113 Architectural questions - What housing subsidies are available?
What housing subsidies are available?
Housing subsidies are an economic policy instrument with a variety of objectives that can be socially, ecologically and economically stimulating, among others. One important idea is to facilitate access to the housing market for lower-income groups, another is to control the market, for example by explicitly promoting alternative energy systems and explicitly excluding the use of certain heating systems. However, security doors or the conversion measures required for barrier-free use of existing residential units are also subsidised.
People on low incomes can apply for housing benefit. This is a subsidy to cover rental costs for people on low incomes and is paid from housing subsidy funds.
In Austria, housing subsidies are the responsibility of the federal states. It can take the form of non-repayable grants, subsidised loans, guarantees or depreciation relief. In some federal states there is also a choice in this respect.
In return, building applicants or generally those who receive the subsidies are required to comply with certain rules that correspond to the (political) orientation of the subsidy. A "housing requirement" must be proven, which means that the main residence must be located at the subsidised address or be established there.
In general, persons with Austrian citizenship or equivalent (this includes, for example, all citizens of the EEA or recognised refugees) are eligible for funding. The annual income must not exceed a certain amount, and certain minimum standards in terms of overall energy efficiency and heating system (keyword high-efficiency and alternative) are required.
In all federal states, not only natural persons are eligible for funding. Municipalities and non-profit property developers can also apply for subsidies. In turn, the prerequisite may be that the residential property is used by persons eligible for the subsidy. Residential homes for students, elderly people and people with increased care needs are also worth mentioning here.
Another trend is sustainability, with some federal states awarding additional points for the use of certain building materials, while others are decidedly excluded. In Salzburg, for example, wooden buildings are currently to be particularly subsidised.
Housing subsidies are in a constant state of flux, as they represent a well-established, variable and relatively favourable control instrument with good leverage for politicians. Interest rates can be adjusted and the popular points systems are certainly not set in stone. Information on current guidelines can be found on the websites of the individual countries. It is probably worthwhile for interested parties to seek advice from the relevant authorities.
