Young Austrians Losing Out on Property Market as Homeownership Declines

Young Austrians are increasingly finding themselves on the losing end of the property market, as evidenced by a recent survey indicating a decline in homeownership among those aged 25 to 39. While the general affordability of housing may have seen some improvement over the past four years, the dream of owning a home, particularly a detached house—the preferred choice for 39% of respondents—or an apartment (15%), remains elusive for a growing segment of the youth.

The survey, conducted by FH Wien der WKW on behalf of Raiffeisen Bausparkasse, highlights a concerning trend: homeownership in this age group dropped from 34% in 2021 to 30.6% in 2025. This data, gathered from six federal states (excluding Vienna, Vorarlberg, and Burgenland, a selection made for marketing purposes), paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by young people trying to enter the property market.

From an Austrian perspective, this trend is particularly troubling. Austria has a strong tradition of homeownership and a societal emphasis on property as a cornerstone of personal security and wealth accumulation. The difficulty young people face in achieving this goal not only impacts their personal financial futures but also has broader implications for social mobility and generational equity. While Western media might focus on broader economic indicators, the Austrian context emphasizes the cultural and social significance of owning one's 'eigenes Heim' (own home). The fact that even with improved affordability, ownership is decreasing, suggests deeper structural issues in the housing market that need addressing to ensure future generations can achieve this fundamental aspect of Austrian life.