Property in Germany for non-residents and expats living in Austria: real estate investment financed by German lenders
Euro income and German as a shared language make this one of the most straightforward tax non-resident constellations: no language barrier for documents, notary or the bank conversation. Of the 650+ banks in reach, tax non-residents generally have a circle of 6 to 10 institutions with international experience.
Which banks finance tax non-residents living in Austria?
Tax non-residents living in Austria generally have a circle of 6 to 10 of the 650+ banks in reach. Euro income makes this one of the more accessible constellations: there is no exchange-rate discount, and documents and communication run in German. The stability of the residence, the employer and any intention to return decide which of these banks apply.
Why is a German property financing case straightforward when you are living in Austria?
It is one of the least complicated situations for non-residents for tax purposes: income in euros and German as a shared language — no language barrier for documents, the notary or the meeting with the bank.
What matters besides the choice of bank? The stability of your residence, the employer (an Austrian company or a posting from Germany) and any intention to return — if you plan to return and live in the property yourself, standard KfW programmes (e.g. KfW 124) become available. The notary appointment is usually planned in person in Germany, but a certified power of attorney is possible by arrangement.
How many banks remain for a mortgage in Germany from Austria?
If you are resident in Austria, what matters for a mortgage in Germany is the right bank, not the sheer number: out of over 650 banks, non-residents for tax purposes are left with a pool of 6 to 10 institutions with experience in international business.
We broker independently (Olga Nikushkina, § 34i GewO) and present your case to the right banks in a targeted way — free of charge, the commission is usually paid by the bank; the lever is the right bank, not the sheer number. Which banks finance non-residents for tax purposes?.
Why does income in euro keep the case straightforward?
As the income is received in euros, there is no exchange-rate discount (Wechselkursabschlag), and the loan-to-value ratio is 60 to 100 % of the mortgage lending value.
What matters is the stability of your residence, the employer and any intention to return.
Income is typically received in euros — details on the overall situation (loan-to-value, documents, foreign-currency discount (Fremdwährungsabschlag)) can be found at Residence in Austria — all topics.
In financial planning for a German property, what applies to income and documents for non-residents from Austria?
From Austria, income is typically paid in euro, so there is no exchange-rate discount, and documents and communication run in German.
The stability of the residence, the employer and any intention to return decide which of them apply. Details on loan-to-value and documents are on the EU residence page.
Can non-residents and expats in Austria get KfW funding for a German real estate investment?
Residents of Austria should know that a pure investment property from abroad is usually excluded from KfW funding.
Returning for owner-occupation often opens up regular KfW programmes and a wider pool of lenders. The notary appointment usually takes place in person in Germany, and a certified power of attorney is possible by arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
If I live in Austria, do I have to travel to Germany for the appointment with the notary?
The appointment with the notary for the purchase agreement is usually scheduled to take place in person in Germany. A certified power of attorney is also possible, subject to agreement with the notary and the bank, particularly if travelling from abroad is difficult.
What currency is my income paid in?
Typically euro. Banks convert foreign-currency income into euros with a safety discount — details on the full constellation (loan-to-value, documents, currency discount) are on EU residence — all topics.
Can I get KfW funding for a property in Germany while living in Austria?
A pure investment property from abroad is usually excluded from KfW funding. Returning for owner-occupation often opens up regular KfW programmes and a wider pool of lenders.
Discuss your case
Non-binding initial consultation free of charge — as a rule the bank pays our fee.
This is not legal or tax advice.
Related pages
Calculate your budget
How much property is realistically financeable with your equity and income?
KfW funding
Usually excluded for a pure investment property from abroad — returning for owner-occupation often opens up regular KfW programmes.
State funding by federal state
Almost every federal state has its own development bank, often combinable with KfW.
Editorially responsible: Olga Nikushkina — owner, §34i GewO (German mortgage brokerage), adviser register D-W-132-ZUCB-95. Specialised in German property financing with an international dimension: non-residents, foreign-currency income, cross-border workers, expats. Siegfried Perini is entered in the German intermediary register under this licence as a person directly involved in brokerage and advice (§ 11a GewO), active in real estate since 1992. Not legal or tax advice.
