_International Property Digest: A waltz around Vienna
First there is the architecture. From Baroque to Gothic, Vienna’s magnificent buildings tell a tale of classical grandeur on a super-sized scale. The illustrious Hapsburg dynasty was based in Vienna for hundreds of years and the imperial majesty of their palaces sets the tone for this most elegant European city.
For Austrians and international visitors alike, this is a city built on the very finest culture. Vienna is a city of music with exquisite auditoriums and concert halls where the works of celebrated former residents including Beethoven, Strauss, Bach, Schubert and Mahler are regularly performed. There are theatres, superb museums and art galleries lined with Old Masters up to modern art and the works of Gustav Klimt, Picasso and Goya and of course a reputation for charming historic coffee-houses. This is a city that enjoys the finest things in life whether that’s a flawless concerto or a perfectly executed espresso.
“Vienna offers elegance, extraordinary history and culture yet with an understated and discreet lifestyle that appeals to both Austrian and international buyers,” says Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Partner and Head of Knight Frank’s Austrian Desk. “Anyone who appreciates art, music and theatre will understand the cultural thrill of daily life there. Recently we’ve seen a growth in international investors buying rental properties in emerging neighbourhoods of the city. Buyers who have explored more traditional markets such as Berlin or Frankfurt are now realising the potential in Vienna.”
In Knight Frank’s partnership with their Austrian Associates, the latest publication on the Viennese market, #Vienna, is a 100-page magazine that explores life in the city and provides up-to-date property news and advice on the market. By comparing different neighbourhoods, considering traditional homes and newly built apartments, buyers can deliberate between Vienna’s 23 districts.
The magazine is filled with fantastic facts that dispel any notion of Vienna as a staid, overly formal city. This is a youthful city with an average age of 40, the youngest of any Austrian province. Close to half of the city is made up of green spaces – almost 1,000 parks - and cycle paths cover 1,300 kilometres, running through every one of the 23 Districts. Join the dog walkers, joggers and cyclists along the Danube Canal in the central 2nd and 3rd Districts and you soon discover an urban city with a most healthy and vibrant mindset.
The 3rd District
The 3rd District, Landstraße, has excellent transport connections, good art museums and some exciting history. This is where Mozart lived and where Beethoven composed Ode to Joy. Today residents are a short stroll away from the prime culture on offer in the 1st District yet have access to plenty of green spaces including the Schweizergarten and Belvedere gardens. The 3rd also has a reputation for stand-out restaurants and cafes, a reminder of its time as the hub for Vienna’s food markets.
Property for sale: A bedroom apartment, accessed by a private lift, takes up the entire second floor of this beautiful corner house and combines traditional and contemporary design. The prime location close to the Diplomatic Quarter and its 350 square metres of living space with a fireplace, wide balcony and separate cellar make a beautiful Vienna property. Priced €6,900,000.
Above: One of the four bedrooms
Above: Entrance hall
The 13th District
Affluent Hietzing, the 13th District, thinks of itself as a village, calm, peaceful and overwhelmingly green. This is where the aristocracy lived, keeping close to the Hapsburgs main residence at Schönbrunn Palace, and the district retains a well-kept, noble air with some beautiful historical villas.
Property for sale: Villa Beer is a rare opportunity to buy a significant house designed by Oskar Wlach and Josef Frank who together created the Vienna School of Architecture. Dating to the 1920s and requiring some restoration, the property would make a wonderful family home with 650 square metres of living space and up to ten bedrooms. Accommodation is divided between the main house and a side wing, both accessed independently and outside the large gardens include a swimming pool and parking. Priced at €5,300,000.
Above: Spacious reception room
Above: Alternative reception room
The 19th District
Vineyards, a three star Michelin restaurant and the highest point of Vienna: the 19th District – Döbling - ticks plenty of boxes. It offers lovely city views across the Danube and the rooftops of Vienna, has excellent international schools and provides easy access to the city in 15-20 minutes yet offers a truly rural feel with the chance for forest and country walks.
Property for sale: Paradisgasse is a new development of 15 apartments in the heart of Döbling, close to shops yet surrounded by parks. The one to four-bedroom homes all have outdoor space and underground parking. Prices range from €385,000 to €3,180,000.
Above: CGI of kitchen/living area in apartment
For further advice on Vienna and properties for sale speak to Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Head of Knight Frank’s Austria Network.