Which types of real estate are currently in particular demand

Which types of property are currently in high demand in Austria's foreclosure auctions? The answer lies in two clear metrics: Pipeline (how many dates there are per type) and Price Reality (highest bid in relation to market value). In 2024, the selection is larger than it has been for years, and the gavel prices are on average close to market prices – ideal conditions for disciplined bidding strategies.

What makes "demand" measurable in the auction market

Event density by type: Where many properties are being auctioned, the hit rates are higher. In 2024, condominiums (ETW, 349) and single-family homes (EFH, 264) dominate.
Price reality (highest bid/market value): The higher the ratio, the more intense the bidding demand. Nationwide in Austria, the average in 2024 is 101 %, and in 2023 it was 98 %.
Transparency: Published highest bids serve as price anchors. In 2023, the range varied from around 63 % (Vienna) to ≈3 % (Salzburg).

“In demand” means: many dates, clear price anchors, gavel prices close to market value – or intentionally above it, when the location and depth of use are right.”

Ranking by property type: Where demand is most visible

Type	Dates 2024	Ø Highest bid/market value	Demand indicator	Typical hotspots
Condominium (ETW)	349	184 % (2024) \| 113 % (2023)	Very high – urban & rental	Vienna, Graz, Linz
Single-family home (EFH)	264	— (2024) \| 120 % (2023) \| 148 % (2022 H1)	High – owner-occupancy, urban fringe	Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia
Multi-family home (MFH)	—	116 % (2024) \| 109 % (2022)	Market-near – inventory-oriented	Vienna, Styria
Plot of land	208	— (2024) \| 188 % (2022) \| 194 % (2022 H1)	Volatile – planning-driven	Lower Austria, Upper Austria
Commercial/Special	—	40 % (2023) \| 70 % (2022 H1)	Selectively – undervalue opportunities	Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria

Source basis: Annual reports 2021–2024, evaluations by type and highest bid relation.

Interpretation: Why this order?

ETW: Highest premium in 2024 (Ø 184 %) – micro-locations with public transport connection, proximity to universities, and quick third-party use (rental/owner-occupancy) create strong competition.
EFH: Stable owner-occupier demand, especially in urban fringe clusters around Vienna, Lower Austria, and Upper Austria; 2023 Ø 120 %, in 2022 H1 Ø 148 %.
MFH: 2024 Ø 116 % – market-close gavel prices, suitable for long-term inventory strategies with capex discipline.
Plots of land: Highly dynamic, in 2022/2022 H1 significantly above market value (Ø 188–194 %) due to development potential; in 2024, location quality counts even more.
Commercial/Special: 2023 Ø 40 % – the biggest undervalues often arise here, but with higher expertise required (re-use, rental law, ESG).

Regional demand patterns: Where which type shines

Urban (ETW focus): Vienna, Graz, Linz – high bidder intensity, highest bids often significantly above market value.
Urban fringe (EFH/plots of land): Lower Austria, Upper Austria – broad pipeline, solid comparative values.
Alpine hotspots (premium risk): Tyrol (2024 Ø 234 %), Salzburg – premium locations, strict upper limits.
Strong per capita: Burgenland (2024: 35.3/100,000) – many opportunities relative to population size; in 2023, part of the property was below market value (Ø 64 %).
Small, selective: Vorarlberg – few dates (2024: 32), sometimes high premiums (2023 Ø 288 %), precise screening needed.
Quick processing (benchmark): Carinthia ≈ 85 days until the auction date (Austrian average ≈ 128), well-planned for renovation starts.

Price reality over time: Demand "thermometer"

Year	Total dates (AT)	Ø Highest bid/market value	Signal
2021	830	≈ 176 %	Wide premiums
2022	771	≈ 142 %	Normalization
2023	703	≈ 98 %	Market closeness
2024	1,047	≈ 101 %	Stable & plannable

Guiding principles for bidding discipline derived from the annual reports.

Bidding discipline by type: How professionals calculate

// Residential focus (ETW/EFH, gavel prices mostly market-near)
V = Market value (appraisal)
S = Location/quality premium     (0–3 % of V)
D = Risk discount            (−2 … −6 % of V)   // Micro-location, rental/vacancy risk
P = Capex buffer              (8–12 % of V)      // Technology, envelope, energy
N = Additional costs              (6–8 %)

MaxBid     = V + S + D − P
TotalBudget = MaxBid × (1 + N)

// MFH (inventory-oriented): S ≤ 2 %, D −3 … −6 %, P 10–15 %
// Commercial/Special:          S = 0,  D −5 … −10 %, P 12–20 %  → Undervalue intentionally enforce

Justification: Nationwide, gavel prices in 2023/24 averaged 98–101 %. Premiums arise selectively (ETW, alpine locations), undervalued especially in commercial/special.

Practical guide: Tactics by property type

ETW: In Vienna, Graz, Linz check exposé, building file, reserves & rental capability early; strict upper limit, as 2024 Ø 184 %.
EFH: In Lower Austria and Upper Austria, location quality & capex decide. 2023 Ø 120 %, in 2022 H1 Ø 148 % – owner-occupiers drive demand.
MFH: Tenant structure, energy, maintenance backlog; 2024 Ø 116 % – leeway over structure, not over "bargains".
Plots of land: Clarify development rights & development before bidding; in 2022 Ø 188–194 % – premiums are project-logical.
Commercial/Special: Undervalues (2023 Ø 40 %) realizable – but only with a sound re-use concept and ESG/rental law check.

FAQ – Briefly explained

Which types are most in demand in 2024?
ETW (highest premiums) and EFH (broad pipeline). MFH is market-close, plots of land are volatile, and commercial has selective undervalues.

Where can I find many dates?
Lower Austria (278), Vienna (181), Styria (125).

How do I plan the processing?
As a guideline, ≈ 128 days until the auction date is expected (e.g. Carinthia ≈ 85, Vienna ≈ 142).

When is the best month?
November 2024 is the strongest – prepare and finance early.

Conclusion

Currently, ETW and EFH are the pace-setters of the auction market – many dates, strong demand, clear price anchors. MFH offers a market-close entry field for inventory strategies, plots of land require planning strength, and commercial offers genuine undervalues with expertise. Those who connect regional patterns – from Vienna to Tyrol, from Burgenland to Vorarlberg – with strict bidding discipline increase their chances of winning bids and keep risks under control.