Linz

Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, is experiencing an active housing market driven by a growing tech sector that has attracted skilled workers and contributed to increased demand and property prices. The homeownership rate in Linz is relatively low compared to the national average; approximately 75% of Linz residents rent their homes, reflecting Austria’s tradition of rental housing, especially in urban centers, while only about 25% own their residences.

As of early 2025, the median rent for apartments in Linz is around 11 to 13 euros per square meter per month, depending on location and amenities. The median purchase price for apartments has risen noticeably, with current figures in central Linz ranging between 3,800 and 4,500 euros per square meter.

Publicly owned and subsidized housing plays a critical role in Linz's housing landscape. About 30% of the city’s total housing stock consists of publicly owned or managed housing, provided either by the municipality or non-profit housing associations. This segment helps stabilize the market by offering affordable rents and is essential for lower and middle-income households. In Linz, “public housing” (Gemeindewohnungen or municipal housing) typically overlaps with “social housing,” but the term social housing may also include non-profit cooperative dwellings that are regulated and subsidized yet not directly city-owned. Both forms aim to keep rents below market rates but may differ in management and allocation criteria.

Overall, Linz’s market is shaped by robust demand, rising prices, and a sizable public housing sector that differentiates itself by offering regulated, affordable housing options. All prices are in euros.

Housing cooperatives in Linz play a pivotal role in offering affordable and high-quality housing, operating alongside other non-profit and municipal housing associations. Linz stands out in Austria with an exceptionally high share of socially-oriented housing: 55% of all apartments in the city fall under the broad category of social housing, which includes cooperative units managed by non-profit associations. Nearly 59,000 dwellings in Linz are owned by such organizations, with large providers like GWG Linz, VLW, OÖ Wohnbau, and Eigenheim Linz actively developing new projects and maintaining existing stock.

The cooperative housing sector is marked by continuous development, especially as demand for affordable rental units remains strong amid rising purchase prices and changing household needs. Recent years have seen an emphasis on larger, family-friendly units. City policy is highly supportive: with the “Linzer Modell,” the local government requires a set percentage of all new developments to be allocated as affordable, subsidized housing—thereby directly fostering cooperative projects and curbing speculative price increases.

Current dynamics point to ongoing expansion of the cooperative sector, supported by targeted subsidies, mobilization of public land, and ecological building standards. Cooperative and non-profit providers regularly launch new rental and rent-to-own projects, and city programs reduce barriers for lower-income residents. This strategic focus on sustainable, community-based housing ensures that cooperative models remain a core pillar of Linz’s response to housing demand and social cohesion.

The city administration in Linz is actively addressing affordable and sustainable housing through a mix of long-term strategic planning and concrete development projects. The city emphasizes integrating economic, ecological, and social goals in housing policy, most notably showcased in the solarCity Linz-Pichling project. This model urban development combines subsidized housing, energy-efficient construction, and strong public transport links. The project is guided by sustainability principles and targets low- and middle-income families, helping reduce commuter traffic and improve quality of life.

Recent housing policy communication from Linz prioritizes expanding affordable units, fostering social cohesion, and promoting energy efficiency in all new developments. Key targets set by the administration include increasing the share of sustainable and subsidized dwellings and ensuring a significant portion of new construction meets strict ecological standards.

Beyond flagship projects like solarCity, Linz implements various programs to expand affordable and sustainable housing. These include supporting limited-profit housing associations and cooperatives, removing entry barriers for low-income residents, and investing in energy-saving retrofits for existing buildings. Additionally, community partnerships play a vital role, involving cooperation between municipal authorities, non-profit organizations, and private partners to finance and manage new social housing projects.

Overall, Linz leverages public land reserves, targeted subsidies, and strict ecological requirements to address housing affordability and sustainability, making it a model for urban development in Austria.