Living by the Water is Booming - Also in Vienna

The trend of living by the water has gained significant momentum in Austria in recent years. This is driven by a variety of factors arising from societal developments, changing housing needs, as well as climatic and economic conditions.

High Demand for Properties with Water Access

This trend became particularly evident after the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people realized the importance of their own home and its immediate surroundings for their well-being. A study by news.at shows: The need for relaxation, contact with nature, and quality of stay is stronger than ever. Being by the water is perceived by many as calming and stress-reducing – an effect that is now also well-documented scientifically. Additionally, there is the influence of climate change. Cities like Vienna have been recording an increasing number of hot days for years. Water surfaces are considered not only as visual enhancements but also as functional climate regulators.

Another significant reason for the high demand is the limited supply. Properties with direct water access are rare, often regulated, or occupied with long-term lease agreements. This is also confirmed by the specialist portal Immomedien.at, which reports that, for example, at the Old Danube in Vienna, "only a very small part of the available building land is actually buildable" and free properties by the water "are often brokered within a few days." This not only leads to steadily rising prices but also to particularly stable value development, which remains even in economically challenging times.

In addition to the residential value, the so-called "emotional return" also plays a role – that is, the subjective experience of quality of life, tranquility, and exclusivity. According to the housing finance portal Infina.at, more and more people are not only looking for well-located properties but also for a living environment that combines relaxation, leisure, and nature experience. Proximity to water, Infina emphasizes, offers "a unique combination of tranquility and leisure value."

Water is also playing an increasingly central role in Vienna's urban development. Projects like the Seestadt Aspern show how new urban quarters are deliberately planned around artificially created lakes – not only for visual enhancement but as part of a modern, climate-friendly housing concept. The construction project "Seeparkquartier" in the east of Vienna integrates water surfaces, green zones, and mobility offerings equally – a concept that is particularly well-received by younger target groups, families, and investors.

Top Addresses for Living by the Water in Vienna

Vienna is currently experiencing a boom in properties with water access. Especially at the Old Danube, for example in Kaisermühlen, it attracts buyers who want to combine life near the water with urban infrastructure. Here are the top addresses for living by the water in the city:

Upper and Lower Old Danube – Luxury Location in an Urban Environment

Properties along the Upper and Lower Old Danube are among the rarest and most sought-after addresses in Vienna. On ImmoScout24, there are currently only a few villas or new houses directly on the water, some priced between 1.5 to over 4 million euros. For city dwellers, this location combines leisure and proximity to nature with excellent connectivity – subway and bus connections are available, while sailing and water sports as well as green shores are within walking distance.

New construction projects like "Liv an der Alten Donau" with over 100 condominiums directly on the water are also considered rare – the land is usually leased, not purchased.

Seestadt Aspern – Water in the Urban Development Project

Seestadt Aspern in the district of Vienna-Donaustadt is the largest urban development project in Europe and is constantly growing. The central highlight is the artificially created, approximately 5.4-hectare, turquoise-green Aspern Lake with the approximately 48,000 square meter lake park featuring a gravel beach and dog zone. With the U2 subway at the doorstep, regional bus lines, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths, Seestadt is well connected infrastructure-wise and functions even without a private car.

Particularly sought after are apartments in the so-called Seeparkquartier and along the Janis-Joplin-Promenade, which runs directly along the water. According to the real estate portal ImmoScout24, the square meter prices for new apartments with a view of the lake in spring 2025 were about 4,800 to 6,800 euros – depending on location, floor, and amenities.

An outstanding example of living by the water is the "SeeSee Tower" project by BUWOG, which specifically advertises its location by the water on its website. The tower is only a few meters from the lake and combines modern architecture with a sustainable energy concept and generous open spaces. The PIER05 project, a multifunctional residential and commercial complex under construction in the northern Seebogen, also focuses on the water location as a central feature. Here, an urban quarter with direct access to the lake is being created – including gastronomy, workplaces, and around 300 apartments with a high degree of open space.

Danube-Auen & Suburban Areas – Water and Wilderness Near Vienna

Even on the eastern outskirts of Vienna, in close proximity to the Danube-Auen, living by the water is becoming increasingly important. The Danube-Auen between Vienna and Lower Austria are among the most significant floodplain landscapes in Central Europe – and offer a unique nature experience with their diverse flora and fauna in direct proximity to the city.

In the Donaustadt, approximately between Stadlau and Kaisermühlen, new construction projects are deliberately establishing themselves within walking distance to the floodplain forests. For example, ImmoScout24 refers to properties in current listings as "near the Danube-Auen nature area" – many of them commission-free, with gardens, balconies, or terraces, ideally positioned for families seeking green space with good connectivity. Particularly in demand are semi-detached and terraced houses that are being built directly on the city outskirts.

In addition, blocks of privately financed residential buildings are emerging, such as the "Danube Flats" project directly on the New Danube. At 180 meters and 48 floors, it is Austria's tallest residential tower and scores with breathtaking views as well as nature conservation and recreational areas right on the doorstep.

Waterfronts around Vienna: Neusiedlersee Popular

Beyond Vienna, attractive alternatives are also available in the surrounding area - for example, in the Burgenland Seewinkel around Lake Neusiedl. According to a recent report by news.at, interest in real estate is rising here - as a second home, retirement residence, or investment. In just one hour, you can reach a natural paradise with diverse leisure opportunities from Vienna.

In the Neusiedl am See area, the average purchase prices for apartments according to Wohnungsbörse are about €5,830/m² for 60 m² apartments and around €4,560/m² for 100 m² properties. Offers with lake views or direct access usually range in the several hundred thousand euros.

A special selling point is the quality of life on site: The region impresses with a mix of relaxation, wellness, and leisure offerings. Many new construction projects near the shore – for example, in Parndorf, Weiden am See, or on the Kalvarienberg – are explicitly advertised with "urban flair and lake view." Furthermore, apartments on Lake Neusiedl are considered a stable investment: According to the RE/MAX study on the real estate market 2025, the demand for condominiums is particularly increasing, as interest rate relief and stable prices attract investors – and waterfront locations are considered safe.

Here you can find our real estate special.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.