that defy fast-moving fashions and provide new impetus for housing construction. The quality of housing construction is also always a question of the relationship between the building and the urban space, between the flat and the living environment.
ECOLOGY - The focus is on further improving energy standards, the use of renewable energies and the minimisation of material flows and emissions in the production of residential buildings. At the same time, comfort and "healthy living" are to be further improved. Subsidised housing is embedded in an effective urban network of green and open spaces. The design and equipment of green and open spaces must fulfil contemporary, aesthetic, technical and ecological criteria and also establish urban structural relationships.
