SPÖ living policy in criticism: Danger to the private housing market!

SPÖ living policy in criticism: Danger to the private housing market!

The Austrian housing market is currently in the focus of intensive debates, especially through the recent statements by SPÖ boss Andreas Babler and Elke Hanel-Torsch. ÖHGB President RA Dr. Martin Prunbauer criticized the planned measures of the SPÖ as an anti -economy interference with the property rights and emphasizes that they in particular burden private owners excessively. According to Prunbauer, the one -sided load distribution could endanger the rental offer on the private housing market. This warning comes at a time when the pressure on the housing market is steadily increasing.

Prunbauer mentioned the 4th tenancy law inflation relief law (4th MILG), which was inspired by the SPÖ. It is criticized that the SPÖ is pursuing a program that favors all tenants regardless of their financial situation, and ignores the reality of private landlords and their maintenance and renovation obligations. According to statistics Austria, the apartment rents rose only by 3 percent from January 2021 to December 2022, which is under general inflation. Main rent would have increased less than the general price increase.

Follow the rental price brake and future regulations

The planned extension of the rental price brake by 2029 in tense housing markets is considered centralist and distorted by the market. This regulation is part of a broader adaptation project, which provides for stricter regulations for index rental contracts, furnished rentals and short -term rentals. Prunbauer sees the intended extension of temporary rental contracts to five years as a loss of flexibility for landlords.

In addition, there should be a revision of the modernization levy in order to promote investments in the housing stock and at the same time keep the rental load for tenants within the framework. As part of an expert group, the tenancy law regulations are to be harmonized and regulations for rental usury in the Business Criminal Act are to be reformed, with results until the end of 2026.

housing policy in context

The measures of politics to influence the housing market are not new. Loud DiW Situations such as scarcity of living space and demand overhang often the driving forces behind the rental price control. The goals of housing policy are diverse: it aims to provide affordable and qualitatively good living space and thereby promote political, social and economic stability.

In times of economic uncertainty, it is essential to take into account the needs of tenants and owners alike. Experts warn that substantial regulation could have long -term adverse effects on everyone involved regardless of the market mechanisms. The current political agenda is therefore still closely observed in order to be able to estimate the possible influence on the housing market.